I am currently house sitting and I have a dog who seems to be a bit strong willed. Does anyone have little tips to make a dog see me as the person in charge?
Keep him on a leash. Require that he follow you where you go, waits until you enter a room before entering. Try to not take anything personally, don't radiate feelings of anger, frustration. Just visualize that you are the leader and he will accept that. When he's in a calm state, quietly praise and rub him. (A carrot to go with the stick of dominance).
It's hard to offer advice. If he's putting teeth on you, shows any signs of aggression, is a breed with a reputation for biting... my advice might escalate things. But, you definitely don't want to be fearful. You have to be seen as calm.
What breed is s/he? How old? What are examples of "strong will?"
I wonder in what ways your wills are clashing? Why do you need him to do something different? If you're just sitting, what do you need him to do? Is it possible to just avoid requiring anything of him and give him his space until the owner returns? What is the reason to put him in a submissive position to you?
He is a jack russell terrier, about 2.5 years old. Your advice is helpful, he doesnt show signs of malicious aggression, he just doesnt seem to reply to any commands, making it difficult to bring him outside, or be still to put on a leash. I feel like in my question using the word 'dominance' wasnte
the best phrasing I could have chose. Hes a very sweet dog, but Im new to handling alot of new dogs and was trying to find some tips on how to lovingly nudge his behavior the right direction. Thanks again!
Jack Russels are naturally dominant dog. Looking up information on the breed will help you understand their temperament better. For example I had pekingese puppies that I thought were trying to rip each other's face off. Turns out they are just a very vocal and stubborn breed. So I adjusted my viewpoint and way of handling them. They would calm down faster if I would redirect them to tasks. I also made sure I had them run around alot to tire them out before we go inside for evening. Otherwise they were too charged up to settle down for night.
Just learning about the breed can help you understand what is deliberate disobedience and what is them getting used to you.