Alpha Dog Leader
Wild dogs are usually part of a dog pack. Only one dog is the leader within the pack. Within your home your family takes the place of your dog’s 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, within the pack, makes all the major decisions. The alpha dog is the focus of attention for the dogs in the pack. The role as the leader of the pack is constantly protected by the alpha dog. Under normal conditions the lead dog will never give up his position willingly.
Who is the alpha dog in your family? If it is not you, your dog will take the position 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. In your household a female dog will take on the alpha dog role if the position has been left vacant. Life, within your family can be very difficult if your dog takes on the role of the alpha dog leader.
For information on how to train your dog, and establish yourself as the alpah leader take a look at: Guide on Dog Training
If your dog demonstrates bad or destructive dog behavior it is because he feels he is the alpha dog within your family. 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. If you want your dog to accept you as the alpha dog leader you must feel comfortable in that role.
Remember to check out this awesome free site, all about dogs and dog training secrets: Guide to Dog Training Secrets
The role of the alpha dog is retained through small deliberate acts. An example of this is that the alpha leader is always the first one in the pack to eat. There may be little to eat when it is finally the packs turn. The alpha dog does not go around the pack, he will show his dominance by nudging his way through the pack. The alpha dog controls everything within the pack’s realm of influence.
Why is the role of the alpha dog within a dog pack necessary to understand? This is your family, why should you be concerned with the dog hierarchy and its functioning? There is a simple answer to that question. Being the alpha dog leader does not and should not require the use of force or being abusive in any way, physically or verbally. You become the alpha dog leader in the eyes of your dog by imitating the practices of an alpha dog.
It is easier to establish yourself as the alpha dog with a puppy than it is with an adult dog. This is especially true if that adult dog has been its own alpha dog leader. Although it is easy to establish alpha leadership with a puppy that does not mean alpha dog leadership will always be your position. Just as with the alpha dog your dominance and control must be a 24 hour a day job.
I hope you have learned something from this article. I also have a review of another great guide you might want to consider here: How to Use Clicker Training
