
5 Clear Signs Your Dog Doesn’t See You as the Leader (and How to Fix It)
Chewy ChumsShare
Why Leadership Matters (Even With Puppies)
Dogs don’t need a drill sergeant—but they do need structure. When leadership is unclear, they may take control themselves, leading to everything from leash pulling to guarding to biting during play.
If your dog doesn’t see you as the leader, here are the clearest signs—and how to fix them with calm authority.
1. They Push Past You at Doors or on Walks
Barreling through doorways or pulling you down the street are signs your dog isn’t tuned into you as a guide. It’s not always dominance—it’s a lack of boundaries.
Fix it: Teach “wait” at doors and make walks structured. You go first. They follow your pace.
2. They Ignore Basic Cues Like “Sit” or “Come”
If your dog only listens when they feel like it, that’s a red flag. They’re not defiant—they just haven’t been shown that your words have meaning.
Fix it: Use rewards and structure to reinforce cues. Be consistent. No second chances until they follow the first.
3. They Demand Attention on Their Terms
Nudging your hand, barking for pets, or throwing toys at you? That’s cute—but also controlling. Leaders don’t answer to demand behavior.
Fix it: Redirect with structure. Make playtime earned. NeverBite™ is perfect for reinforcing “wait” and “get it” instead of letting them decide when play happens.
4. They Guard Toys, Beds, or Even You
Resource guarding is a serious signal that your dog believes they control access—not you. This dog behavior can escalate fast if ignored.
Fix it: Control access to everything. They sit before meals. They release toys on command. No toy should be “theirs”—especially not during play.
5. They Play Too Rough (and Don’t Back Off)
Jumping, biting, and not responding to disengagement? That’s not just high energy—it’s a test of limits.
Fix it: Use tools like NeverBite™ to teach bite inhibition, “drop it,” and “settle.” End games when rules are broken. Reinforce calm before starting again.
Final Word From the Crew
Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about communication. When your dog knows you’ve got the map, they’ll follow. Stay calm. Stay consistent. And let tools like NeverBite™ back up your structure with play that teaches.
🏴☠ Don’t just live with your dog. Lead ‘em. Teach with NeverBite™.