Signs of Alpha Dog Behavior

In a natural dog pack, there will always be an ''alpha" to lead the pack and provide guidance. Today, the dog's pack is the dog's family where owners should take over the alpha role. When this takes place, dogs are naturally submissive and relaxed. But when owners are unable to fill this important role, their dog will take over, often with dangerous consequences.

  1. Preferences for Height

    • In a dog pack, the alpha dog will always sleep on the highest spots so that he can keep an eye over the pack's territory. In a domestic setting, alpha dogs will sleep on beds and couches, often becoming reluctant--or worse, aggressive towards humans--when forced to jump off.

    Leash Pulling

    • In a dog pack, the alpha dog leads and the rest of the pack follows. In a domestic setting, alpha dogs will pull their owners, even dragging them helplessly around.

    Resource Guarding

    • An alpha dog may exhibit aggression when he is eating a bone or playing with a toy he feels is valuable. The dog may growl and bite if somebody tries to take his toy or food away, or even steps too closely to the dog.

    Staring

    • In a dog pack, a dog staring another dog is trying to intimidate. In a domestic setting, dogs should look away when their owners look at them for a few seconds.

    Disobedience

    • Dominant dogs will refuse to obey their owner's commands. A dog refusing to lie down generally is a dog that is seriously challenging its owner's authority. Often, when corrected, alpha dogs may also resort to aggressive behaviors.

    Considerations

    • Living with an alpha dog can mean serious trouble. Alpha dogs can exhibit aggressive behaviors, especially toward weak leaders and children. Owners must consider consulting a dog behaviorist to retrieve their alpha status, have their dog obedience trained and bring the dog back into the calm, submissive state they are supposed to maintain.