Beloved Pack Leader
“People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads, and the boss drives.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Let’s get this off the table right up front: all that “pack leader,” “alpha,” “dominant” stuff you keep hearing? It’s a load of crap that has been disputed in scientific circles for many years now. (I could provide many more links…but why bother? The people still pushing this silly idea don’t care about science, so the question is, do you?)
Some would have us believe there is some sort of undisputed “pack leader” that maintains control of all of the good stuff – food, beds, preferred seating, first out the door etc. The “pack leader” establishes this by consistently taking control of said things.
This just doesn’t exist in nature with wolves. Packs are family units and if you don’t like the status quo, you don’t try to commandeer the good stuff: you leave and start your own pack. (In captivity wolves do struggle for priority access to resources but this is, by its very nature, an unnatural situation.) This book, Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation
That’s how science works: it changes as we learn more. Real men work the same way. They don’t go back and watch reruns of the Dog Whisperer or desperately cling to headlines and youtube videos to confirm their preconceived notions. They learn and grow.
But more important than any aspect of wolf behavior is a much more salient fact: Dogs are not wolves!
When it comes to behavior, this kind of comparison between a domesticated species and an undomesticated one, no matter how close they are genetically, is just not relevant. Dogs are domesticated: wolves are not. The most significant difference between domesticated and undomesticated species is behavioral, and using one species as a guide on how to relate to the other is just plain stupid.
A dog with anything even close to proper socialization will actively seek attention from humans. A carefully hand-raised wolf will tolerate a human’s presence, and is still considered dangerous. Why on earth would someone use wolf behavior (however inaccurately understood) as a guide to train dogs?
(As a matter of fact, maybe someone should pin a hand-raised wolf to the ground to show him who’s boss, and let us know how it works out. What’s good for the goose….)
Left to their own devices dogs tend to travel alone or in very loosely structured packs. Ray Coppinger wrote extensively about this in his book
It’s anthropomorphism that keeps this myth going, plain and simple. People go in with a preconceived notion, fueled by a common myth and a very primate-driven idea of how they see the world, and then pick out the parts that validate their theory. It’s a very human thing to do.
Of course by establishing yourself as your own tinpot dictator, you will see better behavior than if you have no rules at all. Any sort of consistency, regardless of why you are doing it, is better than none.
So, other than being based on a bunch of poppycock, what’s wrong with pack theory?
For one thing, it makes you worry about and do dumb things. Spitting in food, correcting growling (and creating a biter), fretting over who eats first, obsessing over who goes through doors first…all distractions from the real problems at hand. “Pack theory” is what leads people to label problems rather than actually fixing them.
It’s also often associated with heavy amounts of punishment. Many proponents try to equivocate on this, but as the law of the instrument tells us, when the world looks like a pack to be dominated — one will try to dominate it.
Before I close for the week, one more point on dominance. There is a proper definition of dominance, but as Patricia McConnell laments in that link, the word has been alpha-rolled into near-uselessness. Pity.
Next week – what leadership really means.
(This was originally supposed to be the entry discussing “picking your battles” from the list I first put forth in Real Men #3 About halfway in it turned into a discussion on leadership, and I’m not done yet…)
I hear you, but I am not convinced. I think I mentioned this to you before. Our dog trainer has 9 dogs (well, now 8 since 1 recently passed). “Left to their own device” these dogs established a clear hierarchy with a clear pack leader. You can see it in everything they do – how they play, how they eat, who keeps the peace. Or maybe this is not what you're talking about?
What makes you say there's a “clear hierarchy” with a “clear pack leader” ? What does “keeping the peace” mean?
Is this a case of dogs falling naturally into a pack, or one dog that guards resources living with other dogs that don't feel like arguing? How do you separate what you are reading into the situation based on your prejudices and what is actually going on? Are you prepared to say that your observations are more valid than people like Mech and Boitani who have spent *decades* observing wolves and dogs?
I am prepared to say my observations have as much validity as any expert – who also report what they report based on what they observe. I see what I see, and I think your tone is a little off-putting. I have no prejudices – not with you, with what you write, or with our dog trainer. Later.
I'm not trying to be off-putting. Maybe if you exchange “prejudices” for “preconceived notions” you'll get my meaning better.
That said, countering peer-reviewed literature and my own personal experience with “I don't buy it. I saw 9 dogs do this once.” Might be considered off-putting too.
Different strokes, I guess.
I never said “I don't buy it.” I said this is what I observed. I didn't say I was countering peer-reviewed literature. I said this is what I saw.
Eric ~ I love this article. Thank you so much!!!
