The history of the Catahoula Leopard Dog begins in the parish Catahoula, in Louisiana. It is here we find that this breed is a cross between the ‘war dogs’ (Greyhounds and Mastiffs) and the Beauceron (hunting breed). Due to their ancestry, this dog has a very dominant and assertive nature. Catahoula Leopard Dog training is a must, if one wants a mannerly and controllable dog. Owners of this breed must understand the ‘pack’ mentality. These dogs see groups as packs, whether other dogs or humans. As its owner, you are now its pack. And as a part of this ‘pack’, you must establish the leader role.

There are many ways to express to your dog that you are in charge, without physical interaction. Take your Catahoula for a ‘pack walk’. This is not a casual walk, this walk reinforces who is in control. You make the dog heel, meaning he has to either walk beside or behind you, but never leading you. The dog is not allowed to ‘relieve’ its self just anywhere, you pick the place and time. This is just one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog training tips. Daily ‘pack’ walks are advised, this not only helps release some built up energy, it also implies, to the dog, his position in the ‘pack’.

Other things that can help reinforce the dogs position in his ‘pack’ include, the humans eat first, always, even if you offer a snack, you eat a small ‘something’ first. Never leave the self feeding dog bowls for this dog. This allows him to eat when he wants. You decide when he will eat. The human always walks through doorways or up stairs first and you Catahoula Leopard should follow. And if you have children in the house, make sure that they give at least one command a day to the dog, even if it is only -sit. Catahoula Leopard Dog training of this kind makes sure that the dog realizes that all humans are above him in the ‘pack’.

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very loving and loyal, but they are also very independent, territorial and protective. They are very affectionate with their owner, but the owner needs to make sure that he controls the dog, not the other way around. This dog was bred to round up lost livestock in the swamps and forests. They were usually sent out, in groups of three, into very unpredictable and sometimes dangerous situations. They had to be organized, fast and able to read each other. If they cornered a wild pig, the pig could kill and eat all three unless they worked as an assertive team. Because of their natural instincts, Catahoula Leopard Dog training is a must. They are amazing animals with great instincts and intelligence, but when integrated with humans, need clear lines as to who is in charge.