Alpha vs Subordinate

When a dog jumps up, he is actually trying to make himself taller or higher than you. This behavior is a dog's way of asserting his dominance. A dog who is allowed to do this is being accepted as the Alpha.

Respect for space is very important within the pack. It's also a matter of safety within our home. Teach your dog respect for your space as the alpha by ensuring that you go through doorways or narrow spaces first. Either tell him to sit and wait, or bump him out of the way if he tries to push past you. (Go steady with the bump, but at the same time, make the signal clear, "this is my space, you shouldn't be in it").

When a pack reunites, all pack members "check in" with or acknowledge the Alpha first. They each lower their head and allow the Alpha to stand over them, or rest his chin on their neck. This shows submission to his authority. The lowest dogs in the pack may not even be acknowledged at all. If our partner or family members are greeted after the dog, this would give them a lower position than the dog. We are telling him that he is the leader, not to mention telling our family that they are less important than the dog.

The Alpha is responsible for leading the hunt. He knows where food can be found, so he decides when to hunt, where and at what pace. The other pack members on the hunt loyally follow direction and trust his decisions. Disobedience means no dinner. So do you lead your dog when you go for a walk, or his he leading you?

Alphas have the right to demand. Whatever they ask, the pack will do. Although rewarding a dog for obedience or good behavior is good, this should only be done when you choose, and only when you have actually told your dog to follow a command and this command was followed immediately.

The Alpha is given first choice to the best relaxing or sleeping positions. If the Alpha does not want another dog to enter his space, he will growl to assert his authority and his right to claim that spot. Do not assert your authority by standing over your dog and grabbing the collar. This is threatening behavior from you. Call the dog down from the sofa. A truly submissive dog will move as soon as he sees you heading for that spot.

When the Alpha is eating, no one interrupts. To steal the food from the mouth of the Alpha is a serious offense. On the other hand, the Alpha has the right to take whatever food he chooses. He is usually the first to eat, and the subordinates are left to eat whatever he leaves behind. Subordinates must hold back until the Alpha has walked away before they can enjoy their share.

Dogs perceive danger a little differently to us. Any "uninvited" guest presents a potential threat. It's the job of every pack member to warn of potential danger, but it's the job of the Alpha to actually deal with that danger. When a dog barks persistently, he doesn't believe in the authority of the Alpha. Therefore, he believes he must fulfill that role, a role he is not really ready for. This can lead to a very stressed dog. Try putting your dog into another room when greeting guests or answering the door.

When the Alpha takes a walk away from the pack, the subordinates know it's safe to relax. He would never abandon them at a time of danger. He does not need the permission of the pack to come and go. If an Alpha "asked" for permission to walk away, the dog he asked would assume that he was now the Alpha. This would cause him stress. After all, he is the Alpha and one of his pack has gone missing. This stress is called "separation anxiety". This can cause destructive behavior as a dog frantically searches for his lost pack member.

Dogs who have been mistreated or neglected can develop severe anxiety and trust issues. If you have re-homed a dog and notice this behavior, you may be the Alpha, but this role will require much more from you.