Pack Leader - Page 2

i have written this piece of advice MANY times, but for the most part, it falls on deaf ears:
we spend an awful lot of time evaluating dogs, judging their character and testing their nerves.  what most people fail to realize is that while we are evaluating the dog, he is doing the same to us.  dogs don't have a problem with authority, but they do have a problem with someone who demands respect yet does not deserve it or earn it.  we have all seen examples of macho $h!+heads on the field with their dominant male dogs and what transpires when they bully these dogs.
that little ditty about "always being the person your dog thinks you are......" is very good advice.  when you behave badly, lose your temper, abuse the dog or otherwise compromise your character, you will have to work twice as hard to earn the dogs respect.  a good pack leader also knows that menial tasks are not beneath him.  being the pack leader is not always a prestigious position.  the pack leader serves the entire pack; nurses the sick, trains the young, cleans up feces, vomit and urine, settles disputes and comforts the aged when they are dying.  being a pack leader is not an easy task and seldom glorious.  it requires a great deal of honesty and cultivation of one's own character.
pjp

Well, there are lots of sources on the net that talk about "becoming the pack leader." Google that or a variation and you'll get lots of links. Quality varies. If the advice sounds sensible, it might be. If it sounds stupid, it probably is.

I do think dogs can reason to a limited degree. After all, they are good at playing people for what they can get. And some dogs given the opportunity save their families from fires (I know one that did), find lost pack members (children or other animals, again, I know one that did) and do other genuinely heroic things - so they must be able to reason to some extent. Some dogs seem to reason more than others.

In my experience, though, becoming the pack leader of a young dog, male or female, who is not a born follower does involve some level of force. The level depends on the dog. A threatening stare, a growl and snarl (yes, I have been doing this for years), or a hands on physical correction are escalating levels of force. And with many dogs you have to keep at it. It's not a problem you solve, it's an ongoing lifestyle.

I get the best food and eat first. I go through doors first. I decide what we play and when. The bed is reserved for my exclusive use. I get the best seat in the house. If I say sit, you'd better park that furry butt and keep it there or I will grab you and make you do it (for an adult dog who already knows how to sit.)  Does it sound like I"m a tyrant? Well, call me a benevolent tyrant then.

Dogs do not negotiate otherwise they would have evolved into land shark lawyers.

 QUOTE: We should all be in agreement that dogs are simply domesticated wolves

In what way ??? Similar, but, have you been around wolves much ??? I don't think they are much like dogs other than some general things like shape. Dogs are way different in how they think and act.

I hate when this analogy is used.

Pack leader makes all the major decisions, nothing is done without his consent, or at least his blessing.   He is trusted by all in the pack.  He is as a father to his pack and shows a parental love and compassion for his pack.   He rules absolute and earns his respect thru diplomacy and if need be brute force.  He is loyal to his pack and protective of it.  He provides for his pack all things needed thru his knowledge and experience.  He teachs thru example what he knows of living to each new generation.  He controls the breeding in his pack to keep it his own unique pack.   He takes pride in his pack.
 

Or if you just wanna be Alpha, kick ass and don't take any crap.  

Two Alpha in one pack will fight until one is no longer Alpha. 

The two cannot be equals.

Start with love and build trust and respect, then with knowledge make all the decisions thru diplomancy until brute force is needed.  Be absolute Alpha with pride, your are the father and the leader of your pack.

Its not that complicated.

What do you mean "not a pet"??

Yes, I agree with Mr Leigh on the dominating Growl to his Dogs
I also snarl at them in a completley differnent tone than normal if i think anyone of them was trying it on with me. It always works, they soon give way
Plus the listen to me, or do as i say commands you give a Dog do not come from the throat, they should come from down below in the Gut, it sounds different to a dog than the normal voice, in which we use to talk normal or to give praise to the dog, works for me
Steve

 Do you pee on them, then turn around and kick dirt in their face ?? LOL That was the funniest thing I have heard all night. Growling at your dogs. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA you are killing me. What an idiot. ROTFLMAO 

Then you told the guy how to do it. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA