In this article we are going to explore some of the basics of dog psychology. Taking the time to understand your dog’s psyche a bit better will prove to be quite helpful in understanding your dog and in applying it when you train your dog.

Reasons Behind Dog’s Thinking

It is amazing when you think about how far our dog’s descendants have evolved since the old wolf days. The way domestic dogs have adapted themselves to human socialization is really quite fascinating.

It is necessary that the dogs of today learn to live and understand that it is us, not them who are the superior breed. Dogs must learn, through training, a sense of trust and bonding with us. In this way they will realize that the two of you have a strong bond and that when he pleases you, he will be rewarded. This doesn’t always have to involve food!

A Wolf Descendant

To better understand dog psychology it is important to understand how wolves live. Wolves live in the wild in packs of two or more. They use a strictly defined dictatorship system of males and females.

There is always an Alpha Leader in each pack who is almost always the largest male in the pack. The other wolves will dutifully follow the alpha male with great respect.

Dogs have been able to adapt to human society over the years simply because we have many social values that are the same. We have similar social organization and instinctive psychological structures with dogs which make us perfect companions for each other. Wolves share chores within the pack especially when it comes to food. For example, one wolf may scout out good hunting grounds, another may do the actual killing and another may be the one to keep guard. And, just like us humans, the alpha dog gets the high end cuts while the rest make do with leftovers! (Sound familiar?)

Put The Hierarchy System To Work For You

Your dog’s first impression of your family is that you are a part of a pack. You can be assured that he will be watching everyone carefully to find out who is the alpha dog and then try to figure out where exactly he stands in his new pack.

You dog will be checking out the tone of voice and how everyone interacts, along with the physical size and dominance of everyone.

Establishing the Alpha Role

It is essential to establish yourself (or else another responsible adult in your household) as the alpha leader. The sooner this is established, the fewer behavioral problems you will see.

But, not only do you have to teach who the alpha dog is, you also have to show him the rest of the hierarchy of the family, including children. He must have no confusion as to where he stands in his new pack, which is at the bottom!

Your dog must understand that even children are above his rank, but you must make sure that there is always someone who is in charge. If your dog doesn’t perceive that a situation is under control he may take charge himself, which can lead to disobedient and destructive behavior.

It is hard for a dog to realize that he is below the rank of children, given their small size, their dependence on adults and their unpredictable behavior. But if your dog doesn’t understand this hierarchy it can lead to aggressive behavior, resulting in the occasional nip or worse.

It will only be through consistent, disciplined dog training that you will help your dog realize his lowly position in life. This, despite the fact that he is spoiled rotten!

Alex is a freelance graphic artist with a passion for writing and dogs. She has a long and personal history with dogs and knows what works and what doesn’t when teaching them. If you liked this article, check out some of of her others; Are You Making Your Dog Overweight? or Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?.