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 Excerpt from "Dog Training For Law Enforcement"
© by R.S. Eden
PACK INSTINCT
This module will enable you to understand the socialization patterns of your dog. For us to really understand and be able to communicate fully with our partner we must first learn to think as he does and learn to relate to them the way they relate to us. To be able to do this we must learn about their basic instincts.
All canine species have a definite pack structure, with each animal in the pack having a specific social rank.
The leader of the pack is the Alpha male. In the wild he is the most aggressive male and can only be forced out of his position by severe aggression. He is the sire of the pups in the pack with rare exceptions, and is responsible for pup survival. He is constantly challenged for his position by the Beta male but remains secure in his position as the "boss" as long as he re- mains the strongest.
The next member of social ranking in the pack is the Alpha female. She along with the Alpha male are responsible for raising as many pups as are required to sustain the pack. She will be the prime producer of pups, occasionally mating with male members of the pack other than the Alpha male, and preventing the other females of the pack from reproducing.
Next in line is the Beta male. He is the most likely successor to the Alpha male and is constantly challenging and testing him. He is usually related to the Alpha male or Alpha female and will on occasion mate with the Alpha female.
They are followed in order, by low ranking males, who are often independent and will often form new packs with other low ranking members, then low ranking females, the juvenile members and finally the pups.
This pack structure is important to us in that your new puppy, as he grows into adulthood will relate to the other mem bers of your family using this socialization behavior.
In a family where the dog is being raised as a Police Service Dog (PSD), it is very important that he be allowed to maintain the position of a Beta male. The handler will be the Alpha male and his wife becomes the Alpha female. If one under stands the pups socialization pattern, this will assist the family raising the PSD to maintain the dogs confidence and social position.
Should every member of the family attempt to dominate the dog and he is not allowed to maintain his position, his confidence may wane, causing extensive problems for the prospective guard or protection dog. This does not mean the dog is allowed to do anything he wants, nor does it mean that the children of the family cannot give him commands, but the majority of commands and corrections should be given only by the handler.
BONDING
Feeding, grooming, and play are also important in this socialization process. In playing with the pup, let him win once in a while. Whether it be tug of war, or just wrestling around. This allows him to build and maintain his confidence as well as cement a strong bond between dog and handler.
The importance of this bond cannot be stressed enough. Particularly in the PSD. It takes many hours of work, play and just plain old constant association and companionship to build up that bond.
To be a successful trainer, you must have a genuine love for your dog and he must be allowed to display the same affection towards you. He will do this by playing, staying close, or even by working harder. A well bonded dog lives to hear praise from his master and will do anything to obtain it. This is the key to training and can only be obtained if you are dedicated to working with your dog consistently and taking the time to understand him.
If you take the time to study your partners behavior and work on the bonding process it won't be long before you will be able to read and anticipate what your partner is going to do, and understand why, even before he does it because the two of you are communicating.
Note: More advanced information on this subject during sessions instructed at the International Police K9 Conferences held annually in various locations throughout North America.
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