The Pack Dynamic

The “pack” dynamic, as it is currently viewed, is both accurate and overemphasized greatly. There seems to be a growing number of trainers and behaviorists who wish to address the “pack” mentality as it applies to domesticated dogs. It is usually accompanied by a speech of how canines recognize rank, and that they wont act out against the wishes of higher ranking members of the “pack”. That speech is accurate, but at the same time (unless accompanied by thorough explanation ) very misleading. It tends to give an owner the idea that he or she can control through domination. It gets even worse when you see a trainer or behaviorist who takes dominating poses and uses harsh abrupt tones while working a dog. When you apply these forms in any sort to aggression therapy, or for that matter an under socialized dog (which is very common these days) your result is disastrous in most cases. The dog learns nothing and the handler is frustrated in the best case scenarios……..someone gets hurt in the worst case.
The first thing that needs to be understood is how the true “pack” mentality works. First of all, we are all familiar with it. Substitute the word “family” for “pack”, and substitute yourself for the dog. That is what true pack mentality is. The “pack” is not simply a list of dogs who can physically intimidate or beat you up. Your “pack” as it pertains to the canine world is their “family”……mom, dad, brothers, and sisters, close friends and buddies. Therefore, the notion that a trainer can gain insight into the dog through asserting domination – especially initially - is unfounded at best. The only argument against that would be to show training results – which is not a true barometer. We all know there is no question a dog will perform to avoid being intimidated physically or vocally – but we all also know that the performance drastically decreases once the dog is returned to his “pack”. The response from the trainer will be that you are not enforcing the rules enough. The truth is you never established rules to begin with, and your dog is totally confused right now.
Look at it from this angle, your teenage kiddo is acting up at school a little bit, and her grades have slipped. You hire a tutor who cracks the whip and helps her pass her finals. In the human world we consider that a success. But in the canine world, we don’t need the student to retain the information just long enough to blurb it out on a test…….we need them to really learn it. Learn it and then apply it in the real world – immediately. As long as you employ “pack” fundamentals of this caliber in your training foundation it becomes almost impossible to make positive progress with aggressive behavior.
Another, more realistic, example is the Animal Refuge Foundation (ARF) in Sadler, TX. It is a non profit, care for life facility that is owned and operated by Martha Hovers and a handful of her trusted friends and employees. The acreage holds 300 dogs, give or take, depending on the success of adoptions. The majority of which roam free. Common sense and observation will tell you that they don’t function as one large pack. They actually function as many independent smaller groups that are responsible for one another. Yet, there is no question that they all recognize and know who Martha is. She is there every day from sun up until sun down. She cleans, medicates, and feeds every day. The moral of my story is……..I could be as intimidating as I possibly can be to the dogs at ARF, I will never be Martha. Those dogs respond to her wishes and needs, just as she does to theirs. She provides shelter and food, along with medication and a warm bed. All she asks in return is that you try to get along with everyone else. Almost unbelievably, the dogs at ARF listen to Martha's wishes exceptionally well. Otherwise, she couldn't manage an operation the size of hers – that only runs on donations alone. It is an amazing site of what a true “pack” mentality is – and to tell ourselves….. with a few hours of body posturing and intimidation we can achieve pack leadership…….is just foolish. It is a trust, and a bond that must be built and nurtured.
Again, most of what any trainer or handler will tell you about the pack and its dynamics will be fairly accurate. There are leaders and followers. Anyone can lead if pushed into it or allowed to, and anyone can follow if they so desire. Just remember that’s no different than most people. Dogs do not see themselves as a sub species to the human race. They enjoy being treated fairly. The conditions are different for each dog on what they consider fair and unfair - based on what they've been exposed to and taught (especially in their youth). Your dog may consider boarding at your vets office a nice quiet retreat based on the idea that he gets so much activity and exercise with you that it doesn't bother him to take it easy and sleep most of the day for the weekend. On the other hand, maybe you don’t board very regularly and your dog sleeps in your bed with you…….your friend would find the vets office deplorable, but would be way more apt to enjoy a stay a lush canine retreat. Neither is correct or incorrect for a dog, it just varies depending on their “pack” dynamic. Remember, your dog formed his idea of “family” or “pack” way back in the puppy stages. This isn't new to him. His “pack” awareness doesn't click on and off like a switch. It is always there, just like our idea of “family”. A trainer can not and will not evoke “pack” sensitive behavior, unless he is directing you to take on intimidating roles with your dog….which is a horrible idea. The results that are reaped from that type of training are actually fear motivated responses. The dog will respond to avoid the negative interaction from the trainer - not because he respects him as a leader. Do not fool yourself into believing that your canine friend is so robotic.
In short, the pack dynamic is a wonderfully true statement about the canine world. It covers different species and breeds, and is a loving nurturing bond. We should consider ourselves lucky to be a part of it. It is also a responsibility of understanding your dogs needs and responses. The best trainers I have ever seen tend to train shelter dogs and strays more than anything, due to the fact that most of the work they do with families……is hands off. They instruct the families on how to build that nurturing bond, how to rationally display displeasure – not for your own therapy, but so that the dog truly can understand when and where certain behaviors are allowed and forbidden.