New pet owners also fail to understand that dogs are pack animals. They have the same genetic driving force that wolves have to form and live in a "pack environment". Members of a pack seek a hierarchy within their family pack. Then genetically seek a ranking order.

Domestic dogs look at the family they live with as their family pack. If the humans don't become pack leaders their dogs will step up and assume the role. That's how dogs become dominant.

The majority of behavioral problems develop as a result of poor pack structure in the dog's living environment. This is why I tell people that obedience training is only 25% of the solution to correct behavioral problems and 75% of the solution deals with establishing a sound family pack structure.

Your dog can love you and not respect you. You can NEVER love your dog into respecting you. People who anthropomorphize their dogs (treat them as human children) find this out very quickly.

When referring to a canine relationship, love and respect are two unrelated emotions.

Respect is gained through hard work, education and experience.

When my dog shows disrespect I increase the pressure I put on the dog. This means I work the dog harder and control his free time until he shows me the respect that a pack leader must have. Pack leaders control the lives of pack members in fair, firm and consistent ways.