Who is really the boss here?

 I've been thinking…. 

My dogs listen pretty well. I get compliments on their good behavior and manners often but I still think we have a little more work to do. I sometimes wonder who they really think the boss is. I have been reading about the dynamics of the Pack and how to be a leader but sometimes it just sucks all the fun out of being a dog owner. Sure, your dog needs to achieve that "balance" but it is just flat out exhausting sometimes. Being a Texan, I know all too well how much manners matter, but is there more to being a leader than just making sure your dogs have good manners? Definitely! 

I could go on and on about what the trainers say and give advice, but my blog would be no different from the 1,000's of others out there. What I want to know is how many of us are doggy door mats? Do you have an ideal canine? Or do you have a Marley Junior on your hands?
What do you do to keep from being a door mat? Positive reinforcement? Long walks? Mental stimulation?

At our house we participate in D. All of the above. Long walks, interactive toys, and positive reinforcement training. I would say I am the boss about 95% of the time. The remaining 5% they are being bossed around by our Maine Coon mix or they seem to have developed selective hearing at the park. 

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