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Pack life is literally a dog's life. No matter how many decades a particular breed has been "domesticated", it is still a dog and will still behave like a dog. It is vital then, that we learn and understand the culture of the canine world. Like humans, dogs can live alone, as a couple or a larger family. For dogs, larger families of between five and fifteen are much more common. Dogs also choose a single partner and generally stick to that partner. But there are also many differences between the human family and the dog family.
Pack life is literally a dog's life. No matter how many decades a particular breed has been "domesticated", it is still a dog and will still behave like a dog. It is vital then, that we learn and understand the culture of the canine world. Like humans, dogs can live alone, as a couple or a larger family. For dogs, larger families of between five and fifteen are much more common. Dogs also choose a single partner and generally stick to that partner. But there are also many differences between the human family and the dog family.
The Pack
The Pack
A family of dogs is known as a pack. This pack generally consists of the Alpha male, the Alpha female, Subordinates, Pups and Babysitters. Each member of the pack has his own role to play. The distinction between these roles is called the hierarchy. When we have a dog in our home, they still instinctively live by this order. They do not see themselves as humans, but us as dogs in the same pack.
A family of dogs is known as a pack. This pack generally consists of the Alpha male, the Alpha female, Subordinates, Pups and Babysitters. Each member of the pack has his own role to play. The distinction between these roles is called the hierarchy. When we have a dog in our home, they still instinctively live by this order. They do not see themselves as humans, but us as dogs in the same pack.
The Alpha
The Alpha
The role of the Alpha is the most important. He cares for the overall well-being, safety and care of the pack. He is the primary decision maker, provider and protector. He resolves disputes, wards of intruders or approves new members. It is crucial that any new members accept the authority of the Alpha and submit to his command. The Alpha must also prove himself to the new member to avoid losing his pack to the newcomer. New members that submit easily are usually accepted with little fuss or violence. But if a new member challenges the Alpha, this could lead to a physical display of power and possibly even a fight. The winner becomes the Alpha, the loser may be outcast, left defenseless. The Alpha is the only male dog permitted to breed. He chooses one female from the pack, usually the strongest and healthiest, with whom to breed. She becomes the Alpha female and the only female permitted to breed. When we bring a dog into our home, we are essentially approving a new member of the pack. This new member must recognize our authority as the Alpha. If we appear to them as a weak or ill equipped leader, they will challenge this authority and assume the position of Alpha in our stead. This challenge is one of the most common causes of problems within a human/dog relationship. One dog we had when growing up seemed to spend most of his time with myself. I loved that he always sat on my bed, greeted me after school and followed me around the house. I thought that he had chosen me as his master. It was cute, until the day my sister came into my room. The dog was sat on the bed with me. As my sister opened the door, he growled under his breath. But with every step she took towards me, the growl got more intense. As she tried to sit next to me, he leaped forward with a snap and a bark. Thankfully he did not bite, but the warning became clear. We realized the mistake. As a family, we had allowed him to assume the role as Alpha and he had chosen his female. Rather than adoring his master, he was protecting his girl. A strong lesson we had to learn from and correct.
The role of the Alpha is the most important. He cares for the overall well-being, safety and care of the pack. He is the primary decision maker, provider and protector. He resolves disputes, wards of intruders or approves new members. It is crucial that any new members accept the authority of the Alpha and submit to his command. The Alpha must also prove himself to the new member to avoid losing his pack to the newcomer. New members that submit easily are usually accepted with little fuss or violence. But if a new member challenges the Alpha, this could lead to a physical display of power and possibly even a fight. The winner becomes the Alpha, the loser may be outcast, left defenseless. The Alpha is the only male dog permitted to breed. He chooses one female from the pack, usually the strongest and healthiest, with whom to breed. She becomes the Alpha female and the only female permitted to breed. When we bring a dog into our home, we are essentially approving a new member of the pack. This new member must recognize our authority as the Alpha. If we appear to them as a weak or ill equipped leader, they will challenge this authority and assume the position of Alpha in our stead. This challenge is one of the most common causes of problems within a human/dog relationship. One dog we had when growing up seemed to spend most of his time with myself. I loved that he always sat on my bed, greeted me after school and followed me around the house. I thought that he had chosen me as his master. It was cute, until the day my sister came into my room. The dog was sat on the bed with me. As my sister opened the door, he growled under his breath. But with every step she took towards me, the growl got more intense. As she tried to sit next to me, he leaped forward with a snap and a bark. Thankfully he did not bite, but the warning became clear. We realized the mistake. As a family, we had allowed him to assume the role as Alpha and he had chosen his female. Rather than adoring his master, he was protecting his girl. A strong lesson we had to learn from and correct.
