In general, I'd say I'm more interested in the health care of dogs than training them.

But I do train my dog.

After all, I don't want her to have an upper hand (even if she is a small dog)! I have my own pride as the "alpha dog" in our family.

I read a dog training book that says one of the most effective commands you can use to make your dog submissive is the "Down" command. (Not rolling over, showing the belly, but lowering the body to put the belly on the ground). The position puts your dog in a vulnerable situation. It's hard for the dog to get up and take swift actions. Dogs seem to be naturally reluctant to follow this "Down" command.

Anyway, when my dog was still a puppy, of all the commands I taught her, the "Down" command was the only command she didn't want to obey - no matter what!

3 months passed and my stubborn dog still didn't want to do it. I don't know how many times I wanted to give up.

The day finally came when my dog followed my "Down" command. It was unbelievable! I was so happy I remember screaming and running around with joy. I will never forget the day. It was the day I won!

Now that my dog mastered the command "Down", teaching her all the other commands has become a lot easier. The training book was right: my dog became very submissive to me.

If your dog thinks he is the alpha dog, give him "Down" commands many many times, until he thinks YOU are the alpha dog. It's an idea you may want to try.