Hi everyone!

I just was curious how long it took everyones husky pup to start realizing she was not the alpha dog.

I know huskies are well known for being stubborn and wanting to be the alpha so I realize it will take hard work and patience but how long did it take all of you?

Nike is 9.5 weeks old and shes pretty stubborn .

She does well with sit command all the time no problem.

The come command she is pretty stubborn about still when shes distracted but if I have a treat she will do everything perfectly

Again I realize she is very very young and it will probably take awhile until she fully respects me and my gf completely.

Any tips on establishing yourself as the alpha?

Whenever she growls or barks at me i will tell her no and she calms down than lays down. Any techniques you guys used would be greatly appreciated!

Google "Nothing in Life is Free". We don't have a thread on it, but that's pretty much what all of us here practice. It's a very simple way of life with your dog (and it IS a way a life versus a training method) and it's incredibly effective. The essence of it is that you are the provider of all things good and if your dog wants to get his way, then he needs to do as you say. Nothing is free. He has to work for everything he gets.

The concept is simple, so is the execution, but it's incredibly effective

Koda wrote:

Google "Nothing in Life is Free". We don't have a thread on it, but that's pretty much what all of us here practice. It's a very simple way of life with your dog (and it IS a way a life versus a training method) and it's incredibly effective. The essence of it is that you are the provider of all things good and if your dog wants to get his way, then he needs to do as you say. Nothing is free. He has to work for everything he gets.

The concept is simple, so is the execution, but it's incredibly effective

+1

N.I.L.I.F. coupled with positive training methods make for a happier, and extremely well behaved dog. The behavior/command you want achieved acts as the median between what you want, and what your pooch wants. Your dog sees that you are the one that will give her what she needs. You have proven to your girl that treats aren't free, but you can shape her actions by using the same technique for everything, from going outside, to getting food, to getting love. It does take some discipline on your side, though. Sometimes we reinforce poor behavior by giving what the pup perceives as praise for an action that is less than desirable. An example might be when you come home, and your dog jumps up on you. Most people (including guests) will be inclined to greet the pup and pet and love on it. It may seem harmless, but in those few seconds, you have reinforced to the dog that it will receive praise and love for jumping up on you, so it will continue to do so.

When utilized properly, positively reinforced NILIF is an invaluable tool in training. Good luck !

I've also heard of a fantastic book by Cesar Millan called "Be the Pack Leader". One of my friends read it and applied it to his puppy when he adopted him. It's amazing how well behaved his dog is now. He doesn't own a husky, but I'm sure that with consisteny and patience it could. If anyone else has read this book and has an opinion on it please post! I am curious if it works well for huskies or not!

I've also heard that the NILIF training is fantastic also

Another vote for NILIF!

We are in the middle of the "teenage years" and, I'm not kidding, the pup talks back more than any kid I know! We have learned through experience that yelling at a husky is just pretty ineffective. It might make you feel better, but really makes the dog act out worse. We JUST started stating all commands in a very low voice and have seen amazing changes. Maybe he's like a kid who will stop ignoring you if you speak with a British (for example) accent (...and, yes, I do this with my kids occasionally). Anyway, a "Drop It" said like Barry White really gets his attention right now.

NILIF has worked for me, although everyone thinks I'm incredibly cruel for enforcing it! +1 for NILIF

bott6654 wrote:

I've also heard of a fantastic book by Cesar Millan called "Be the Pack Leader". One of my friends read it and applied it to his puppy when he adopted him. It's amazing how well behaved his dog is now. He doesn't own a husky, but I'm sure that with consisteny and patience it could. If anyone else has read this book and has an opinion on it please post! I am curious if it works well for huskies or not!

I've also heard that the NILIF training is fantastic also

Ginger was first and Storm came 9 months later...both are my first husky - in fact they are my first dogs. I had no clue about training, discipline or anything, and had heard of only Cesar Milan through friends with dogs. So, my friend gave me one of his books, and I started watching some of his shows. I started out with his methods, mainly being the calm and assertive figure for Ginger, and standing my ground as to what was ok and what was not ok. I also practiced 'exercise, discipline and affection' in that order - as Cesar states. I don't use a lot of treats as a reward for training or discipline either. (I had it in my mind that if I started using treats to train them, they'd get used to that and would then end up only doing stuff only when there was a treat involved).

So - Yes, Cesar's methods has worked really well for me and my 2!