01-09-2007, 06:25 PM
Pack Mentality: Understanding a Dogââ¬â¢s Behavior
![[Image: dog1.jpg]](http://www.bdnhumanesociety.com/images/pics/dog1.jpg)
To understand your dogââ¬â¢s behavior, you must first understand that a dog is a pack animal. In your dogââ¬â¢s world, this is the natural order of things ââ¬â each dog has his place in the pack. The hierarchy in a wild dog pack consists of various ranks, beginning with the lead dog, of alpha male. The alpha male is seconded by a beta. Beneath these ranks, each dog has a place in they pyramid of things, and this structure is very important to survival and harmony within the pack.
To understand your dogââ¬â¢s behavior, you must first understand that a dog is a pack animal. In your dogââ¬â¢s world, this is the natural order of things ââ¬â each dog has his place in the pack. The hierarchy in a wild dog pack consists of various ranks, beginning with the lead dog, of alpha male. The alpha male is seconded by a beta. Beneath these ranks, each dog has a place in they pyramid of things, and this structure is very important to survival and harmony within the pack. [font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]A puppy enters a pack at the lowest ranking, and establishes his place through a process called subordination. Puppies usually start this process at 3 weeks of age, and continue through young adulthood. During this development phase, the puppy will be pushy in an attempt to advance as far as possible in the social order of the pack. The key, therefore, is to establish your rank as the pack leader and maintain it.[/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]The adult dogs, who are higher in the hierarchy, teach the pups the rules. Grabbing the puppies gently, but firmly by the neck, they pin the puppies down. They establish their dominance, and teach the puppies to react submissively. The submissive reaction - ears back, head lowered and tail down wagging gently ââ¬â is a sign of respect and submission to the dominant dogs in the pack.[/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]When arriving at a new home, a dog immediately tries to establish his place in the pack. Some dogs assume an automatic submissive role ââ¬â reacting automatically like a subordinate. Others will be more aggressive, and exhibit pushy behavior, attempting to climb the social ladder as high as you will allow them to.[/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]At this point it is important to remember that you must become the alpha, and establish a dominant role in your household. This does not mean you need to treat the dog aggressively. This means you simply need to establish, and maintain authority.[/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]Through understanding the dogââ¬â¢s nature as a pack animal, we can then understand the importance of maintaining a social structure within the household. [/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]Authority is established through being firm, but fair. A dog who growls, shows his teeth, or nips at lower pack members looses respect from the other pack members. Alpha dogs who display aggression are often challenged, as they are considered a threat to other pack members. Being aggressive does not earn respect.[/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]Confidence is important. Observing body language is pertinent to surviving in a pack. A dominant dog is confident, stands tall, ears forward, and he maintains eye contact. Dogs are known for their intuition, and this is derived from a pack instinct. Your dog will watch you for eye contact and confidence, and this is important in maintaining an alpha position in your household.[/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]An alpha male will not accept commands from lower ranking dogs. Thus, training and obedience go a long way in earning respect and establishing a higher rank in the pack. [/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]A lower ranked dog will not challenge a higher rank for food, or act aggressively towards a dog who is higher in the social structure of the pack. If a dog growls when you go near his food dish, or when you attempt to take away a toy, he is exhibiting a sign he does not feel you have a higher ranking in the pack. If the dog growls at certain family members, he probably feels he is above them in the social order of things. Aggression problems can occur if your dog feels he is dominant to other members of the household. [/font]
[font=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]The simplest and easiest way to enforce a dogââ¬â¢s rank is through obedience training. This enforces both respect and authority, and it is a positive and healthy way to maintain the social order of things in your household. [/font]