How our 'pack' works!

Well, there seems to be a lot of debate at the moment in the forums about the 'theory' of pack structure in human/dog relationships, dominance etc. I, for one do believe that humans should occupy the alpha positions in the relationship. In my experience, you don't have to work hard to maintain that position with a well brought up and socialised dog. Probably with a dog with 'issues' you would have to use some of the stricter methods often recommended, in order to get your pack structure right so you can then maintain it!

I'd just like to share a few things we do to maintain the status quo. Generally, the top thing to remember is that your dog should recognise that events happen as you will them! For example you initiate and bring a stop to playtime, fuss time etc. and if you want to sit in a chair occupied by your furry pal then he moves! I do indulge in some things that are generally not recommended like rough play and so-on, but I always ensure it's on my terms. I will bring play to a halt and ensure my dog has calmed down by talking softly to him and stroking him slowly. A lot of the things advised like timing his meals after we've eaten and such like we take no notice of. As I mentioned, perhaps this would be needed to re-inforce positions and correct unwanted behaviour.

Our Jake is a dominant dog. He will demonstrate dominant behaviour to other dogs and doesn't tolerate attempts to dominate him. He scent marks (Scratching the ground.) on walks but most certainly does not exhibit dominant behaviour at home. In closing, it's all about appearing and in fact being confident of your authority and position with no need to abuse it or become a bully.

It sounds like you have a nice balanced attitude to your pack. I don't try to dominate my dogs in the traditional sense either. I just expect them to listen to me when I tell them what to do, to be well-behaved all the time. If they act up, or disobey a command they know and understand, I firmly let them know that is not acceptable. We have loads of fun, play lots of games, do lots of fun training, they get plenty of cuddles too. I don't abide by the traditional rules such as eating first, going throught doorways first (except if they are walking to heal through narrow points) etc.

I am learning a lot about pack structure having added a second dog. I noticed that for example, there isn't a clear leader going first through doorways, leading the walks etc - it just depends who gets there first! Also in play sometimes one dominates the other, and other times the other one plays more dominantly. Just my observations anyway.

I do beleive in pack theory, dominant dogs etc..But I don't bully my dogs or enforce anything through "force" they are expected to know what is allowed and not allowed and they do..I have never and will never alpha roll, pin etc etc..
They understand they do what they are asked and they do..

I agree with you Rich one of our dogs will engage in 'rough' play and if I allowed her she would get really rough but as soon as I see her getting over excited I stop and calm her down, gently stroking and making a low 'shussing' sound seems to do the trick. She was a bit of a 'problem' dog when she first came to us (Rejected by first owners) and at that time she bit me twice but now she's a different dog and a real part of our pack.

Thats very good.

I agree that owners need to maintain the alpha position but, as you say, it needn't be through physical abuse. Just being confident and giving the body language of a leader the pack will accept this and fit in their own pecking order around you.

I also practice the ability to 'wind the dogs up' with excited play but it is also just as important to be in control and be able to say 'enough' get them to lie down and calm down again afterwards. As you say - its about doing everything on your terms.

Very well put.

I agree with a lot of what you have said regarding your pack - all makes good sense! My "pack" (6 girls 2 boys) are well aware who is in charge (that's me lol) but I have gained that position by showing love, affection and praise and not accepting any inappropriate behaviour without gentle correction. Would never physically punish any of my dogs (well it's pretty impossible to do that with a Chi anyways) but I will let them know I am not happy on occasion, with a stern voice and to ignore them (time out). I think I am very fortunate that all my dogs have pretty good temperaments, so never any scraps or problems that have worried me.

Well - I used to use pack structure with my first dogs for about one year (a la John Fisher) but then I just stopped, because I could see that it made no difference. And heck, I wanted my dogs on my bed and somehow it was easier to feed them first... yet after I stopped the pack thing, they did not "take over" and because i trained them, were always very obedient. John Fisher himself altered his views in his very last book.

I do think that a lot of what people say is pack stuff, is actually just teaching good manners and so on. It's not really to do with being a pack leader, just with being a good owner

Thing is, now animal science has given us "proof" if you like, that humans being alpha etc is not the way to go, because dogs don't really live in packs - they actually live in family groups with no clear "leader". Certainly there is now more evidence working away from the idea of pack structure.

This gives some info about it:
http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/why-not-dominance.php

book.http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/if-not-dominance.php

Thanks for letting me put the other side

Wys
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Uh...all my dogs scent mark outside and they don't let other dogs "dominate" (by that you mean hump?) them. My girls especically are very submissive and are big wimps. These are NOT indicators of having a "dominant" dog.

As mentioned by Wysi, the dominance theory is based on false science. No domestic animal is making a plot to take over your home while you sleep. Most of the dominance theories humanize dogs in a way they simply do not have the mental capacity to think (ie; if the dog walks through a door before you, it is dominant...no, they walking through the door, end of!).

I don`t need to dominate my dogs. I find training them does the trick.