The dog's ancestors, wolves, out of necessity operate in packs. The
reasons
are
probably pretty obvious for the reader.
Wolves are more efficient hunting in packs and are better able
to
protect
themselves with the help of a pack.
A wolf pack is a fairly complex social structure and rules need to be
put
in
place to eliminate or at least reduce stress and disagreements.
These rules result in a hierarchal structure within the wolf
pack.
This
structure is inherent within dogs as well.
There exists a definite pecking order within packs. Any pack member
that
seeks
to disturb this order will normally be challenged. The peace will
be
disturbed,
but will soon be restored once pecking order is re-established.
A pack member's rank however carries with it certain
responsibilities.
The
member is expected to carry out these duties by the rest
of the pack.
A dog will see you and your family together with any other dogs and
cats
that
you may have together with himself as members of the same pack.
It is in carrying out his duties in accordance with his perceived
rank
that
often causes behavioral problems.
When the dog is unable to carry out the duties of his rank problems
arise,
as
well as sometimes when he is indeed carrying out his duties, but
those
actions
are not sociably acceptable to humans.
In certain cases an experienced dog handler may actually establish a
high
rank
for a dog. This would normally be due to the duties that the
handler
expects
the dog to perform. This however is rare and is best left to
the
experts.
It is true that any dog should rank below all humans including children
in
the
family. This will ensure the least possible friction between dogs
and
family
members.
If a dog sees himself as leader or in fact high within the pack
hierarchy
then
duties such as protecting the pack from danger and providing
food for the
pack
become his responsibility. In a world run by people it is
clear that this
will
simply lead to friction.
Here are some facts which will help you ensure that your dog
is
ranked
correctly within the family group.
An alpha dog i.e. the pack leader will go through narrow openings
first.
By
going through doorways and gates first you are giving your dog the
message
that
you are the leader.
Alpha dogs have the complete run of the den, whilst lower ranks are
confined
to
certain areas of the den. Use this fact to show your dog that you
are
the
leader. Certain areas in the house should be out of bounds for your dog.
Alpha dogs will occupy high traffic areas in the den or house. An
example
of
this would be occupying entrances, doorways or possibly the top of
stairs.
If
you feel that your dog needs to be brought down in rank, not
allowing him
to
occupy these areas can help.
Alpha dogs will eat first, then the rest of the pack is allowed to eat.
I
would
recommend that your family sit down to their meal before feeding the
dog.
There are times when you will need to feed your dog when it is
not
convenient
for the family to eat. In this case it is a good idea to prepare
the
dogs meal
on the table and then for the family to eat a biscuit or even
pretend
to do so
in front of the dog, before giving him his food.
Allow your dog a set time in which to eat his food, this will differ
from
dog
to dog, but 10 to 15 minutes should be enough time. After that take
up
his
food, whether he is finished or not.
If you are experiencing problems with a dog that you feel is too
highly
ranked,
then don't allow him to demand attention. Often a dog will nudge
your
arm or
hand for a bit of affection.
This is cute, but he needs to earn it.
Give
him a
simple command like sit and when he responds positively then reward
him
with
affection.
Stroke your dog around the head, neck and shoulders. These are
vulnerable
areas
and stroking here shows your higher rank. Be careful about
stroking your
dog on
his chest as this is placing him in a dominating position
and can
undermine
your rank.
A further way that you can show your higher rank is to exercise
control
over
your dog's possessions. Remove all his toys and possessions,
after
commanding
your dog to sit (or some other basic command) select a toy
and
reward him with
it on successful implementation of the command. Take the
item
away from him
after he has played with it.
Lower ranked members of a pack greet higher ranked members first.
Allow
your
dog to greet you first. Ignore him until he has.
Training and obedience sessions further establish your
dominant
position.
Increase your control with regular obedience training
sessions.
I may mention at this stage that sometimes your dog may attempt to
lick
your
lips or face area, often in an excited manner, particularly if
he
feels
threatened by you. This is a submissive response on your dog's part.
Do
not
shout at him or threaten him further as this will worsen the situation.
It
is
better to show him affection and some kind words as you gently divert
his
mouth
from your face.
There are many specific behavioral problems which may manifest in
your
dog at
various times. Many of these behavioral problems are
specifically
related to
your dog attempting to carry out his duties according
to a rank he
is not
suited for.
I will discuss some of the more prevalent behavioral problems,
offering
some
solutions.
Use the links
below to
go directly to specific
behavioral problems.
It would be a good idea however to always read the notes on
the
behavioral
problem in conjunction with the notes on ranking above.
Often behavioral problems are easily solved, but sometimes a
problem
may
appear to stem from a certain cause when in effect it may be
another.
I offer no guarantee that the solutions will cure your dog's
specific
problem.
If after reading the notes you feel you are unable to solve
the
problem, I
suggest that you consult with a local dog behavioral expert.
Steps in house training (potty training) your dog. Dog crates and their uses.
Dog behavioral problems Introducing your dog to your baby Sound aversion therapy applied to behavioral problems or training in dogs. The factors affecting rank amongst dogs - Dog pack bonding. How to stop your dog from barking and annoying the neighbors. My dog urinates when greeted - stopping submissive urinating. How to stop your dog jumping up at visitors. What to do when your dog steals your socks and underwear and growls when
you
approach. Teaching your dog not to bite. Does your dog bite your ankles and heels? How to stop him. Need help, preventing your dog sticking his nose between people's legs?
