Does it ever feel like your dog is in charge of your house instead of you? Maybe they’re extra bossy toward you and other family members, or they demand constant attention. Here are a few signs your dog thinks they are in charge of the home:

1. They want or need constant attention.
2. They beg to sit on furniture even if they’re not allowed.
3. Your dog is aggressive or bossy towards other pets or people.
4. They whine or beg.
5. Your dog is bossy when taking walks.
6. They resource guard.

1. They Want or Need Constant Attention

When your dog wants attention, you might be honored. It may even come off as cute and sweet. However, it may actually be a sign that there is a deeper issue present. When a dog is constantly pushing for attention and taking being a Velcro dog to the extreme, it can mean that they’re having a hard time self-regulating or calming down.

If this is the case:

• Help create a safe place for your dog to regulate themselves.
• Set up a cozy area with blankets and their favorite toys.
• Reward them when they can sit calmly in their safe spot without demanding constant attention.

2. They Beg To Sit On Furniture Even If They’re Not Allowed

Another sign that your dog thinks they’re in charge of the home is when your dog knows they’re not allowed to sit on the furniture, but they still insist on it. You might catch them doing it when they think you’re not looking, or they boldly do it right in front of you. They might even act a little aggressively if you try to make them move.

This is why a dog needs consistency. Maybe in the past, you have allowed them to be on the furniture now and then, thinking that it couldn’t hurt. However, inconsistencies like this could be one of the ways you are confusing your dog. Dogs need boundaries and clear communication about those boundaries.

Consistent routines and boundaries are essential to helping your dog feel safe and secure in their home. Make sure that everyone in your household is on the same page when it comes to what your dog is allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do. This will reinforce boundaries for your dog and will help them feel confident in the long run.

3. Your Dog Is Aggressive or Bossy Toward Other Pets or People

Another sign that your dog thinks they’re in charge of the house is when they act aggressively, or almost like they’re trying to manage other pets or even other family members. This behavior may look like not letting another pet have any attention or constantly coming in between you and another family member.

This may mean that your dog feels anxious or feels like they need to control the environment. While there are ways to help an anxious dog, this might be an issue you may need help with from an expert. If this behavior is left unaddressed, it can get worse.

4. They Whine or Beg

There are many reasons why dogs beg for food. If yours is begging for food all the time, it can be an indicator that they think they are in charge of the home. Somewhere, your dog learned that begging gets them what they want. The more they beg, the more likely you’re going to give in to get some peace. However, this is just reinforcing that the behavior is working for your dog.

Unfortunately, the easiest way to stop your dog from begging is to train your dog not to beg in the first place. However, it is possible to train them out of it. It’s probably going to take a lot of work and effort, but you need to establish boundaries with your dog. If they tend to beg or whine while you are eating dinner, you may need to put them in another room while you cook or eat. You can also try distracting them with a toy or their own dinner.

5. Your Dog is Bossy When Taking Walks

Not every dog is a natural when it comes to walking. Some dogs like to do things their way and go exactly where they want and not where you want to go. Sometimes they want to quit halfway through. If this is the case, you should make sure first that there aren’t any external factors making them feel anxious or causing pain, especially if a dog that has been leash-trained starts behaving differently on walks.

Maybe they don’t like the dog collar or dog harness, or it doesn’t fit right. Your dog might feel unsafe walking by a specific spot for whatever reason and simply wants to avoid it. Maybe they had a bad run-in with a squirrel or a person, and they are hesitant to go near the area.

If you can’t figure out any legitimate reasons for bad behavior during walks, this might be something you need to work on with your dog. There are lots of dog walking tips to try if your dog is trying to dictate how the walk is going. Your dog needs to know you are in charge and that they need to follow your lead.

6. They Resource Guard

Resource guarding in dogs can be a big sign that your dog thinks they run their home. If you’ve noticed that your dog is very possessive over things like toys or their food, it could mean that they feel anxious or insecure. They think they need to protect these things because they might be taken away.

Resource guarding is something that can be worked on with persistent and consistent training. Helping your dog work through these behaviors is really important so they learn that these important items are not going anywhere and that they are safe. If you’re overwhelmed or are unsure of where to start with training, don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian, a dog behaviorist, or a dog trainer.

These are just a few signs your dog thinks they’re in charge of the home. If you’re encountering any of these behaviors, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional dog trainer. They can help you figure out what’s going on with your dog and help establish firm boundaries.