The pack concept is more than a century old, but most modern behavioral scientists argue that the term simplifies dog social dynamics. In the past, the pack was thought of as a militaristic hierarchy defined by dominance and aggression. Nowadays, professional trainers and behavioral researchers advocate a more complex understanding of how dogs interact with humans and each other.Since dogs and humans have evolved together for many thousands of years, dog social structures are more comparable to those of humans than they are to wolves and other animals.Given these advancements in research, rewards-based training routines based on positive reinforcement are generally preferred over training based on dominance and punishment.;
, Focus on how you, your pets, and other members of your household form a particular family. Where a pack might be based on elements of survival, like hunting, you and your dog’s family involves more complicated inter-species interactions.In terms of training, stressing “pack” over “family” often involves force, intimidation, and similar techniques that have fallen out of favor among professional dog behaviorists.
To understand dog social dynamics and offer your dog the most effective training, it’s important to consider specifics, including your dog’s personality, history, and breed or breed mix. When training or socializing your dog put nuances, such as whether your dog has a history of neglect or anxiety, ahead of trying to be the authoritative alpha., Even if dogs and humans have co-evolved for millennia, they are nonetheless different species. Your dog can understand that you’re not a dog, and that you’re not just animals hunting and living in a pack. Therefore, you should think of your “pack” in more complicated terms, especially when training and socializing your dog.Recent behavioral research has shown that your dog isn’t trying to be a “pack alpha” when it misbehaves. Rather, it’s either responding negatively to situations it associates with stress or acting in ways it thinks will result in rewards, like food or attention.
Learn about the origins of the pack concept.
Understand the differences between “pack” and “family.” By focusing too much on the idea of a pack, you might risk overlooking important specific factors.
Remember that your dogs know you’re not a dog.
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