Family Hierarchy

Having a command structure or social hierarchy that the dog recognizes is important when you have a family, your family should have a hierarchy and the dogs should be last in that structure.

For example, if you have a spouse and 3 children, ages 9, 12 and a baby, The structure should be, you and your spouse as the "Pack Leaders", then the 3 children and then the dog.

The dog should be taught by the children whenever possible so they are considered leaders as well.

When it comes to the baby, the dog should be allowed to sniff the baby while being held by the parents (pack leaders) so it recognizes that the baby is a part of the family and is protected by the pack leaders, the dog will then be familiar with the baby's scent and recognize him/her as part of the pack.