It is important for any pet owner to secure the alpha position. The safety of the pet and the family could depend on this one factor.
In the wild, all animals back down from their more aggressive counterpart. In herds, the alpha individual determines migration routes, when to move, and where to drink. In packs, the alpha pairs lead in the hunt and are the only mating couple, while the rest of the pack cares for the young. Within the first twenty-four hours of a young animal’s life, they are taught everything they need to know to survive.
As a pet owner these few simple steps will maintain the alpha dog principle in your home assuring dominance and correct response when an emergency arises.
These steps are for dogs and cats, as well as, most animals. First, the human always goes first, first out of the door, first into the house, first into the car and always half a step ahead when walking. From the moment the pet is handled, cradle it in your arms as you would a baby and stare into its eyes. When the animal relaxes and turns its head away from your gaze, then it can be released. When feeding, have the animal wait until you decide to put down the feed bowl and as the animal is eating take the food away and have them wait. In the case of a dog, have them sit before you put the bowl back down.
These few easy steps will maintain a secure balance of power in your home and keep your pet relaxed. The Wisconsin Humane Society and the Bay View Bark offer obedience classes to help establish this concept.
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