My Training Notes

The Boss

We all know that dogs are social animals. Members of any society must create a social structure, they must arrange themselves into hierarchy. Someone has to be the boss. The boss of a dog pack is called the alpha dog. The alpha dog has certain privilages and responsibilities. Following is a list of some of these.

• The alpha goes through the door first. He has the responsibility to protect the rest of the pack. Therefore he goes first into strange or unknown places.
• The alpha chooses where to walk. He has the responsibility to lead a successful hunt. Therefore he chooses where to go and his subordinates follow.
• The alpha eats first. He must keep up his strength. The others eat when the leader allows.
• The alpha chooses where to sleep. He is entitled to the best location.
• The alpha walks about as he pleases. The others must get up and move out of his way.
• The subordinates warn the alpha dog of danger. The alpha determines the appropriate response.
• The alpha determines who will be allowed to enter the pack's territory. The subordinates accept his judgment.
• The alpha chooses when to play and when to stop.
• The alpha wins tug-of-war and other games of strength. After all, he is the strongest.
• The toys belong to the alpha. He retains possesion when playtime is over. An alpha dog does not retrieve well because he will not relinquish the ball or frizbee.