Pack Mentality
Understanding the Nature of the Pack

More often than not, pet dog owners are often bewildered by what their dogs do. We often read about a 'pack' and about the 'pack leader', yet we just don't get the significance of these words in our relationship with our pet dogs. A pet's dependency on humans does not mean our pets' inborn way of thinking is switched to a human point of view. As much as our pet bewilders us, our pets are very much clueless about what the fuss is all about.

A pet dog is reared by its parents by way of 'pack mentality'. In herds or packs of animals, there is a silent formation where the animals organize behind a pack leader. A leader of the pack NEVER…projects nervousness, panic or tension. For a pack animal, a leader exhibiting any uncertainty gets challenged for the role as leader.

Pack mentality is ingrained in young pups and the need to find a place or status in a pack is necessary. Dogs are simple animals, the roles available are just two: as leader and as follower. Humans put a high price on individuality and their ability to be leaders in their own right, but with dogs it is just an either/or situation.

For a pack leader, a dog is identified as a leader by projecting and having a calm-assertive energy. Since dogs communicate through energy, a calm-assertive energy which I call BEINGNESS, is what a pack leader exudes. This is who and what a pack leader is at all times, never wavering.  A pack leader's calm-assertive manner instills a sense of balance within the pack. Dogs do not go by any gender, a female can be pack leader once she has exhibited that right to lead.