Dog Psychology
Why the Pack Leader?Dog Psychology
Earn your dog's respect
The “pack leader” is always calm and assertive, confident and bold. In the dog world the “pack leader” only shows affection to other pack members to fulfill its own social bond. Pack “followers” always show affection to the leader in a way to show submission but this is only done on the leader’s terms. If you show tension, fear, or unsureness, you have become the “pack follower” in the dog’s eyes. It is important for you and your family that the dog sees you as the “pack leader.” When the household lacks a strong leader, the dog will see you as weak and therefore you are the “pack follower.” This is where you will see unwanted behavior because the dog is always looking for a leader and therefore if you are not strong enough, then he will take the roll for himself. If he lacks experience and socialization skills, then he will show unbalanced behaviors that we know as: aggression, anxiety, and obsession and over all wildness. All dogs look for leadership. There are two ranks in the dog pack, “leader” and “follower.” The dogs own genetic temperament places him in these ranks through “rank challenge”. The strong ones are always competing for the leadership role. If even one day goes by that the current pack leader shows weakness, then the next strongest will challenge for the position. The weaker tempered dogs have no desire to be in the leadership role and can sometimes become very anxious with the responsibilities of being the pack leader however, they do not want the roll. This creates more anxiety and is very unhealthy for the dog. By being calm and assertive, you as an owner become a responsible leader creating calm submissive behavior that is the key to a happy, healthy life for your beloved canine.
Why does my dog do that?Dog Psychology
Understanding your Dog
Genetics create the natural temperament of a dog. If the dog has a strong energetic temperament and never acquires balanced social skills, he may show aggression or anxiety. Experience, or lack thereof can create some very severe problems. Most dogs have a high energy threshold and will get frustrated and start acting out with destructive behavior. Soon this can lead to aggression. Dogs do not care who or what they take their frustration out on, they just want to release it! When they achieve fulfillment from their pent up frustration they make note of it and learn that “this is how I make myself feel better.” Some dogs will bark excessively or show territorial aggression and some will tear up your yard or house. This is their way of “venting.” Us as owners need to give them a different tool to release their energy. Do not get a dog if you cannot fulfill his needs! Proper walking on a daily basis is a basic need for a dog. Just because you have a large back yard for them to play in doesn’t mean that they will be fulfilled physically or mentally. Dogs are a traveling species that need to have fulfillment in this area. Even if you yourself had plenty of entertainment at home but were expected to stay home at all times for months on end, do you think that you would be very content with that? Maybe even feel like you are going crazy? Most people want to get out of the house at some point or another. Dogs need this same fulfillment.
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