Alpha Dog Pack Behavior

Sleeping on the bed may cause a dog to feel it is the alpha.

According to animal behaviorist Kathy Sdao, the alpha dog theory stems from the belief that present-day domestic dogs display the same or similar pack behavior as the wolves from which they are descended. While there is much speculation over whether or not the claim is true, those who believe in the theory feel that dominant dogs attempt to be the alpha not just with their canine friends, but with their human family, or "pack."

Types

There are many different behavior types that a dog trying to be the alpha might show. According to the Dog Health Guide, they include standing over other dogs, making eye contact, urine marking, placing a paw on other dogs, mounting, and circling and sniffing other dogs.

Identification

There are a number of ways to recognize the alpha dog in a pack. As well as watching for dominant behaviors, observe how the other dogs in the pack act. Submissive dogs tend to lay on their backs with their legs spread in front of the alpha dog. Other submissive behaviors include licking the alpha dog's muzzle and mouth, a lowered head, and avoidance of eye contact.

Theories/Speculation

Some dog trainers and owners believe that dominant dog behavior can spill over into the dog's relationship with its human family. The Dog Owner's Guide recommends the owner being the alpha, or pack leader, in the home. Alpha exercises include walking through doors ahead of the dog, ignoring attention-seeking behavior, feeding the human members of the household before the canine ones, and making the dog sleep on the floor rather than in the bed.

Prevention/Solution

According to the Dog Breed Info Center, the best way to prevent a dog from showing dominant behavior towards humans is through socialization and obedience training. Socialization includes introducing the dog to all kinds of people, objects, other animals and scenarios at a young age in order to prevent fear-based dominant behavior as an adult. Obedience training helps owners and dogs work together, forming bonds and making them a team.

Warning

According to Carpe Shar-Pei, the more aggressive exercises to let the dog know you are the alpha, such as forcing the dog to submit by pinning it down, can lead to an increase in aggression. Aggression often stems from fear, and the more extreme methods of showing a dog you are the alpha frightens most dogs, causing them to growl, snap or bite.

References

• Dog Health Guide: Dog Pack Behavior
• Dog Breed Info Center: Why You Need to be "Top Dog"
• Dog Owner's Guide: The Alpha Factor
• Carpe Shar-Pei: Alpha Roll
• Kathy Sdao, MA, CAAB: Forget About Being Alpha in Your Pack