Packs Must Have Leaders

Instinctive knowledge tells dogs that packs must have a hierarchy. In their minds the issue is unalterable. Those with higher status in the pack have the right and the authority to direct Fido’s behavior and teach new behavioral responses, even though it may require Fido to override instinctive responses. Those with lower status in the pack can be ignored at Fido’s whim and instinctive responses will rule Fido’s behavior. Since canine instinctive responses are designed for living with a pack of canines in wild conditions, many of those responses are inappropriate or just plain dangerous in a human domestic environment.

In order to keep our dogs safe from being hit by cars, electrocuted by household appliances or being deemed dangerous by animal control and euthanized, we absolutely must have a higher position in the pack in the eyes of our dogs. Many dog owners don’t like the thought of being their dog’s boss, but for the animal’s own safety it is absolutely essential. They cannot understand the dangers or consequences of their actions in a human domestic environment.

This PIB instinctively requires dogs to seek and follow a leader. Canine standards for leadership are easily identified and have only two rules. A leader will:
1) Take action to gain control.
2) Persist until the subordinate pack member surrenders to their will.
Any human displaying these behaviors with their dog will be seen as a dominant pack member with the right and authority to direct the dog’s behavior. Those humans who don’t display these behaviors are followers and the dog must take over because there must always be a leader. As the leader, the dog must follow its own instinctive behavioral programming.

That sounds way too simple because there are some conditions attached. First, the dog must see the human as being in control, but canine standards don’t recognize being restrained by a leash as control. We must control the dog’s mind, not just restrain its body. Second, in order to qualify as suitable to control a dog, we must control ourselves. If we appear to be out of control (afraid, angry, impatient, overwhelmed with love, etc.) the dog can’t believe we are controlling ourselves and therefore, we can’t be trusted to control the dog either. Third, the dog must believe we are in control of whatever situation we and the dog find ourselves in. If we freeze in front of an oncoming vehicle, we aren’t controlling the situation and the dog will take over.

According to canine standards there are postures, body language and facial expressions that indicate dominance as well. One of the easiest behaviors to implement with dogs is the use of posture to convey messages. There are only two that matter: small and friendly and big and bossy. When correcting behavior or teaching new ones, big and bossy is the posture to use. For affection, play or getting the dog to come to us, small and friendly is the best choice.

Simply knowing about canine instinctive behavioral requirements allows us to communicate more effectively with our dogs and keep them safe and controlled in a human environment without hating ourselves while we do it.