How to Understand the 'Leader of the Pack' Mentality in Dogs

Alpha Wolf Theory

• The alpha wolf theory is based on studies of wolves conducted by animal behaviorist Robert Schenkel in 1947 at the Zoological Institute of the University of Basel, Switzerland. Observations of wolves in captivity suggested that the alpha wolf status was established through violent rivalries. Because dog behavior back then was thought to be closely related to wolf behavior as observed in captivity, dog owners and trainers assumed that the best way for attaining leadership with dogs was through the use of force. Choke chains, pinch collars and electronic collars led to an era of dominance-based training to keep the dog in check.

Family-Based Theory

• More extensive research was conducted by wolf expert L. David Mech starting in 1986 by observing a pack of wolves in a natural setting on Ellesmere Island, Canada. These free-ranging wolves portrayed an entirely different picture of the hierarchical structure of wolf packs. Mech compared Schenkel's studies of wolves in captivity to studying humans in refugee camps. Mech's conclusion was that the typical wolf pack is ultimately a family composed by a breeding pair and their offspring. This study, published in the 1999 issue of the "Canadian Journal of Zoology," helped debunk the "alpha wolf" theory, paving the path to kinder methods of demonstrating leadership to dogs.

Benevolent Leader Theory

• With the publication of Karen Pryor's book, "Don̵7;t Shoot the Dog" in 1985, substantial changes took place in the world of dog training and behavior. The 1993 foundation of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers further promoted the use of reward-based training methods, significantly minimizing the use of aversion-based dominance techniques. Owners and trainers began to realize that leadership could be established by providing guidance and positive reinforcement instead of forcing dogs to obey through fear and submission.

Dominance Resurgence Theory

• In the wake of this kinder, gentler approach, the alpha wolf theory made a decisive comeback in 2004 with the rise of Cesar Millan's "Dog Whisperer," explains dog trainer Pat Miller, owner of Peaceable Paws in Fairplay, Maryland. Alpha rolls, collar scruffs and leash jerks became a trend for owners attempting to establish themselves as pack "leaders," following Millan's methods. Any unwanted behavior, from pulling the leash to jumping on counters, was attributed to a dog's attempt to assert dominance. This has caused many dogs to be erroneously labeled and treated as dominant, often with devastating effects. Several dog behavior experts agree that some of the 4.7 million dog bites occurring each year may be triggered by owners mimicking what they see on T.V., explains veterinarian and animal behaviorist, Sophia Yin, in an article for "Huffington Post."

Species-Specific Theory

• Many trainers and dog behavior experts came to the conclusion that because humans aren't canines, it's useless to act as if we were. Any human attempt to intrude into the social structure of dogs is doomed to failure, explains Pat Miller. Also, dogs aren't wolves in the same way that humans aren't chimpanzees, further adds veterinarian Sophia Yin, who works at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, California.

The Latest Theory

• If dogs aren't always attempting to dominate you, their bad behavior stems from other causes. Unruly dogs don't act up because of status-seeking aspirations for the most part, but simply because such behaviors have a history of being rewarded by their owner, according to the Association of Dog Trainers. The ultimate qualities of good leadership are predictability, dependability and trustworthiness: Combined, they make a compassionate and effective recipe for a close, enjoyable relationship between you and your dog.