Wondering how to tell if your dog accepts you as the pack leader?
We’ll be happy to tell you! But first you can get used to the idea that the pack leader theory is long outdated these days. And yet the dog is and remains a pack animal.
This article tells you, among other things, what this means for you and your dog and why one strong bond above the rank.
Nice that you are here and have fun reading!
How do I know that my dog accepts me as the pack leader?
If you have one harmonious relationship together and you don’t feel like your dog is questioning everything you say or do are clear signs that he accepts you as the «leader of the pack.»
What more do you want?
For a long time it was assumed that dogs needed a «hard hand» to subordinate themselves to their pack leader. But that’s not true and we’ve known that for a long time.
Kind of a pack leader are you still for your dog and of course he should accept you at your rank too!
What dogs don’t need, however, is constant subordination, absolute obedience and rank fights with their two-legged friends.
The fact is: We humans are not dogs, so we don’t have to behave like dogs either.
However, it is important that Body language and behavior of our dogs to be able to interpret as well as possible, because a trusting basis is based on love and understanding!
How/what does a dog choose its pack leader for?
Dogs often look for one caregiver within the family from which they are particularly attached. But that doesn’t mean it has to be the pack leader.
Our domestic dogs have also evolved over the course of domestication and can also understand us humans better. It has become a lot more one Friendship developed to each other, so that dog and human need a hierarchy.
For example, a dog may orientate itself towards the youngest son in the family because he has an open and honest nature and spends a lot of time with the dog.
Dogs feel one thing above all: energy!
If your energy is good and you are at peace with yourself, your dog will notice that and will see you as a pleasant person who he likes to orientate himself on.
Dogs like reliability, security and competence. They like to orient themselves to people who offer them clear guidance. Punishment and violence are definitely not necessary!
How do I become a good pack leader for my dog?
Do you have the feeling that your dog is constantly dancing on your nose?
Then you are definitely welcome to work on yourself and your pack leader qualities. we give you 5 valuable tips on how to become a good pack leader for your dog. Look out!
1. Learn to read dog communication and body language
The first step to becoming a competent pack leader involves understanding your dog better. In order for him to take you seriously and accept your decisions, it is important that you communicate with him on a level that he can understand!
If you want to know more about body language, sounds and appeasement signals If you want to learn from dogs, take a look around our website. There are already some articles on “Understanding Dogs” here.
At this point, an experienced dog trainer or one dog school help. Especially if you are a novice dog, you should build a stable foundation before serious mistakes creep in, which can lead to stress or unwanted behavior from your dog.
2. Manage resources like food and toys
Resources are very important for dogs, according to the motto: «If you have nothing, you are nothing.»
A four-legged pack leader would never let their prey be snatched away. He decides when to release them to lower-ranking animals. The same applies to toys or sticks.
You can resource defense take advantage of it to clarify your position as pack leader.
You manage food, treats and toys. You decide when to eat, when to play and when to stop!
3. Clear rules and clear boundaries are always good
Dogs don’t need a hard hand. You don’t have to yell at your dog or be rude to him. Clear rules and limits still help you in living together.
It is important that you do not buckle. If the couch is taboo for your dog, then it’s taboo, and always!
Does your dog always try to rush past you as soon as you open the front door? You can also set clear boundaries here.
Just ask yourself if you want your dog to treat you so disrespectfully or if you’re not worth more to yourself?
Interesting:
Dogs are smart and can’t be fooled. If you are a rather insecure person, it may take some time before your dog really trusts you to be the pack leader. The fact is that we humans usually have to work more on ourselves than on the dog in this respect. Maybe you will find a dog trainer who starts right there: Training people with dogs rather than the other way around.
4. Always keep a cool head
Your dog can only perceive you as competent if you don’t jump out of your skin at every little thing.
The more serenity and calm you radiate even in dangerous situations, the more your dog will look up to you and orientate itself towards you.
This is how he learns that he can always count on you! reliability is one of the core competencies as a pack leader!
5. Show your dog that you can take care of yourself
Does your dog take you for full? How does he react to dog encounters or visitors?
When your dog in potentially dangerous situations always has the feeling that he has to be careful, it means a lot of stress for him.
It’s nicer when your dog learns that you can take care of yourself – come what may!
Conclusion
We don’t like the word «pack leader» in relation to dogs and humans. Rather, it is about one harmonious and trusting friendship.
You want to be a team, don’t you?
In our opinion, it is not necessary to assume the role of the pack leader. Rather work on a strong bond, then your dog will orientate itself towards you.
Of course, this includes respectful interaction on both sides as well as understanding, trust, reliability, love, competence, consistency and patience.
If you still have questions about «How do I know that my dog accepts me as the pack leader?» If you have, please leave us a comment under this article!