Puppy leadership

Some argue that dogs do not form hierarchal packs with humans - information based on studies of dogs in the wild and domestic dogs in both controlled and uncontrolled environments. In these circles, rank reduction programmes are without merit and in severe instances, will induce aggression in response to inappropriate correction (often guised as training).

While there are such rituals (or methods of training) that are nothing more than meaningless motions, and in some cases, detrimental to the dog's emotional stability, there is something to be understood about balancing the relationship of a dog within its family unit.

Consider that dogs share in excess of 97% of their genes with Wolves and the fact that both species can still procreate with each other indicates how closely related they still are. We naturally expect dogs to adapt to our human world (and many do without remark), and we treat them as equals. However, dogs, like wolves and other canine species can not live as equals; they either lead or are led in each circumstance.

Dogs without boundaries or inconsistent boundaries will live as opportunists, establishing their own rules and stirring conflict when otherwise accepted behaviour is denied. Furthermore, enforcing obedience to a dog without clear boundaries is counter-productive, not to mention plagues a dog with unnecessary confusion, which translates to stress.