Your Dog

In this article I would like to discuss what your dog is, and how he sees himself in your household, and what you need to do to position your dog within the family hierarchy.

Firstly, the domestic dog has evolved over millions of years from wolves and wild kin. In the wild a dog is essentially a scavenger and an opportunist, and a hunter. Although domesticated the dog still retains these basic qualities as anyone who has observed a dog running free will acknowledge.

Secondly, the dog is a pack animal, meaning that in the wild they group together in packs to hunt ,play, socialize, and generally survive. The reason that they form packs is that they are a much more effective hunting unit as a pack, than as individuals.

Within this pack, or closely related family unit, there are very strict rules which are enforced by a strict hierarchical system. Thus there is an “alpha dog” and an “alpha bitch” All other members of the pack are subservient to these leaders. When an “alpha” dog or bitch becomes old or weak then one of the other members of the pack will challenge for this position by fighting. The winner of this (in some cases to the death fight) either retains the alpha position or becomes the new alpha dog or bitch. Within the rest of the pack each animal has its “rank”, from top to bottom, usually sorted by a scrap or fight. Dominant animals have a dominant body language which is easily understood by other dogs. When you get two dogs who both behave dominantly, a serious fight is in the offing. Whenever these two animals meet they will fight until one or the other submits and becomes subservient to the other.

In the domestic environment, the dog is often living in a house with only humans as his constant companions. Thus the members of his human family become his “pack”. The dog still perceives the fact that there is a hierarchy within this group. Here comes the important bit . In order for your dog to be happy (and for your “pack” to function correctly) your dog must learn that his position is below that of the youngest and smallest child. If you fail to achieve this, the risk is that your dog may challenge another family member, with disastrous consequences.

How do you achieve this. When you take your new puppy home, or you bring a new dog into the household you need to follow the following rules.

1. When you feed your puppy or dog, make him sit and WAIT until you release him by giving him a command to OK him to feed.

2. Never feed the dog before you. Eat your meal or have your cup of tea or whatever before you feed the dog.
3.Get your dog used to taking his meal away mid -meal before returning it.

4. Never allow your dog to precede you when you open the door of the house.

5. Never step over your dog, make him move out of the way.

6. Never allow your dog to ignore or disobey a command. Immediately go back and give the command again and ensure that it is carried out.

If you follow the above rules your dog will recognize you as the pack leader and you will then have a willing and trainable dog. A dog reads body language very well and constant reinforcement of his position in the pack by all of the above rules will ensure a well behaved and pleasurable pet.

All of the above does not mean that you can’t play with your dog , give him treats ,or have fun with him. It is just important that he knows his position.