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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 18 2007, 5:47 AM EST (current) | Anonymous | |
| Apr 17 2007, 12:49 AM EDT | suzanka | 194 words added |
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Every dog lives in a pack, no matter whether we, humans, like it or not. In every pack there are strict rules that have to be followed by every member. If a pack member breaks a rule, he will be punished - from a stern look to even exclusion from the pack.
In the canine pack there is strict hierarchy - everybody knows his place, his rights and privilliges, and also, his duties.
The first one in the pecking order is the "alpha dog" - he is the strongest, fastest and most powerful dog in the pack. He has the most privilliges and rights - chooses sleeping place, gets access to the best food, controls the others' actions, etc. The alpha's duties are protecting the pack, making sure everybody follows his rules, finding food and suitable place for sleeping.
The second one is the "beta dog" - the second most powerful and privileged dog. He eats either together with the alpha or right after him. The beta controls all other dogs' actions except the alpha's. He is obliged to obey the alpha.
In wolf packs the alpha and the beta only have the right to breed.
Then the order goes on in the same way until the last one - the omega dog. He has fewest rights - eats what's left after the others, sleeps in whatever place is left, etc. He controls nobody and everybody controls his actions.
This seems odd to us but if we treat our dogs as humans, we only call for problems. This is the normal way a dog lives, if you make it live in another way, then the dog is no longer the normal, stable dog - and this leads to dominance, aggression, fear, etc.
That's generally how a canine pack works. So what is our place in it? Let's first see why we get a dog. People get dogs because they want to fill up a gap in their lives. Such people are without children or without best friends, or something is missing in their family relations. But these needs are all related to human and not to dogs. So, when you decide to buy a dog, you have to keep in mind that such needs are not 'doggy' needs. And you have to be very careful not to treat your dog as if it was human. Yes, dogs are very clever, but don't describe them like people dressed like canines. Yes, dogs are cute and loving but they are not your children. Dogs are dogs. They are not something else.
Don't be self-centered to fulfill only your needs. Dogs have more different needs. If you really love your dog, make sure his doggy needs are fulfilled! He won't die if you don't pet him the moment he wants, nor will he if you don't give him scraps from the table when he looks with that pleading eyes!
See also, Leadership
In the canine pack there is strict hierarchy - everybody knows his place, his rights and privilliges, and also, his duties.
The first one in the pecking order is the "alpha dog" - he is the strongest, fastest and most powerful dog in the pack. He has the most privilliges and rights - chooses sleeping place, gets access to the best food, controls the others' actions, etc. The alpha's duties are protecting the pack, making sure everybody follows his rules, finding food and suitable place for sleeping.
The second one is the "beta dog" - the second most powerful and privileged dog. He eats either together with the alpha or right after him. The beta controls all other dogs' actions except the alpha's. He is obliged to obey the alpha.
In wolf packs the alpha and the beta only have the right to breed.
Then the order goes on in the same way until the last one - the omega dog. He has fewest rights - eats what's left after the others, sleeps in whatever place is left, etc. He controls nobody and everybody controls his actions.
This seems odd to us but if we treat our dogs as humans, we only call for problems. This is the normal way a dog lives, if you make it live in another way, then the dog is no longer the normal, stable dog - and this leads to dominance, aggression, fear, etc.
That's generally how a canine pack works. So what is our place in it? Let's first see why we get a dog. People get dogs because they want to fill up a gap in their lives. Such people are without children or without best friends, or something is missing in their family relations. But these needs are all related to human and not to dogs. So, when you decide to buy a dog, you have to keep in mind that such needs are not 'doggy' needs. And you have to be very careful not to treat your dog as if it was human. Yes, dogs are very clever, but don't describe them like people dressed like canines. Yes, dogs are cute and loving but they are not your children. Dogs are dogs. They are not something else.
Don't be self-centered to fulfill only your needs. Dogs have more different needs. If you really love your dog, make sure his doggy needs are fulfilled! He won't die if you don't pet him the moment he wants, nor will he if you don't give him scraps from the table when he looks with that pleading eyes!
See also, Leadership
