Page 6 - Small Talk - September 2012

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We were told that with the introduction of 'pack rules'
based on wolf behaviour we can resolve the
problems, by showing them we are the boss or 'Alpha'
member of the pack. Advice includes eating before
your dog, sitting in its bed, and ignoring the dog.
The basis for this theory is based on observing
captive wolf packs and applying the same strategies
to our domesticated dogs. As discussed in my
previous article, domestic dogs are not wolves;
having evolved over several thousand years their
behaviour and its interpretation are no longer
comparable to that of wolves.
In recent years we have studied free wolf packs;
behavioural observations are very different to those in
captive packs. We now have a greater understanding
of how both wolves and dogs actually behave which
makes us better equipped to assess and re-evaluate
the validity of 'pack rules' and their effectiveness with
behaviour modification and training in domestic dogs.
Obvious flaws emerge when compared with our
current understanding of their behaviour.
Neither wolves nor dogs have an understanding of
dominance or status; these are human concepts. It is
our perception that dogs will understand that by sitting
in their bed or eating before them we have a higher
status, and are therefore the Alpha member.
Typical pack theory myths dispelled:
l
The Alpha wolf always eats first.
In reality if pups are hungry, they feed first. If the kill
is big enough the whole pack eat together.
l
Do not play tug of war with your dog. Referring to
wolves tugging on a piece of meat, the higher
status wolf wins. You MUST always win, or your
dog will know he is the Alpha member.
The real reason for this behaviour is that wolves help
each other pull apart tough parts of the carcass.
Further examples of myths and rank reduction rules:
l
Always walk through doorways before your dog.
l
Never allow your dog to initiate the beginning or
end of a game or attention.
l
Do not let your dog sleep on the bed or on furniture.
Behavioural problems associated with dominance
have now been proven to have significantly different
causes, needing careful investigation by a qualified
animal behaviourist.
Instead of trying to dominate our dogs we should
concentrate on socialising and training them, teaching
obedience, house rules and manners. As dog owners it
is our responsibility to guide and influence their ongoing
behaviour, training, and socialisation with consistent
and fair, reward based methods based on a scientific
understanding of behaviour and how dogs learn.
Bad Behaviour
Is my dog
dominant
Who’s the
boss...
by
Vicki Harrington RVN DipCABT (COAPE) NOCN
Hook Norton Veterinary Group
For further reading on this subject
please take a look at Dominance:
Fact or Fiction? By Barry Eaton, The
Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
It is still commonly believed that many dog behaviour problems such as pulling
on the lead, guarding objects or locations and aggression are the result of
dominance behaviour from the dog.