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. Dogs have a natural instinct to be the pack leader. If you do not assume a leadership role your dog will try to take on the role of the alpha dog or pack leader.
All the chief decisions, for the pack, are made by the alpha dog. The alpha dog is the center of attention for the dogs in the pack. The alpha dog is always defending his position as the leader of the pack. Usually the alpha leader will never give up his position voluntarily.
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 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. If the position of alpha dog is left vacant a female dog will assume the role of alpha leader. If your dog takes on the role of the alpha dog leader life within your family can become extremely difficult.
For great tips on how to train your dog see: Dog Obedience Guide
When your dog feels that he is the alpha dog within your family he will exhibit bad or destructive behavior. You will have difficulty controlling your dog and he will be aggressive towards other dogs if he feels that he is the alpha dog leader within his sphere of influence.
If your dog begins to think of himself as your equal it is because he is confused as to who is the alpha dog. 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.
Remember to check out this awesome free site, all about dogs and dog training secrets: Dog Training Guide
The role of the alpha dog is retained through small deliberate acts. One of these small acts is that the alpha leader is the first dog, 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 important to understand what the alpha dog does in a dog pack? Why is the dog pack hierarchy important to you? The answer is simple. Force or abuse, either physical or verbal, should never be used with your dog. As you emulate the practices of an alpha dog you will become the alpha dog leader to your 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. Maintaining your role as the alpha leader is something you must continually work at, even with a puppy. You must guard your role as alpha dog 24 hours a day.
I trust you have gained something from 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