All dogs, from the little Chihuahua to the stately German Shepherd, exhibit canine pack mentality, or the instinctual natural behavior that governs canine social interactions and relationships. Professional pet trainers use a thorough understanding of canine pack mentality to successfully train dogs, help dogs to develop healthy social behaviors and even to rehabilitate dogs which have become aggressive.
An understanding of canine pack mentality is also the key which pet owners should use to develop strong and happy relationships with their pets and healthy relationships between pets in the home. While this understanding is important for all pet owners and their canine companions, it is essential for pet owners who have multiple dogs.
The 3 Laws of Behavior of Canine Pack Mentality:
- All members of the pack have a social position in the pack - no two members of the pack can fulfill the same position. The pack is like a ladder, with each member taking a place on the rung of the ladder leading up to the top. People in the home, including children, are all considered to be members of the pack.
- All members of the pack have to contribute to the pack. Contributions can include helping to maintain the social positions within the hierarchy of the pack, obtaining food for the pack or providing security for the pack
- Members who do not contribute to the pack are shunned, sometimes attacked, and eventually forced out of the pack.
The three laws of behavior may sound somewhat harsh, but in nature these laws develop tenacious canine groups which have the ability to defend themselves against predators and successfully hunt prey. Whether pet owners realize it or not, a dog's behavior is influenced by these laws.
So how can pet owners use an understanding of canine pack mentality to raise happy and healthy dogs? The answer lies in the owner's ability to establish themselves as the leader of the pack by rewarding good behavior, ignoring and redirecting bad behavior and ensuring dogs are well socialized with other people and animals.
Pet owners should establish themselves as the leader of the pack by supporting clear behavioral boundaries in the home. For example, no jumping up on people, no bullying people or other pets, sitting before treats or food is given and sleeping within defined spaces. Pet owners should never use any type of aggression to establish themselves as the leader of the pack - any aggression towards pets will backfire and cause pets to become aggressive themselves.
Any time a dog displays good behavior, a reward should be given; verbal praise and physical affection are the best rewards to use, but a treat every now and then never hurts either! Bad behavior must be redirected immediately so it cannot be reinforced in the dog's mind. For example, if a dog on a walk displays aggression towards another dog, the walker should immediately turn the dog around and walk the other way to redirect the dog's attention.
When canine pack behaviors are not supported in the home, dogs can become insecure and aggressive. This is why it is so important for pet owners to take the lead and guide the "pack." Dogs who are well socialized and who know their place in the pack are secure, happy and confident.
If you are concerned about pet behavior in your home, a consultation with a pet trainer or animal behaviorist can work wonders. Just a few appointments can help you to learn how to create healthy pack relationships that will strengthen the loving bonds between you and your pets.
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