Every pack must have a leader. If you are not a strong pack leader, your dog will try to lead the pack for you, and since a dog can’t successfully lead a pack in a human world, this failure creates stress and fear.

If you have a dog, you have a pack. Here are several things that can help you successfully lead your pack:

• Many people misunderstand the term pack leader as an alpha-male­ who rules as a tyrant with fear and aggression.

• Fear and anger signal to your dog that you are not really in control, and they’ll try to lead the pack themselves.

• Instead, you strengthen connection with your dog when you are kind, calm, and confident.

• Kindness is a choice, calmness takes practice, and confidence comes with education, which will grow as you master these activities.