Wild dogs are usually part of a dog pack. There is only one leader of the dog pack. Your dog sees your family as his pack. The natural instinct for your dog is to be the leader of the pack. Your dog will attempt to take on the position as the pack leader, or alpha dog, if you have not assumed that role with your dog.

All the chief decisions, for the pack, are made by the alpha dog. The focus of attention for dogs in the pack is always on the alpha dog. The alpha dog is very protective of his role as the leader of the dog pack. The position of alpha leader is not, usually, given up willingly.

Is there a definite understanding of who the alpha dog is in your household? If it is not you, your dog will take the leadership role on himself. In a pack gender is not the determining factor for the alpha dog. However, because male dogs are usually larger in size than the female of the same breed, male dogs are usually the alpha leader. A female dog will take on the role of alpha dog if you do not assume the leadership role. Life, within your family can be very difficult if your dog takes on the role of the alpha dog leader.

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If your dog demonstrates bad or destructive dog behavior it is because he feels he is the alpha dog within your family. Pulling on a leash, chasing, and aggression are all examples of a dog feeling he is the alpha dog leader in his sphere of influence.

When your dog is confused as to who the alpha dog is he begins to think of himself as your equal. 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. The alpha dog leader must be comfortable with the role as leader.

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It is through small deliberate acts that the alpha dog maintains his dominance. 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 also shows its dominance by pushing his way through the pack instead of going around. Those things within the pack's area of influence are controlled by the alpha dog.

Why is it important to understand what the alpha dog does in a dog pack? Why is the dog pack hierarchy important to you? There is a simple answer to that question. Force or abuse, either physical or verbal, should never be used with your dog. Your dog will look to you as the alpha dog leader as you emulate the qualities 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. 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 read here: How to Use Clicker Training