Acting Like a Dog and Unleashing the Power

Posted by jennifer on May 23, 2007 in Training & Behavior Tips.

Lola- Prairie dog hole.JPG

This week as Elvis was around more puppies, his confidence rose and Dylan is trying to hang on to his position as Beta in the pack under me. Elvis (now at maturity) is starting to challenge his elder and watching it unfold is always greater knowledge to me than any book.
The journey started to unfold when I got Lola. By copying her playful moves and strong assertiveness over toys, I was able to start speaking the actual language of dogs. People thought I was crazy but it only made sense to cross the threshold of acting less like a human and more like a dog. Then came the many experiments I performed down on my knees, asserting myself over toys, instigating play and then one day, what I had hoped for actually happened. My pack of German Shepherds started to approach me submissively, licking my face, ears back and lowered tails wagging. They accepted me not only as their human leader but as an actual alpha dog and that was one of the greatest accomplishments I've been able to have in my life.
People don't realize that being an Alpha dog is like being a movie star. It's actually an amazing feeling to have other pack members submitting to you. With being an Alpha also comes a lot of responsiblity. It's similer in our society to being a good boss or being the president. You are the protector, the stability and the one who makes all decissions for the rest of the animals.
I try to help people understand the body lanuage, the "looks" and the attitude but the best way to become a great leader to your dog is to mimic from time to time a good alpha wolf or alpha dogs behavior. There are many videos to watch about dog & wolf pack behavior- check them out! Trust me, your dog will thank you for it as he or she will feel safer, more secure and less anxious in the human world...
Have a good night!
All my best,
JMc

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