This was just an odd question my wife and I was discussing.

We understand that we have to respect the pack order (higher rank gets greeted first, fed first, treated slightly better). We do so to the best we can, but our pups are still a bit too young (we believe) and have not worked it out yet.

The question then is: Can pack order be manipulated? Being the Alphas - can we choose who is higher rank based on behavior and/or obedience? I'm not saying that we are going to attempt this. It's more of an academic question. We were wondering if it were even possible.

For instance, when I give the "sit" command to to both my pups. I always give the treat to who responds first (not who is necessarily higher rank). Can this type of consistent training yield pups who's drive is to be more obedient? (So we are setting the criteria by which pack order is established).

Just wondering.
Thanks!
David C

 Quote:

Originally posted by David Chau:
We understand that we have to respect the pack order (higher rank gets greeted first, fed first, treated slightly better).

Yes, this seems to be the current “belief” in popular dog literature, although it used to be the other way around for quite some time. I personally don’t subscribe to either philosophy. Having 3 bitches (a mother and two 14-mos old puppies) I don’t have time or energy to agonize over which one is the dominant. My puppies are pretty matched in temperament and have been see-sawing back and forth from birth. One day one is on top, the next day the other. I simply don’t tolerate any sign of dominant aggression from either, or their mother. As far as I’m concerned there’s only one leader--myself. If they want to establish their own secret pack order, it’s fine with me as long as it doesn’t interfere with my agenda <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> . If this is considered “manipulation of pack order”, then I guess it can be done. Does this kind of manipulation create indelible psychological scars? I haven’t noticed, but at least we managed to avoid physical scars.

There are no set rules or formulas to be adhered to in dog training. You have to constantly watch and adjust accordingly. Some dogs may never be able to live together, but most of them can--if you provide leadership and consistency.

“For instance, when I give the "sit" command to to both my pups. I always give the treat to who responds first (not who is necessarily higher rank).”

Common sense would indicate that this is correct. That’s what it’s all about--common sense.

Can pack Order be Mainipulated?

Yes I think it can but seems to leaves certain matters unresolved and if left by themselves the fur will fly. If you let a natural pack order exist the structure is set until a weakness is seen or found in the pack leader.

Usually when you manipulate it theres always an resolve matter at hand, you alway will have to keep them separated or well supervised. Because like two champion boxers they want to test the other in order to see who is really the Alpha.

So yeah I've seen it manipulated and and I've seen well supervised good results and some terrible fights as a result of poor owner supervison, Just because you established an order doesn't mean it's set in stone.

Like mentioned the only order that really needs to be established is that you are Alpha and that you superivise your group.