Who my dog perceives as the pack leader?

Lee Charles Kelley

And the thing about myths is they usually serve some sociological purpose

And I'm inclined to agree with you, there. The use of that seems to serve some need, hence it's continued use. A couple of times, I have suggested, at least half-seriously, that "dominance" might be a human thing and it can color our perception.

I like the point in GoldenAC's post, too, that dog has evolved with Man into something different than the other canids. And it has been proven in various experiments that dogs do one thing that wolves and even other primates do not do. Dogs look to a human for cues. An affinity and ability to read human gestures, including subtle ones like a shifting of the eyes. Of course, wolves and chimps being wild are used to finding their own solutions.

In the role reversal play, I see something that relates to rewards, too. Whether it be social benefit or tasty treat, the dog heeds our call when we give to them, which might be described as social negotiation. And I would think the social benefit of play is also a reward, not too distant from DPU's use of affection as a reward. Honest, I'm not trying to steer this toward +R and associated tools, simply noting what I see as an underlying principle.

Lee Charles Kelley:

And the thing about myths is they usually serve some sociological purpose

 

And I'm inclined to agree with you, there. The use of that seems to serve some need, hence it's continued use. A couple of times, I have suggested, at least half-seriously, that "dominance" might be a human thing and it can color our perception.

I fully agree with this. People have leaders; dogs do not. The concept is meaningless to a dog. Spend your time training your dog instead of worrying about how to be your dog's leader.

RaceProfessor

From my observations, I'm still unsure to who my dog perceives as the pack leader, me or himself. He's obedient, not possesive of his food, follows commands most of the time, and walks well but he still has his gripes including an occasional slow or no response when called (particularly when outside and around unfamiliar animals/sounds), unruly behaviour when overly excited, still walks a wee bit ahead of me (his shoulder is in front of my knee), and worst of all, he urinates on the sofa when noone is home but leaves everything alone. Beside being mischievious sometimes (just turned 12 months) he's a very good dog. I may increase his excercise regimen to drain more of his energy but any input would be appreciated.

Well, except for peeing on the couch, he sounds like a pretty normal one-year-old, strong-willed, male dog. (I have one of those! LOL)

I think consistency and perseverance on your part will take care of most of the issues. The only one that concerns me is the inappropriate peeing. Does he have the opportunity to get outside during the day? Could this be a matter of not being able to "hold it"?

I would probably put something that he doesn't like on the sofa to keep him off of it completely while you're gone. Also, if you're not practicing NILIF, I would start that now. It helps a lot with Jaia.

Good luck!  

Good post, 4IC.

Well folks, I haven't a clue how it happened, but literally within days of creating this thread, things has made a 180 degree turn for the better. I now truly and sincerely believe that assertive "energy"  and confident body language really does work. He walks perfectly, on my right or left, inches from my leg, stops and sits when I stop, almost always comes when called indoors or outdoors, doesn't chase other animals during the walk, no longer jumps on me, etc. Hard to believe but he's an absolute dream. During low traffic hours I walk and bike with him off leash with no problems. I've gone as far as helping several people learn how to properly walk their dogs. Thanks for all the advice eveyone! Calm and assertive energy transformed my relationship with my boy!

That's great! Congratulations!  

RaceProfessor

I now truly and sincerely believe that assertive "energy"  and confident body language really does work. [...] Calm and assertive energy transformed my relationship with my boy!

Yeah...  

RaceProfessor

Well folks, I haven't a clue how it happened, but literally within days of creating this thread, things has made a 180 degree turn for the better. I now truly and sincerely believe that assertive "energy"  and confident body language really does work. He walks perfectly, on my right or left, inches from my leg, stops and sits when I stop, almost always comes when called indoors or outdoors, doesn't chase other animals during the walk, no longer jumps on me, etc. Hard to believe but he's an absolute dream. During low traffic hours I walk and bike with him off leash with no problems. I've gone as far as helping several people learn how to properly walk their dogs. Thanks for all the advice eveyone! Calm and assertive energy transformed my relationship with my boy!

 Rock-on, calm/assertive Pack Leader, rock on...