Many behavioral problems exhibited by a dog can be attributed to the dog (essentially a pack animal) attempting to find his place within a human environment. Not only that, but as a loyal member of the pack (your family group) your dog will do his best to carry out his perceived duties. Can you imagine the problems the dog faces if firstly he is not sure of his position within the hierarchal structure of the family unit and secondly the duties he perceives as his, do not coincide with what you actually want him to do.I reckon his stress levels could easily equal yours, even if you are having a bad day So rather than getting frustrated or angry with your dog, take a sympathetic and caring approach to the problem.
Firstly, you need to know the basics of pack behavior. Wolves, the dog’s ancestors, quickly realized that it was more efficient hunting in packs and that they were better able to protect themselves with the help of a pack.In order to survive, wolves needed to be a member 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 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 or lose his privileges. A dog will see you and your family together with any other dogs and cats within your family group 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. Other problems occur when he is carrying out his duties, but those duties do not coincide with your requirements.
In certain cases an experienced dog handler may actually establish a high rank for a dog deliberately. 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.In any normal family a 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. Visit this link for further information on dog training, care and behavior.
