Does Your Dog Look To You As The Alpha Dog Leader?

Wild dogs are usually part of a dog pack. These dog packs have one dog that is the leader. In your home your dog considers your family to be his pack. Dogs have a natural instinct to be the pack leader. Your dog will take on the position of the alpha dog if you do not demonstrate leadership.

The alpha dog leader calls all the shots. The focus of attention for dogs in the pack is continually on the alpha dog. The role as the leader of the pack is constantly protected by the alpha dog. Usually the alpha leader will never give up his position voluntarily.

Is it clear who the alpha dog is in your family? If it is not you, your dog will take the leadership role on himself. An alpha dog can be either male or female, 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.

For great tips on how to train your dog see: Dog Obedience Training Guide

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. If your dog thinks he is the alpha dog he will be difficult to control and will tend to show aggressive behavior towards other dogs.

When your dog is confused as to who the alpha dog is he begins to think of himself as your equal. It is very important that you display the qualities of an alpha dog leader all the time. The alpha qualities are displayed by voice tones, body language and an attitude of confidence. If you want your dog to accept you as the alpha dog leader you must feel comfortable in that role.

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The alpha dog maintains his dominance through small deliberate acts. An example of this is that the alpha leader is always the first one in the pack to eat. When it is the pack’s turn to eat there may be little left. Also, the alpha dog will nudge its way through a crowd of dogs instead of going around. Those things within the pack’s area of influence are controlled by the alpha dog.

Why is it important to understand what the alpha dog does in a dog pack? This is your family, why should you be concerned with the dog hierarchy and its functioning? The answer is simple. 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.

You can establish yourself as the alpha dog with a puppy easier than with an adult dog. This is especially true if that adult dog has been its own alpha dog leader. Even though it is easy to establish alpha leadership with a puppy you must continually work to maintain that role. Being an alpha dog requires a twenty-four hour commitment.

I hope you have enjoyed this article.  I also have a review of another great guide you might want to consider here: How Your Family will Benefit from Clicker Training