The Alpha Female
The Alpha Female
Alpha females are second to the Alpha. Their primary job is to reproduce and care for their litter. When not pregnant or caring for a litter, the Alpha female will attend the hunt and stay close to the Alpha. She is permitted to sleep closest to the Alpha. Although second to the Alpha, she is still above other members of the pack. When caring for a litter, she will remain close to the den, alert to potential danger and ready to protect. In the first few weeks of a pup's life, the Alpha female is responsible for teaching him the basic rules of pack life. By the time they leave the den for good, the Alpha female should have prepared them for life outside. She continues to teach them until they are old enough to take on their own role within the pack, including attending the hunt. The role of Alpha female can often occur with dogs that live with just one human. As a two-dog-pack, these ones must stick together for survival. The bond is often much stronger than that in larger families. At home, this can seem harmless, and usually is, so long as the "Alpha female" role is assumed by the dog and not the owner. If this role becomes reversed, this can lead to overly protective behavior from the Alpha dog. After all, in the wild, no dog would mess with the Alpha's girl. A dog does not protect his master, he protects his subordinates. This could be dangerous. Also, an Alpha female will protect her litter, even from fellow pack members. This sometimes presents problems within larger families. If a dog mistakes his place within the family, he may accept one person as the Alpha, but assume the role of the Alpha female. The result? The husband becomes the Alpha, but the wife is out ranked by the dog (or vice versa between husband and wife). The dog then tries to "mother her litter", or the children, becoming aggressive towards anyone that attempts interaction with the children, including the wife.
Alpha females are second to the Alpha. Their primary job is to reproduce and care for their litter. When not pregnant or caring for a litter, the Alpha female will attend the hunt and stay close to the Alpha. She is permitted to sleep closest to the Alpha. Although second to the Alpha, she is still above other members of the pack. When caring for a litter, she will remain close to the den, alert to potential danger and ready to protect. In the first few weeks of a pup's life, the Alpha female is responsible for teaching him the basic rules of pack life. By the time they leave the den for good, the Alpha female should have prepared them for life outside. She continues to teach them until they are old enough to take on their own role within the pack, including attending the hunt. The role of Alpha female can often occur with dogs that live with just one human. As a two-dog-pack, these ones must stick together for survival. The bond is often much stronger than that in larger families. At home, this can seem harmless, and usually is, so long as the "Alpha female" role is assumed by the dog and not the owner. If this role becomes reversed, this can lead to overly protective behavior from the Alpha dog. After all, in the wild, no dog would mess with the Alpha's girl. A dog does not protect his master, he protects his subordinates. This could be dangerous. Also, an Alpha female will protect her litter, even from fellow pack members. This sometimes presents problems within larger families. If a dog mistakes his place within the family, he may accept one person as the Alpha, but assume the role of the Alpha female. The result? The husband becomes the Alpha, but the wife is out ranked by the dog (or vice versa between husband and wife). The dog then tries to "mother her litter", or the children, becoming aggressive towards anyone that attempts interaction with the children, including the wife.
Warriors
Warriors
These dogs are next in command from the Alpha pair. One warrior in particular may be relatively close to the Alpha, ready and prepared to take over as leader should the Alpha be injured, get too old or die. The warriors in a pack, although subordinate to the Alpha, join in the hunt, help protect and defend the pack and fight off unwelcome visitors. These dogs are fast, strong and obedient. In the modern world, this natural instinct has been abused by being used to train violent guard dogs, attack dogs and even fighting dogs. In the right setting, however, this level of intelligence and obedience can be used and harnessed for the better. Gun dogs, Sheep dogs and police dogs are among the most intelligent and well trained of the "warrior" or working class dog. As you can imagine, these dogs are not exactly the kind of dog you want cooped up in an apartment with little exercise or mental stimulation.
These dogs are next in command from the Alpha pair. One warrior in particular may be relatively close to the Alpha, ready and prepared to take over as leader should the Alpha be injured, get too old or die. The warriors in a pack, although subordinate to the Alpha, join in the hunt, help protect and defend the pack and fight off unwelcome visitors. These dogs are fast, strong and obedient. In the modern world, this natural instinct has been abused by being used to train violent guard dogs, attack dogs and even fighting dogs. In the right setting, however, this level of intelligence and obedience can be used and harnessed for the better. Gun dogs, Sheep dogs and police dogs are among the most intelligent and well trained of the "warrior" or working class dog. As you can imagine, these dogs are not exactly the kind of dog you want cooped up in an apartment with little exercise or mental stimulation.
