Does your dog do things you would rather not have it do, such as beg when it is told not to, jump up on things or people or not listen well?
The first step in understanding dogs and the way they behave is to realize that they descend from wolves, which are pack animals with a social structure that has a definite pecking order.
The alpha dog is the boss. This is the leader that directs the hunt, eats first, does the breeding, gets the best sleeping spots and generally gets all of the best things available to the pack. Occasionally, this position will be challenged, but usually other members of the pack acknowledge, acquiesce and take comfort in that leadership.
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Domestic dogs are also pack animals. As a result, a domestic dog recognizes hierarchy and will look for a leader within its human family. If a human pack member does not step up and become the pack leader, or alpha dog, the domestic dog will assume the role.
Dogs fare best when they are provided consistent, gentle and structured direction on how to live in human society. A domestic dog will either fulfill the role of alpha dog – giving orders and often controlling through manipulation and disregard, or they are a member of the pack and take orders.
A common mistake that I see owners make is petting their dog and telling them it is OK when they are behaving in an unruly manner during a veterinary examination. Equally problematic is when an owner pets a dog when it has approached the owner and nudges with his head to request to be petted. This self-reinforcing behavior demonstrates how a dog can essentially train its owner to reward the dog for inappropriate behavior.
How does the human owner take the leadership role and become the pack leader?
There are many ways to assert dominance and reinforce your status as the alpha dog equivalent.
Being alpha dog does not involve punishment, nor should you try to assert dominance over an aggressive dog. You need to assert your position of leadership.
In the wild, pack leaders have certain privileges. As a pack leader you need to eat first. If your dog spends most of its time in the house, you need to feed it after you have eaten. The dog should not be begging for food while the family is eating.
Another method to establish your position in the hierarchy is to take the dog’s food away while it is eating. In this way, you are controlling its access to resources. If your dog growls at you, you had best seek advice from a qualified trainer or a veterinarian with an interest in behaviour issues.
Another important way to reinforce your leadership status is to make your dog earn every reward it receives, such as being fed, getting petted and being let outside to answer nature’s call. You should make your dog obey a simple command, such as sitting, before receiving any of these benefits. This reinforces the dog’s position in the household’s hierarchy.
You, the alpha dog, should determine when to start and end interactions. For example, you should choose when to start and stop play by controlling access to toys. Give it a toy, allow play and then take it away before it is finished. You should proceed through narrow places such as doorways first, and win games such as tug of war and keep away.
Subordinate dogs often will try to win the favour of the alpha dog, thus creating a stronger bond between dog and owner. Your leadership will ultimately benefit you as much as it will the dog.
Seek assistance from qualified professionals for specific ways to have a better relationship with your pet, and do not try behaviour modification with aggressive animals.
Daryl Meger is a veterinarian and outdoors enthusiast in a mixed animal practice in Westlock, Alta.
