Way Of A Balanced Pack (7 Techniques)
To understand our dogs, we first have to acknowledge that they are pack animals by nature. Similar to humans, elephants, lions, and many other animals, dogs live in packs and each pack has a leader. The pack leader is the one that fulfills the pack’s needs as a whole, by providing food, protection, discipline, and direction.
Consider the mother, for example. From birth, puppies learn everything from their mother. It’s common to witness a mother carrying her puppies home when they wander off a bit too far, or protecting them from danger. The mother maintains order in her pack by providing the necessities of daily life. This is why dogs instinctively learn to follow pack leaders from puppyhood. It is our job as pack leaders to maintain this relationship by fulfilling our dog’s needs and keeping our pack balanced.
Here are some essential techniques for becoming a pack leader, and achieving balance and harmony within your pack:
WALK WITH YOUR DOG EVERYDAY
Pack leaders walk with their pack everyday for at least 45 minutes. If you can’t walk for 45mins for whatever reason, take your dog for a 15-minute run. Make sure that you are the one leading the way, and that your dog walks only after you do. Learn more…
BE CALM AND ASSERTIVE
Unlike humans, dogs follow calm and balanced pack leaders. The key to establishing calm and assertive energy is patience. Whatever happens – your dog misbehaves, barks at the door, or spoils the carpet – you should practice keeping calm. Approaching your dog with the right energy or being aware of your energy will set an example of what’s right and wrong. Learn more…
SETTING RULES, BOUNDARIES, AND LIMITATIONS
In nature, pack leaders fulfill the packs needs by providing protection and direction. Setting rules, boundaries, and limitations is the righteous way to direct your pack. When you see your dogs respecting these rules, reward them so they understand right from wrong.
EXERCISE, DISCIPLINE, AFFECTION
As pack leaders, we need to understand that dogs live in the instinctual world mainly, and the emotional, intellectual aspects come second. Humans, on the other hand, seem to have forgotten the instinctual part of life and go about things from an emotional and intellectual perspective. In nature, it is all about leadership.
READING YOUR DOG'S BODY LANGUAGE
Although humans use words to communicate, dogs can read energy and use it to communicate. Instead of making your dog used to words, we as pack leaders should become used to the dog’s body language instead. Becoming aware of your dog’s body language is essential to understand your dog better.
MEAL TIME
In nature, pack leaders fulfill their pack’s needs by providing food. Whether it is by hunting or scavenging, pack leaders always lead the way and provide food for their pack. You are really the one providing food for your pack, right? So, make sure that your dog knows that! Not only does it place you in the position of pack leader, it ensures your pack’s safety when it comes to eating off the streets. Learn more…
EYE CONTACT
An example on the importance of eye contact: playing fetch with your dog. When playing fetch, try holding the ball and observe if your dog is looking at you or at the ball. Learn more…