There is a lot to be learned from watching dogs interact in groups. Often you will see a clear hierarchy which is established based on a few elements present within a particular pack.
One of the key elements to leadership is function, the function of a group. In lots of cases this function is based on success or survival, safety, and boundaries.
What elements are consistent in leadership which we see in both human and canine relationships?
The ability to listen and assess effectively, we are reading body language – posture – physical gestures – changes in facial expression.
Making assessments of energy, observing social distances relating to how comfortable we feel about our own personal space, respecting others.
Sensitivity in our processing of information and response, depending on the context – a sense of urgency – are we asking or telling?
All these elements depend on who we are individually, our experience of the world, knowledge and training in a particular role.
This is no different for dogs.
Conditioning plays a huge part in these areas. We used to talk about alpha’s, this term was regularly used in dog training to define how we approached training and the development of dog’ usually in a more forceful way. But are increasingly less relevant to how we approach and perceive dogs and training now based on modern research.
Dogs are complex sentient beings who are driven by animalistic instinct. Social animals – for the most part, who enjoy and thrive on direction and purpose. Sound familiar?
When we look closer at the synergy between human and canine behaviour, we can certainly see why dogs are such a vital intrictal part of human existence.
There’s a reason for this, dogs have evolved to become invaluable members of our family, work, and personal support structures.
Their evolution from Grey Wolf (closest living ancestor) through time has given us a domestic animal retaining lots of the wolf’s instincts and hardwired behaviour.
Curious social animals, who form relationships for their own sense of wellbeing and source of survival.
Adaptable and live in groups with a clear hierarchy, thrive on clear direction and purpose.
With this socialisation comes a complex language of their own. Communication is vitally important to dogs as it is to humans.
Effective communication is key!
Subtle changes in body language, signals given by changes in facial features, movement of ears, position of tail, tension in body, are all signs of how dogs are feeling in the moment.
Feeling external energy plays a huge part in how dogs internalise their environment, and how they are likely to respond to stimulus in it.
Dogs will be talking to us and one another all the time, if we can learn the language and read them, this will only increase the likelihood of dog’s wanting to communicate with us even more.
Leadership and direction to purpose is usually well received by dogs, if delivered fairly and effectively.
Think about how much we employ dogs in various working roles in society. This is no accident as dogs love to have a job or role within a group or pack.
Developing this role is where the work starts. Knowing how to communicate effectively and how dogs learn will help us not only apply our fair leadership but set the rules – boundaries – limitations around our relationships.
This is an ongoing process which should be viewed in years of a dog’s life and not moments.
If we are working consistently with our dogs on a daily basis, communicating what is required and what you like by marking all appropriate behaviour – however small, by positive reward, then over time dogs will know and adapt to their position within the pack willingly. This process will be great for your bond and sense of wellbeing for all.
Correcting and discouraging canine behaviour is also of importance to developing a dog’s understanding of what is not required or appropriate. This also needs to be done with fairness in mind.
Dogs will correct other dogs if inappropriate behaviour is displayed.
They have a code of social etiquette which is essential and dependent on the individual dog, context of the environment.
Being direct and clear in our conversation, in the moment will mean less chance of confusion to a dog for what is appropriate and what isn’t.
Dogs will behave in typical canine fashion based upon hardwired canine behaviour.
If clear direct - fair leadership is presented from the start of a relationship, your relationship and bond will only be made that much stronger. A balance and sense of grounding will be established which will only lead to enhanced canine wellbeing.
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