I confess that I continue to be confused by the concepts of dominance Vs. leadership, correction Vs. punishment, setting rules and boundaries and laying out my expectations of dog Vs. being a pack leader. I find I do indeed have to lead my pack (I'm a dog sitter). I set the house rules, who eats when and where, who toilets when and where, who sleeps where, when to play (including how to play, intervening when its too rough). I have used NILIF for many years and it is effective in managing a dog in a home–but I don't view any of this as dominance. I do view it as leadership and perhaps not in the classic sense of canine pack leader. I don't use harsh punishment, but, I certainly do train dogs using a leash and corrections as needed: standing still or turning in another direction to teach loose leash walking does not strike me as punishment but it is a correction “you do that and I do this.” So when we start to condemn anyone for advocating dominance and leadership, it just confuses me even more. Honestly I think we all have had to adjust our approaches based on the individuals. That said, you would never ever have found me pinning a dog to the ground or doing a mock “bite” by pushing my fingers into a dog's neck–not even thirty years ago, certainly not now, not ever. I won't, however, throw anyone under the bus for being a pack leader, establishing rules and expectations and using corrections when needed.
All great points. Stayed tuned. This is part two of the discussion.
Thank you!
I love this post. Love it. Love it. I just liked it in FB and posted it to my wall. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!!!!!
I love this debate
I think the root cause people are in a disagreement is because certain words (or most words) create different logical constructs in different people's minds.
I dont mean to push my own wares but since its super relevant, I'll provide a link to a post I've written about this very topic. http://dogandogs.com/alpha-dog-alpha-wolf-alpha…
In one person's mind the term “pack leader” is someone who is able to extract the best effort out of the individual (dogs are people too
and motivate that dog (or human) into productive cooperation and peaceful equilibrium.
To another person the term “pack leader” is someone who uses force, coercion, etc.
There are a lot of “things” that come from the 2nd approach, like the aforementioned alpha roll.
I've been meaning to write a post about it for a while since I believe there are two instances when it can be done and its appropriate and about a million instances when it shouldn't even be attempted.
I guess I'll give one away here
I “alpha-roll” dogs ALL THE TIME. I train them to lay down on their side/back and I rub their bellies. This is not the forceful, “dominant” type of alpha roll; its a playful, “let me rub your belly” kind
Alpha roll is about trust, not dominance. Dogs expose their soft tissue (which another dog could bite into) and if they didn't trust you, they wouldn't do it. This “game” enhances trust and what “leader” wouldn't want that?
Sorry…dont mean to go on and on….
I've enjoyed reading the post and everybody's comments. And I hope I've contributed to the conversation in some small way
Salute
I love this debate
I think the root cause people are in a disagreement is because certain words (or most words) create different logical constructs in different people's minds.
I dont mean to push my own wares but since its super relevant, I'll provide a link to a post I've written about this very topic. http://dogandogs.com/alpha-dog-alpha-wolf-alpha…
In one person's mind the term “pack leader” is someone who is able to extract the best effort out of the individual (dogs are people too
and motivate that dog (or human) into productive cooperation and peaceful equilibrium.
To another person the term “pack leader” is someone who uses force, coercion, etc.
There are a lot of “things” that come from the 2nd approach, like the aforementioned alpha roll.
I've been meaning to write a post about it for a while since I believe there are two instances when it can be done and its appropriate and about a million instances when it shouldn't even be attempted.
I guess I'll give one away here
I “alpha-roll” dogs ALL THE TIME. I train them to lay down on their side/back and I rub their bellies. This is not the forceful, “dominant” type of alpha roll; its a playful, “let me rub your belly” kind
Alpha roll is about trust, not dominance. Dogs expose their soft tissue (which another dog could bite into) and if they didn't trust you, they wouldn't do it. This “game” enhances trust and what “leader” wouldn't want that?
Sorry…dont mean to go on and on….
I've enjoyed reading the post and everybody's comments. And I hope I've contributed to the conversation in some small way
Salute
Oftentimes this is a debate over words and the meaning of words. However I think that at least as often it's an argument over strategy, tactics, and what is and is not acceptable when it comes to handling dogs.
If you look at the comments in my Cesar Millan related posts and at similar posts around the web you'll see people using the language of pack leadership to justify alpha rolls, hanging, kicking, and slapping dogs. (When they are not denying that alpha rolls, hanging, kicking and slapping dogs is actually not alpha rolls, hanging, kicking and slapping dogs, that is.)
These words do bring this sort of baggage with them, and we need to recognize that fact. I'm not prepared to completely stop using them as some people advocate, but I do believe in calling it as I see it.
