Wild dogs are usually part of a dog pack. There is only one leader of the dog pack. Within your home your family takes the place of your dog’s pack. It is natural for a dog to want to be the pack leader. Your dog will attempt to take on the position as the pack leader, or alpha dog, if you have not assumed that role with your dog.
The alpha dog leader calls all the shots. The attention of the dogs in the pack is entirely on the alpha dog. The role as the leader of the pack is constantly protected by the alpha dog. The position of alpha leader is not, usually, given up willingly.
Who is the alpha dog in your family? If it is not you, your dog will take the leadership role on himself. An alpha dog is not always male, in a dog pack the gender does not matter. However, because male dogs are usually larger in size than the female of the same breed, male dogs are usually the alpha leader. A female dog will take on the role of alpha dog if you do not assume the leadership role. Life, within your family can be very difficult if your dog takes on the role of the alpha dog leader.
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Most of the problems due to bad or destructive dog behavior are the direct result of your dog feeling he is the alpha dog within your family. Pulling on a leash, chasing, and aggression are all examples of a dog feeling he is the alpha dog leader in his sphere of influence.
When your dog is confused as to who the alpha dog is he begins to think of himself as your equal. The qualities of an alpha dog leader must be demonstrated by you at all times. You demonstrate alpha qualities by your tone of voice, body language and an air of confidence. You must be comfortable as the alpha dog leader if your dog is to accept you in that role.
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It is through small deliberate acts that the alpha dog maintains his dominance. An example of this is that the alpha leader is always the first one in the pack to eat. There may be little to eat when it is finally the packs turn. Also, the alpha dog will nudge its way through a crowd of dogs instead of going around. The alpha dog controls everything within the pack’s realm of influence.
Why is it necessary to understand the role of the alpha dog? This is your family, why should you be concerned with the dog hierarchy and its functioning? There is a simple answer to that question. Force or abuse, either physical or verbal, should never be used with your dog. You become the alpha dog leader in the eyes of your dog by imitating the practices of an alpha dog.
It is easier to establish yourself as the alpha dog with a puppy than it is with an adult dog. If the adult dog has been its own alpha dog leader this is particularly true. Although it is easy to establish alpha leadership with a puppy that does not mean alpha dog leadership will always be your position. You must guard your role as alpha dog 24 hours a day.
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