How can you tell who the dog thinks is the master?

Of course, when a puppy comes into the house, it is usually a great joy for all members of the family. But we should not forget about responsibility, as we need to educate the animal from the first day it was taken into the house. As a rule, one of the first concepts that should appear in the dog, is the awareness of who in the house is the master, “leader of the pack”, because otherwise, the animal will certainly try on this role.

Who chooses whom?

Does the dog look into the eyes of who is considered its master?

Since a dog is considered a pack animal, it considers the family in which it lives to be a pack. It makes sense that since humans live in the family, the dog occupies the lowest rung, but instinctively tries to reach a higher level. The pet will consider the leader to be the one who will dominate it. The main for the animal will be that member of the family, which initially demonstrates to her that he is the main one here.

One of the indicators that the dog has chosen a particular person as its master is its loyal look. After all, if you notice, when a dog is busy playing games or following commands, he rarely looks anyone in the eye. As a result of eye contact between the pet and the owner, the dog’s body produces oxytocin, the hormone of love and affection. Staring into the eyes of another dog will cause the animal to feel uncomfortable (try to turn away), and sometimes even aggressive.

How does the “owner selection” process work?

Over time puppy learns who’s boss in the family

Of course, when new to the house it’s hard for puppy to understand the pecking order between family members. He begins to like everyone in the house emotionally. On average, it takes until the fifth month of life for a puppy to start liking one of the family members as an owner. Although much depends on the breed of dog.

The training of the animal can begin when he became accustomed to the new family and for himself understand the existing hierarchy. Besides sympathy, which is a part of attachment of the animal to humans, the feeling of safety and knowledge received from the man in the process of education – rewards and punishments, propriety of actions, etc. play an important role.

How to become a packmaster

The dog chooses “with his heart”, and it does not deceive him

Of course, the obedience of the pet, its love and affection to the leader must be earned. To take a leadership position, a person needs to be there for their pet during difficult times in life – vaccinations, illnesses, “battles” with other dogs, etc. In order for a pet to be obedient and intelligent, it is imperative that it be exercised.

People who walk the dog, play with it, feed it, teach it at least the basics of training, protect it from dangers, treat it strictly but fairly are more likely to become a pack leader. A dog is very sensitive to the atmosphere in a family, and most likely it will not choose an owner who spoils it all the time, even if that person gives it food.