Dominance in Dogs

You will learn: • Wolves in the wild do form packs, but they are largely peaceful and cooperative family units. • Many of the behaviors and drives that wolves live by have virtually disappeared from pet dogs due to the impact of selective breeding. • Poorly trained or under-socialized dogs may engage in certain behaviors such as resource guarding (food, toys) that may make them appear to be trying to assert dominance. However, these are problems that can be brought under control by training and management and will not be solved by an owner trying enforce his or her dominance over the dog. • Many of the training or "pack" rules associated with those who claim you must dominate your dog have no basis in reality in terms of wolf behaviors and. if taken to an extreme, can be harmful to your dog. • A simple and logical set of guidelines to raise and train a dog in a positive and effective manner.