Make it your goal to be aware of your state of mind and behavior around the dogs – which one do you say hello to first, which one do you put the leash on first?
Your dogs are asking you to step up as the pack leader. Animals select pack leaders because they instinctually know who is strong and who can best lead them. An animal pack leader is concerned for the pack, not for himself. His natural instincts are protection and direction for the entire pack. It’s an unselfish role and an instinctual role. And in return, the pack completely trusts the pack leader. You need to earn your dogs’ trust, loyalty, and respect before they will look to you as their leader and you do this by giving them rules, boundaries, and limitations.