The stare
Eye contact is also one of the ways order is kept in a wolf pack. Only
an alpha animal may use the stare to remind everyone who is in charge. When you initiate
eye contact, you express your alpha position. Encourage your pup to maintain eye contact
for several seconds, making it a pleasant experience. Do not force him to do so. Use the
term "watch me" and always praise him the instant you have eye contact. However,
you do not want to try to do this with a dog who thinks he is already in charge of things.
The dog must know you are the leader first. Otherwise you will begin a stare-down contest.
An alpha dog will not be willing to be first to avert his eyes. If you are the first to
avert or even blink your eyes, it will help confirm the dog's alpha status.
