Dogs are pack animals by nature. Every pack has a leader who dominates the others. The Alpha is boss. He eats first and sleeps where he wants. He is “fussed over” by the others.
All packs have a rank of dominance and submission. The “Alpha” is “Top Dog”.
In your home, you and your family are your dog’s pack. Most dogs are happy being at the bottom of the pecking order. They are easy going and do what they are told. They are pleasant and delightful.
Other dogs are different. They are natural born leaders or “social climbers”. They challenge their humans and are forever looking for ways to get to the top of the family ladder.
They need structure, discipline, and guidance from their humans. They need to know their place in the family pack. There needs to be an Alpha in control.
When the family is unaware of a dog’s pack instincts. Dogs that are born natural leaders and social climbers become problem dogs.
Alpha is an attitude. It involves dignity, intelligence, and an air of authority.
A dog will sense this attitude. It is how his mother treated him. She was the boss; the Alpha. He had to fall in line.
As a pup he knew his place in the litter. Because of that security he was free to concentrate on growing, learning, playing, and just being a puppy.
Your dog watches you and reads your body language. If you are insecure and uncomfortable as a leader and don’t give him structure and discipline, you confuse him.
If he is a natural born leader or social climber, he will take over the leadership role himself. He will be #1, “Top Dog”, the Alpha. He may be a kind Alpha or a tyrant.
If your dog respects only some members of the family, you still have a problem.
The dog’s place is at the bottom of the human family pack not at the top or the middle.
Some families encourage their dogs to be Alphas:
·. In fact the smaller the dog, the more people tend to baby them, letting them do what they want. The dog then feels in control of his master and becomes a terror. The tiniest Chihuahua can be a mini Hitler.
Your dog may be an Alpha if he:
- Ignores commands
- Bites, snarls, and jealously guards his toys and food
- Demands to be petted
- Growls when told to move or stop his destructive behavior
- Nips when annoyed
Alpha dogs seem to make good pets. They are confident, smarter than average, and affectionate. Everything is fine until the dog doesn’t get his way or someone attempts to discipline him.
A dog that will bite, or threaten to bite, is a dangerous dog, no matter how much you love him.
Society today will not tolerate a dangerous dog. You could be sued. Someone could be hurt and your dog destroyed.
With most dogs a change in your attitude combined with an obedience training course will change things. Every dog should be trained especially an Alpha dog. All the family should be involved.
Practice being the Alpha. Use a deep, firm voice. Use eye contact. Look him straight in the eye.
Don’t ask the dog, tell him. Stand tall and straight. You make the rules and give the orders.
Pull rank on him sometimes. Make him get off the couch and sit in his place.
You eat first. Make him wait.
Teach him to sit and wait. Every time he wants something – his dinner, a walk, attention; make him sit first. Control his food.
Make him sit and wait, while you go out the door first.
Keep the bedroom off limits until his alpha behavior is under control.
If he growls at you, don’t act scared. Yell at him “No”. Stand your ground and look him in the eye.
When he obeys, give him a “good boy” and a treat. He will catch on. Praise him when he is good.
When you are the Alpha, your dog is free to be your loving companion. He can just be a dog.
With structure and discipline, he knows his place.
The well trained dog is a joy to live with. Your smart, former Alpha dog will become a pleasure. There will be peace in the family home and tranquility in this “dog-eat-dog” world.
Sources:
Just Sheperds.com
Canis Major .com
