Pack Structure

Dogs acquire most of their traits from their ancestors, wolves. Wolves live in a hierarchal pack where there are no equals. They place themselves in the order of dominance with the most submissive having the least power. Through interaction and behavior towards each other, a pack leader is determined who is responsible for the protection and feeding of the pack. Dogs also possess this characteristic from birth where their mother introduces them to the pack structure while living in the litter. Hence, this pack structure is also applicable when a dog comes into human family.
The most common problem encountered by dog owners is perhaps their dog complying with the commands of some family members while ignoring others completely. Hence, understanding of the pack structure in imperative to understand why dogs behave in such manner. Although we humans perceive dogs to be animals, for the dogs, we are members of their pack regardless of whether we are dogs or animals. Like in the hierarchal structure of its canine pack, the dog applies the ladder like formation in human pack too: family members will be placed on rungs of the ladder in the order in which the dog see them.  Those it perceives to be above it will be placed above it whereas those it perceives to be below it will be put on the lower rungs. If the dog perceives someone to be below it in the hierarchal structure, it will never stay under the dominance of that person. Therefore, to make your dog adhere to your commands, you must establish yourself as a good pack leader. You have to lead your dog not vice versa. However, you cannot just become a pack leader. You have to establish yourself as the pack leader in the dog’s eyes by following the basic duties of a pack leader.
How to become a good pack leader
If you are not being able to handle your dog properly, then the weakness is in your part as you have not be able to prove to the dog that you are the pack leader. In a wolves pack, the pack leader it not only the epitome of strength but also comes forth in defense, hunting as well as providing love and care to the pack. Basically, the pack leader provides and keeps the pack intact. Hence, it is important that the dog-owner or trainer be the same. If the dog looks up to you as the pack leader, then it is sure to do as you say as it will understand that you are the one in power.
You have to reinforce your authority in day to day activities by not letting your dog lead you in any circumstances. For instance, when you take your dog out for walk, make sure you are the one who is walking in the front, not your dog. If you give your dog the liberty to walk forth, then it will perceive itself as the leader. Remember, power can always be overthrown be it a canine pack or a human one.

Handling more than one dog at home
When dogs live in a group, they determine their hierarchal structure amongst themselves immediately. In case you are dealing with more than one dog at home, always remember to give the dogs priority according to their hierarchal position which is distinguishable in very easily. Always give you attention to the most dominant one because if you don’t then the leader will take it as an insult and vent its anger on other dogs who it will think are challenging it. This will only cause chaos.  In case you do not know the power structure of your dog, hold a food treat in the air. The dominant dog will always jump the highest, the second dominant next and so on. The least dominant will always aim for the food last.
Children and dogs
It is almost impossible for dogs to see young children above them in the power ladder since they are weak and less dominant. In dog’s perception, children under the age of 10 or 12 yrs is always below it in the pack structure and it is important for dog owners to understand this. In case children are given attention prior to the dog, the dog gets jealous and may resort to aggressive ways to vent its anger. This is when biting occurs. Such problem may be prevented simply by acknowledging your dog before your children. Since dogs are instant animals, a quick pat is sufficient to satisfy it. It is also important that dogs and children play together under supervision.

Hence, understanding code of behavior by which a dog lives will make it possible for dog-owners as well as trainers to correct and control their dogs without causing any unnecessary problems.