The Blogging Dog - Misinterpreting Alpha Behaviors and The Human Obstacle

• 

  HNY

• 

  IMG_6179

• 

  IMG_1493

• 

  12a

• 

  raider

• 

  K

One of the most common obstacles in behavior modifying is the inability for humans to diagnose the difference between "Alpha" behaviors/tendencies - and the "fight" option of "fight or flight".

"Fight or Flight" describes the normal natural tendency of a canine to resolve unsure situations - and is a general rule of thumb amongst behaviorists and trainers. However, these aren't generally displayed by a true Alpha dog - or confident leader. It is generally assumed, amongst humans, that aggressive behaviors fall into the Alpha category.....almost bullying. When, in fact, most often we are seeing an insecure dog resolving his insecurity by choosing fight over flight - again....often because we have closed off avenues of retreat, expecting the dogs to resolve or learn through the issues or anxiety.

Alpha behavior is fluid within a pack, and recognizes the dominant leader for any task at hand. Often, that is the same dog over and over - but not always. The dog who defers out of an altercation generally is displaying a better understanding of survival and communication within his given environment. Let it be fluid, Encourage deference within confrontation. Do everything you can as an owner to calm the scene, so that fight or flight doesn't get initiated.....that's where the work is. The human obstacle creates a mismatch, and wants a altruistic leader....when they function better as a pack who can problem solve and let the leaders emerge as they may. Always work with space, and encourage the consumption of the environment before reacting to it.