The Lookouts
The Lookouts
The role of the lookout is exactly what it sounds like- to look out for potential danger, signal that danger is approaching and then look to the alpha for direction. Any pack member may be a lookout and signal danger, but as subordinates, that is where this role ends. Once the signal has been given, the Alpha then decides how to respond. There are three options: Freeze, Fight or Flight. The Alpha may initially freeze and assess the situation. The rest of the pack would position themselves behind the Alpha until a decision has been made. If the Alpha perceives no real danger he will calmly turn away and continue, the rest of the pack following his example. If he signals "Flight", he and the warriors will draw the danger away from the pack, allowing the litter to be guided to safety by the Alpha female and babysitters. If he signals "Fight", he will either fight alone or with the warriors, allowing the litter and other pack members to flee to safety. Lookouts are a very common role for the domesticated dog. But unfortunately, without a strong Alpha in the pack to make the decision of how to handle potential threats, these dogs become persistent, nervous barkers. The best guard dogs (Lookouts) will only bark once or twice (or until the alpha is present and takes control). If you have a persistent barker, contact us for more information on how to handle this.
The role of the lookout is exactly what it sounds like- to look out for potential danger, signal that danger is approaching and then look to the alpha for direction. Any pack member may be a lookout and signal danger, but as subordinates, that is where this role ends. Once the signal has been given, the Alpha then decides how to respond. There are three options: Freeze, Fight or Flight. The Alpha may initially freeze and assess the situation. The rest of the pack would position themselves behind the Alpha until a decision has been made. If the Alpha perceives no real danger he will calmly turn away and continue, the rest of the pack following his example. If he signals "Flight", he and the warriors will draw the danger away from the pack, allowing the litter to be guided to safety by the Alpha female and babysitters. If he signals "Fight", he will either fight alone or with the warriors, allowing the litter and other pack members to flee to safety. Lookouts are a very common role for the domesticated dog. But unfortunately, without a strong Alpha in the pack to make the decision of how to handle potential threats, these dogs become persistent, nervous barkers. The best guard dogs (Lookouts) will only bark once or twice (or until the alpha is present and takes control). If you have a persistent barker, contact us for more information on how to handle this.
Babysitters
Babysitters
These are the lowest ranking in the pack. They are not yet ready to take on any major responsibilities such as warrior. Usually aged between 5 and 12 months, their main responsibilities lie with the younger litter. They care for, help protect and train younger pack members. They also continue to build their own strength, obedience and skills in preparation for their next role within the pack.
These are the lowest ranking in the pack. They are not yet ready to take on any major responsibilities such as warrior. Usually aged between 5 and 12 months, their main responsibilities lie with the younger litter. They care for, help protect and train younger pack members. They also continue to build their own strength, obedience and skills in preparation for their next role within the pack.
Puppies/Litter mates
Puppies/Litter mates
Puppies will generally remain within the den for the first 4-6 weeks of their life. Even for a time after this, they MUST remain close to the den, babysitters or mother. They will begin to explore everything around them, play fighting and learning pack rules. What looks to us humans like innocent tumbling around and cute little growls and barks, is actually essential early social development. In the domestic environment, puppies are separated from the litter at around 8 weeks old, introduced to a new pack and expected to have the social skills of a much older dog. In reality, if you take a pup into your home, remember that they are merely the toddlers of the dog world. They may have minds like sponges, ready to soak up knew experiences and eager to learn, but they also have short attention spans, need regular naps and are prone to over excitement and tantrums. Remember, little and often. Continue the education they should have received from their original pack.
Puppies will generally remain within the den for the first 4-6 weeks of their life. Even for a time after this, they MUST remain close to the den, babysitters or mother. They will begin to explore everything around them, play fighting and learning pack rules. What looks to us humans like innocent tumbling around and cute little growls and barks, is actually essential early social development. In the domestic environment, puppies are separated from the litter at around 8 weeks old, introduced to a new pack and expected to have the social skills of a much older dog. In reality, if you take a pup into your home, remember that they are merely the toddlers of the dog world. They may have minds like sponges, ready to soak up knew experiences and eager to learn, but they also have short attention spans, need regular naps and are prone to over excitement and tantrums. Remember, little and often. Continue the education they should have received from their original pack.
So which role do you want your dog to have? The very last role any domesticated dog should take on is that of Alpha. As for the subordinate roles, if you need help finding the right puppy or dog for your situation, contact us for more advice.
So which role do you want your dog to have? The very last role any domesticated dog should take on is that of Alpha. As for the subordinate roles, if you need help finding the right puppy or dog for your situation, contact us for more advice.
Next: How to Be the Alpha
Next: How to Be the Alpha
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