Your definition of leader is pretty close to mine, as you'll read (hopefully) next week.
I would also argue that your alpha roll is not a repositioning of the “classic” version but something completely different. With the old version the dog was forced to expose that soft area – something that just doesn't exist in nature. In yours the dog does it willingly, which is as natural as could be. That's a tremendous difference. (I call it a belly rub, but I'm kind of simple-minded that way.
)
Oftentimes this is a debate over words and the meaning of words. However I think that at least as often it's an argument over strategy, tactics, and what is and is not acceptable when it comes to handling dogs.
If you look at the comments in my Cesar Millan related posts and at similar posts around the web you'll see people using the language of pack leadership to justify alpha rolls, hanging, kicking, and slapping dogs. (When they are not denying that alpha rolls, hanging, kicking and slapping dogs is actually not alpha rolls, hanging, kicking and slapping dogs, that is.)
These words do bring this sort of baggage with them, and we need to recognize that fact. I'm not prepared to completely stop using them as some people advocate, but I do believe in calling it as I see it.
Your definition of leader is pretty close to mine, as you'll read (hopefully) next week.
I would also argue that your alpha roll is not a repositioning of the “classic” version but something completely different. With the old version the dog was forced to expose that soft area – something that just doesn't exist in nature. In yours the dog does it willingly, which is as natural as could be. That's a tremendous difference. (I call it a belly rub, but I'm kind of simple-minded that way.
)
lol..Im kinda simple minded that way too
Looking fwd to the next installment
lol..Im kinda simple minded that way too
Looking fwd to the next installment
I was searching for information for my own blog post about training. We recently adopted 2 puppies and have been inundated with well meaning advice from all directions. Last week I was landblasted on Facebook and accused of abusing my dogs and using the alpha roll over, which is blatantly untrue, but the person read between the lines of my blog to come to her own conclusions and ended her 2 day rant by calling me the N word (yes, I'm black).
Like most pet owners, I want to do whats best for my dogs. I adore them. I can't even begin to tel you how excited I am to have found this post and your blog. I'm looking forward to reading part two.
You wrote what I haven't been able to articulate and brought clarity to all of the contrary view points I've received on what's proper blog training. I've been told to that I HAVE to do an alpha roll over, why??? Instead, my puppies roll over on their own, we give them tummy rubs and tickles and sing itsy bitsy spider. Silly, I know, but they love it and it's funny.
I've been told that I have to maintain my role as “alpha,” but I'd much rather be seen as mommy by my puppies. They're almost 11 weeks old and although they're littermates, they're very well behaved, they're picking up on their training quickly, and they're healthy and happy. They're socialized, they'll be attending puppy class (separately), and we play with them together as well as separately. It's so much fun. Why ruin this by scaring them?
Wow. It's sad how vicious and abusive people can get, on both “sides” of the debate.
I'm glad this has been able to help. There is a way to be a good leader and “pet parent” without being scary and it sounds like you have found it.
While I never make up my mind by just reading/hearing an opinion (and I hope others would do the same), I found this article interesting and something to think about.
I have been trying to be “dominant” over my 9 month old pittie with a dominant personality (but sweet beyond words with everyone, including my young son.) Recently at the vet, I was told he is the epitome of what a pit should be (in the good sense…one of the sweetest and most tolerant ones they’ve ever seen.) He was super excited and bouncing all over the place, but he let them draw blood by rolling on his back and showing his tummy the whole time.
Whether it’s my dominant-stance or just his temperament, a combination of both, or due to another reason, I have no idea.
My one question is….you say that in the wild if a wolf doesn’t like the current order, he can just go off to start his own pack (this makes a lot of sense and a good point.) In captivity, however, is when things change and the order has to be determined. Wouldn’t that then hold true for dogs and people within a household, because they cannot just go off and start their own pack?
It depends on whether or not you consider a domesticated animal in your household “in captivity.” I would say not – dogs are both domesticated and tame. The wolves were pulled from their natural environment, placed in groups (not really packs,) and not permitted to hunt like they normally do. As a result they clashed over resources presumably because they could not simply forage out and get more.
Is this a fair comparison to a dog living in a home with people? For one thing, it still assumes that dogs look to us as “pack members” when there is more and more evidence that they treat us differently that they do each other.
I’m curious about something you said about your dog. He has a “dominant personality” but he’s also “sweet beyond words with everyone.” How do you reconcile the two? There is no scientific basis for a dominant personality – dominance is a relationship, not a trait – so I am curious to hear you describe what it means to you.