Published by Dan GentileNovember 28, 2022 Category: Dog Training
Like humans, dogs come with many different personalities and behaviors. Factors like size, breed, and environment can all shape a dog’s personality. Regardless of the species, some dogs exhibit common signs of alpha dog behavior.
Some dogs quickly follow their master’s rules and commands, while some are more dominant and rebellious. While all dogs can be mischievous at times, a dog demonstrating alpha dog behavior can cause many issues.
This blog will explore alpha dog behavior and how owners can deal with it. For example,housebreaking training for dogsmight be one solution.
What Is Alpha Dog Behavior?
All dogs can exhibit alpha dog behavior depending on the situation. Some alpha dog behavior is good and not necessarily aggressive.
It’s easy to forget that our cute dog’s ancestors were once wild wolves that lived in huge packs. This pack mentality still carries over today, and most dogs see their human owner as the pack leader. This mentality, in many ways, leads our dogs to be extremely loyal to us.
Of course, dog packs have a wider social hierarchy alongside a dominant leader. Things can get tricky when you have multiple dogs or pets. A dog with a more naturally dominant personality will rule over a submissive dog.
Dominant behavior between dogs often doesn’t become a concern, especially if both dogs view their owner as the pack leader. However, disruptions to this hierarchy can cause conflicts.
Some common examples are:
- You introduced a new dog or another animal into the home.
- Your puppy is growing up and producing more testosterone.
- A previous alpha dog is getting much older or dies, leaving the remaining dogs to fight over their position.
- You ignore or don’t pay special attention to the alpha dog.
- You change certain routines (like the feeding schedule) that disrupt the hierarchy.
How Can You Spot the Alpha Dog
It’s relatively easy to spot a submissive dog, but identifying the alpha dog can be trickier. Reading a dog’s body language can help indicate dominant and aggressive behaviors.
Some signs of alpha dog behavior are:
- The dog quickly becomes jealous if you give attention to another dog.
- Only one dog sleeps in a coveted spot like a soft sofa.
- When opening the door, the dog is the first one that leaves.
- The dog will steal, hide, or hoard any chew bones or dog toys and not let other dogs play with them.
- No other dogs will stare at the alpha dog.
- The alpha dog will generally mount submissive female and male dogs. Even female dogs can show dominance by mounting male dogs.
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While alpha dogs can exhibit behavior issues, beta dogs trying to disrupt the social hierarchy can cause more serious problems. These beta dogs can also create problems for you as the owner. Establishing yourself as the alpha “dog” within the pack can significantly help.
To check for signs of alpha dog behavior and explorewhy dogs love digging, call The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center at (732)-938-5040!
