How to establish leadership within your pack!

Lets face it. Dogs are not human. Although they can be taught to understand certain words or phrases, we can't expect them to understand language in the same way we do. If we as responsible dog owners want to communicate with our dogs in a way they will understand, we need to learn their language. What better way to do this then to observe a pack of wolves? Today's dogs may have been domesticated, but the natural instinct of the wolf is still very similar to that of the domesticated dog. When explained in the terms of the wolf, it makes complete sense.

Every wolf pack is made up of a leader and subordinates. The strongest, healthiest, and smartest of the pack are the Alpha pair. It is their job to ensure pack survival. Their status is maintained by constant acts of authority. The hierarchy of the pack is reinforced through ritualized behavior.

These are the four most important rituals that are displayed by the wolf pack. You should follow these rituals to ensure your status as pack leader.

1. When the pack reunites after a separation, who is the boss now?

When the alpha pair goes out on the hunt and return to the pack, it is at this time their Alpha status is questioned. Were they injured on the hunt and no longer capable of leadership? The more dominant pack members will always looking for an opportunity to take over the leadership position. It is vital to the Alpha pair that they reestablish their authority at this time. The Alpha's will return with their head held high with confidence and completely ignore the pack showing them they are still in charge.

You can incorporate this into your home by ignoring your dog upon returning home. Any time you rejoin your pack after a leave of absence, weather it was 10 minutes or 8 hours, walk into the room with your head held high and with confidence. Ignore your dog for however long it takes for them to calm down, relax, and respect your space. This means no look, no talk, and no touch. When your dog gives you the desired behavior, which is calm and relaxed, call your dog to you and praise him. If he gets over excited, walk away and the process starts over.

2. When the pack eats food, what order do they eat in?

The Alpha pair is the most dominant during feeding times. Food represents the packs most important need for survival. The Alpha pair provides the food for the pack. They also eat first while the rest of the pack watches. When they have their fill, they simply walk away signaling they have finished and the rest of the pack can have what is left.

You can simulate this into your home also. You as the Alpha's provide the food. When preparing your dogs food, stand over the counter with their food dish in front of you and eat a snack, such as a cracker or a carrot. Make sure your dog sees you do this. When you have finished, place your dogs bowl on the floor an walk away. You have just signaled to your dog that you have had your fill and he can have what is left. When your dog leaves his bowl, empty or not, pick it up. They will have to depend on you, the Alpha, for their next meal.

3. When the pack is under attack, or there is fear of danger, who will protect us?

Your dog should always be clear who protects whom. He will be looking to you to care for and provide for his survival. While out on a walk and you meet another dog or person that your dog barks at, walk in between your dog and the "danger" and take control, even if you know that person or dog poses no threat. Your dog does not know that. If your dog continues to try and take over, make it clear to him that you don't see the other dog as a threat and you have the situation under control. Hold your head high, chest puffed out; eyes straightforward and just keep walking. Ignore the "threat" and your dog's behavior. The more you make a fuss over how your dog is reacting, the more he will react.

In your home however, when your dog barks at someone coming to your door, a passing car, or a pedestrian, they are doing their job which is to alert the Alpha's of anything they feel may pose a threat. Now is a good time to do your job as pack leader and get up, go look out the window and assure your dogs everything is fine. You can do that by simply telling them "thank you, good dog" and call them away from the door or window or whatever the case may be. If they are persistent you need to move over to the space of concern and own it. Ask your dog to move away from the space showing them that you have things under control by walking in front of them. When opining the door to a visitor, always be in front of your dog. By allowing your dog to be in front of you, you are giving them the right to decide if the visitor is friend or foe.

4. When the pack goes out on a hunt, who is going to lead us? Take charge of the walk. While out on a walk, it should be clear who is leading. Alphas always lead the pack while moving. The has no desire to rush ahead of the Alphas because they have complete faith that the Alphas know where they are going. When going through doors, whether it's going out or coming back in, always make your dog sit and wait while you go through the doorway first. Most importantly, remember to stay calm. Your dog is more likely to react to you in a positive way if you show him the same respect. You wouldn't be to keen to do what you were told if you were being yelled and screamed at now would you?

Remember to always like you know what you are doing. If you hesitate in any situation your dog may question your Alpha status and he may think twice about challenging you for the position. Always be a confidant and consistent pack leader and your dog will gladly follow you.

Written By

Kim Whittle