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Originally Posted by Britster  I don't think it's necessarily the "pack mentality" that people hate. It's what comes along with... words like "alpha" and "dominance" which are WAY over-used by people who don't know what they are talking about. Especially when the dominance "myth" was de-bunked by the people who CREATED the theory who studied wolves that were not living in the wild.
My dog is probably the most "doggy dog" that I know. He rolls around in the dirt, he eats bugs, he chews on sticks, he goes swimming happily, he goes hiking, he runs happily through grassy fields, he romps around dog parks, he treks through the snow, he wrestles, the list goes on and on.
However, I do not treat him like he is... below me. I'm not above him, per say. I am so much more than his "pack leader". But see, that word can be taken in the wrong context, too. Some can simply be calling their house of 5 dogs by saying "they are my pack!" but then some could use it in a degrading way too. He is my family and, yeah, I consider myself to be more like a mom than an alpha pack with a "pecking order". Dogs were domesticated to work with US, with people. Yes, they may be biologically the same as wolves, but they are NOT wolves and were each specifically bred for a purpose.
I think that is my issue with people thinking they have to dominant their dogs. I see it all the time at the dog park, people who have excited dogs and then they start kicking them in their sides, or rolling them on the back, or screaming at them and it gets NOTHING accomplished. I like Cesar, I don't agree with all of his methods, but I appreciate what he has done. But unfortunately, his methods are specifically "not to be tried at home" but everyone does it anyways and I think it creates MORE problem in dogs rather than helping the general public. Too many people mistake "calm submissive" for "I'm angry and frustrated at my dog so I'm going to alpha roll him". And yeah, I don't like to see his training methods suggested to new owners who have young innocent puppies with problems that could be VERY easily solved without force or dominance.
Dogs are MUCH more capable than a lot of people give them credit for. And, in fact, was recently proven that they have the mental capability of a toddler and display the same emotions, etc. And I just think too many people think of them as "oh it's just a dog" when that's simply not the case. Not saying or implying you think this way... but it's something I've noticed with those who feel the need to "dominate" their dog. |
I agree that inexperienced people do not know how to train dogs. They may think because they read a book or watch a TV show, they can do what the professional does. That is like trying to make a wedding dress without learning to sew. Training our own dog does not always come naturaly either. That is why many of us take our dogs to classes or pay a professional to help us.
In Training, being the
pack leader (PL) has nothing to do with dogs rolling in ucky stuff, chasing squirrels, digging holes or barking. Pack leader simply means the person (or people) who is responsible for the well being of the family. The PL sets the rules and gives discipline when it is needed. By the word discipline, understand I mean only gentle correction, not physical punishment. For example you are PL and you tell your children and pets 'You must not run out into the street.' The child or puppy may not know why you don't want them to do this. When the child runs out of the yard and into the street. You the PL take them by the hand and bring them back and talk to them about cars and so on, you may even give them a time out. When your puppy bolts ahead and into the street the PL returns the puppy to the safe spot and has them sit and wait until it is safe to cross. PL repeats the leson as needed to teach this safty rule.
I absolutely agree that dogs are very smart and think they are very much like having a toddler. Everyone is not equal in a family. Toddlers have to be cared for by parents. Parents will decide where the child sleeps, what they eat, and when they need to go to the doctor.
I think dogs are happiest when the PL takes care of them, they feel safe. Dogs like have a job to do, maybe it is barking at the trash truck and chasing birds away from the garden. Dogs like to know where their place in the family is. Some may not agree with me on this, but I firmly believe dogs need to know
all people in their pack, even tiny babies are Pack Leaders. Dog can not discipline people. Dogs can disipline other pets in their family (pack). A responsible parent /PL (pack leader) would not leave two young children unsupervised. Dogs and young children should not be left alone. A young child doesn't pay attention to where they sit. Very young children do not understand hitting with toys hurt and it is not acceptable.
Every time we add a new family member, be it a kitty, baby, new puppy or a grandma moves in. Things change, nothing will ever be the same again. Maybe we teach the doggies a new job, like bringing Grandma her slippers and a few other rules change, like doggies have to get out of the way, when she is using her walker. Mentally healthy dogs can adapt to new situations and changes. I would rather change a few rules so Grandma doesn't trip over the dog, possibily hurting them both.
My sister had a beautiful, well trained, loving, large, Lab mix dog named Ned. When my niece Amber was a newborn she was sleeping in a cradle in my sisters bedroom. My sister got up to use the bathroom. She heard the baby cry, so she hurried up and was washing her hands, when she heard a crash. Ned had jumped on the cradle, I am positive he was trying to see what was wrong with the baby. Thank God Amber landed on thick carpet and she was fine, hungry but fine. Sis turned on the lights to check the baby who was screaming and crying. Ned was barking,(Probably for some one to fix the crying baby.) My sister's husband jerked awake, sure that something awful was happening to his wife or new baby and shouted 'What is going on ?!' Poor Ned hid every time the baby cried after that and avoided my sisters bedroom for years. Funny now 31 years later, not so funny when it happened. The baby was not hurt.
I also agree that the word dominant and alpha can and often is, used incorrectly pertaining to modern training methods. When I use the word
alpha, I mean the pack leader/ the responsible adult. If I use the word
dominate it is usually referring to how dogs behave, when they are trying to prove who is the top dog.
Hope this clarifies my use of pack leader. I cherish my Yorkies and they are doggy dogs too. Gracie rolls in ucky stuff, Rubin chases squirrels. Abba digs holes and chases birds. Ginny Joy barks at the kitty next door. That is just part of being a happy dog. Gracie is a rescue as most of you know. She was traumatized, fearful, a biter, not pottie trained, refused to be touched or groomed. She barked so much the second family who had her, thought she would never be a good dog. She has made tremendous progress. She is well behaved, secure enough to be the alpha doggie in this home, and Princess Gracie is spoiled with lots of love and praise. Guess who she sleeps with ? Yes the pack leader me.