Dogs in the wild pack live in a social hierarchy in which they arrange themselves in status order beneath the leader.
A hierarchical social structure ensures the strongest dogs get the best food, access to the best sleeping places and the chance to breed and pass on their genes to the next generation.
The hierarchy in the wild dog pack is not fixed but is fluid and will change if circumstances alter.
Now with our ever-increasing busy life styles we are stretched to spend quality time with our furry friends. The constraints of fenced yards and longs periods spent alone take their toll on many of our animals and this can sometimes be displayed as unacceptable behaviors e.g. barking, digging, chewing, jumping, attention seeking and heightened aggression.
Problems can also arise through over attachment to us when they spend all their time with the human pack. There is hope for those of us whose dog has taken control!!
Dogs being pack animals thrive on rules, consistency, and expectations. Setting limits about what is allowed and how you expect them to act is not only fair, it is essential to having a healthy well-adjusted dog.
Being a good strong leader is about setting boundaries, not controlling by force or harsh corrections and is the first step towards ridding your dog of behavior problems.
Dogs are happiest when they see their role as lowest of the pack and are content to stay in that position. Don't think being the pack leader makes you cold and unloving to your dog, but rather it's a way of helping your dog learn to get what he wants by being patient and polite rather than pushy and demanding.
Good pack leaders look after the pack, ensuring they are well fed and comfortable. They don't give into demands and can be uncompromising and tough when necessary.
They decide what to do and when to do it. They have sufficient strength to earn respect rather than constantly harassing or bullying to stay in control.
Please remember, as leader of the pack you control all the precious resources the dog desires. (Food, toys, going in and out and where he sleeps.) This means all toys belong to you, and you decree when and how long to play. Toys should be kept out of reach or in a box and rotated regularly.
Five to ten minutes a day of games that stimulate your dog to use its intelligence will produce a dog that is as contented as if he has just completed a five-mile hike. This is not to say that you stop exercising your dog just that his brain needs working as importantly as his body.
Your control of resources will build a strong bond with your dog convincing him you are indeed a great leader. This in turn will give you the foundation to teach good behavior, and learning new exercises or tricks will be much more rewarding for both of you.
Dogs that are made to work for attention, toys or food are much less likely to display unacceptable behavior. Hiding toys or stuffed Kongs and sending him to search for them as well as scattering food over the lawn are good ways to stimulate your dog, as he has to search for every morsel.
Dogs interpret an increase in vertical height as an increase in status. Sleeping on our bed or climbing on the chair beside us elevates the dog to an equal if not higher position than us.
This can also prove a problem when a small dog is lifted up above an adult dog's head. Again perceived as a challenge by the older dog. Teach your dog to go to its bed, mat or special spot, as it is invaluable in so many circumstances.
When you tell your dog to go to his spot, you are redirecting his attention and giving him that all important something to do. Don't forget the praise!
Dogs in the wild pack live in a social hierarchy in which they arrange themselves in status order beneath the leader.
Five to ten minutes a day of games that stimulate your dog to use its intelligence will produce a dog that is as contented as if he has just completed a five-mile hike. This is not to say that you stop exercising your dog just that his brain needs working as importantly as his body.
