Packs: Similarities Between Humans And Dogs

Humans and dogs are alike in many ways. Both are intensely social and belong to groups/packs where each member is part of a "pecking order." Because of this, pet owners treat their dogs as members of the family. However, this is a mistake. While it's normal for human siblings to establish a kind of pecking order, the family dog must never be allowed to rise within this hierarchy. If you've ever watched nature films about wild canine pack behavior, the omega wolf (the lowest member of the pact) is treated quite badly by the rest. Your dog may instinctually treat lower members of its pack (your family) in a similar way.

It's important to train your dog to be at the bottom of the social order. This isn't done through mistreatment, however. Always …show more content…
Unfortunately, small children and sometimes even adults can unknowingly do this. Constantly chasing or teasing a dog when it's not in a playful mood, pulling at its ears, placing one's face in its face, hugging it tightly (this is primate behavior, not canine), and taking away its food while it's eating, are unacceptable behaviors for many dogs. Teach your children these "no-no's" and don't allow rambunctious play with the dog.

When other children are visiting, never leave your dog unsupervised with them. These children don't belong to the pact and your dog won't behave as an omega around them. The dog should be supervised or kept away from visiting children. In addition, the same is true for any newborn infants in your family. Your dog won't behave as an omega around her or him, and it's dangerous to leave your pet unsupervised with an infant.

When going on a trip, however short, keep your dog indoors or inside a physical fence. Leaving your dog in an electronic fence makes it an attractive nuisance for neighboring children, who may come into the yard to pet it. Regardless of your dog's breed or temperament, never allow unsupervised interaction between children outside your family and your