Is your dog the alpha of your pack?

July 3, 2015 - 1 min read

If your dog is showing signs of aggression, or not listening to basic commands, it is possible your dog see’s itself as leader of the pack. Read on to see how to identify the signs and what to do.

Dogs have a pack-like mentality when it comes to family, and where your dog thinks it stands within the pack can greatly influence its behaviour. To see if your dog is the leader of your household, read on!

If you answer yes to the following questions, it’s likely your dog thinks it’s the alpha of the pack.

  • Does your dog growl, snap or bite at you if you try to move it?

A dog should never show aggression—not even a hint of it—to its owners, family and other animals. Aggression is a large indicator of alpha status, and all aggressive behaviour needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible.

  • When you get up off the couch, does your dog take your spot?

Taking your spot is your dog’s way of saying “I have the best spot in the house, this isn’t yours anymore”. If you allow your dog on the bed or couch, it takes this as a sign it is an equal to you (when it should be subservient to you).

  • Have you tried to get your dog to come over, do a trick or told it sit, only to be completely ignored?

All your commands should be obeyed. Don’t give out a command you will not enforce—as this tells the dog you’re okay with this behaviour and as a result it will challenge your authority.

  • Is your dog plotting world domination? (Just kidding, that’s a cat thing.)