What is an Alpha?
Firstly, we need to understand what we mean by the term "pack". In the wild, a "pack" would refer to a group of dogs or wolves that occupy a particular territory and form a "family" or "team" that live, work, hunt and reproduce within that unit. Every pack has a leader. This leader is called the Alpha. So how do we know which dog is the Alpha? What is the role of the Alpha?
Firstly, we need to understand what we mean by the term "pack". In the wild, a "pack" would refer to a group of dogs or wolves that occupy a particular territory and form a "family" or "team" that live, work, hunt and reproduce within that unit. Every pack has a leader. This leader is called the Alpha. So how do we know which dog is the Alpha? What is the role of the Alpha?
Simply put, the Alpha is the leader, in every sense of the word. He has full control and responsibility for the pack's survival. He is responsible for providing food, shelter and protection. The Alpha must be quick to settle any potential disputes within the pack and to warn off or if needed, fight off any potential threats. From the pack, he chooses one female. She becomes the Alpha Female, second to the Alpha. Only these two dogs will reproduce within that pack. This is to ensure the reproduction of strong, healthy offspring.
Simply put, the Alpha is the leader, in every sense of the word. He has full control and responsibility for the pack's survival. He is responsible for providing food, shelter and protection. The Alpha must be quick to settle any potential disputes within the pack and to warn off or if needed, fight off any potential threats. From the pack, he chooses one female. She becomes the Alpha Female, second to the Alpha. Only these two dogs will reproduce within that pack. This is to ensure the reproduction of strong, healthy offspring.
The Alpha, however does not care for all of his responsibilities alone. He allows other members of his pack to accompany him on the hunt for food. He selects only those who are strong enough, fast enough and most importantly, 100% obedient to join him. Hunting for food is a serious business and the Alpha cannot afford any form of insubordination.
The Alpha, however does not care for all of his responsibilities alone. He allows other members of his pack to accompany him on the hunt for food. He selects only those who are strong enough, fast enough and most importantly, 100% obedient to join him. Hunting for food is a serious business and the Alpha cannot afford any form of insubordination.
A good Alpha will naturally achieve obedience and respect from his pack. They will look to him no matter what situation arises. The best Alpha will rarely, even never need to use any form of violence to achieve order and obedience within his pack. He will remain calm and confident. Any sign of weakness, insecurity or indecisiveness could lead to his being challenged by another pack member. If an Alpha is challenged, he risks losing his pack's respect, or even being outcast. Being the Alpha is truly a significant role. It is crucial that he gets it right.
A good Alpha will naturally achieve obedience and respect from his pack. They will look to him no matter what situation arises. The best Alpha will rarely, even never need to use any form of violence to achieve order and obedience within his pack. He will remain calm and confident. Any sign of weakness, insecurity or indecisiveness could lead to his being challenged by another pack member. If an Alpha is challenged, he risks losing his pack's respect, or even being outcast. Being the Alpha is truly a significant role. It is crucial that he gets it right.
So if we were to look at a pack of wolves in the wild, which one would be the Alpha? The one with his tail between his legs at the back? Or the one with is tail high, ears erect, shoulders forward, standing at the front staring square on at the potential intruder just crossing the boundary of their territory? Most definitely the wolf at the front!
So if we were to look at a pack of wolves in the wild, which one would be the Alpha? The one with his tail between his legs at the back? Or the one with is tail high, ears erect, shoulders forward, standing at the front staring square on at the potential intruder just crossing the boundary of their territory? Most definitely the wolf at the front!
The question is, how does this translate to our cute and fluffy bundle of joy we think is the modern, domesticated dog of our dreams? Are you the leader of your pack? Or does your beloved dog rule the territory? Why not take our little quiz and see for yourself who is the real Alpha of Your Pack!
The question is, how does this translate to our cute and fluffy bundle of joy we think is the modern, domesticated dog of our dreams? Are you the leader of your pack? Or does your beloved dog rule the territory? Why not take our little quiz and see for yourself who is the real Alpha of Your Pack!