Do Dogs Sleep With the Alpha Human?
Do Dogs Sleep With the Alpha Human?
One of the most extraordinary aspects of a dog's personality is their ability to bond with people. The bond between people and dogs is based on trust and loyalty.
Dogs live in a pack, which is a social structure centered on a hierarchy. In a pack, there is an alpha male and female that leads the rest of the pack.
Dogs are pack animals
Many people believe that dogs, like wolves, are pack animals. They have an instinctive understanding of a chain of command and look to the number one dog (also called the alpha) for leadership, structure, and protection.
The pack leader is responsible for hunting prey, defending the territory, and providing leadership to younger members of the pack. If the alpha fails to provide these services, a less-fit individual may challenge his position.
This can result in unwanted dominance behaviors such as peeing on or marking the bed, growling, and stealing food.
To avoid these problems, you should not let your dog sleep with you in the same room. Instead, place a doggie bed on the floor beside your bed so that they are not in your personal space.
They want to be near you
Dogs are pack animals and, by nature, sleep in a defensive position where their noses are to the wind to pick up any smells that might signal a threat. When they snuggle up close to you or want to sleep with you, they're showing that they trust you and feel safe.
One school of thought is that letting an alpha dog sleep with you may encourage him to assume dominance in the pack structure. This can lead to aggressive behavior, growling, peeing in the bed, marking territory for sleeping and other issues.
If you are worried about allowing your dog to sleep with you, consider getting a separate doggie bed for them in the bedroom. Do not allow them to sleep on the bed until their behavior and training have improved.
They want to protect you
It is a natural instinct for dogs to get protective of their owners. Whether they feel threatened by people or other animals, they want to protect their family members.
They do this by alerting and defending the house or shelter they consider theirs. They also tend to be aggressive and protective of things they consider theirs such as food, toys, or dog beds.
Some dogs, especially those bred to be protectors, can show signs of possessive behavior by growling or snapping when they think another pet or person is trying to take what they consider theirs.
If this is the case, it’s essential to teach your dog that you are the alpha human and they must submit to your authority.
One way to get your dog to respect you is to increase the amount of handling you give them. Start with just a little pressure with your hands and gradually work up to using your entire body. This will make them more comfortable with you and they will be more willing to submit to your leadership.
They want to bond with you
Some people worry that allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you may encourage alpha behavior and aggression problems. The problem is that dogs can interpret this as you being on top of them in the pack hierarchy, and they'll start acting out accordingly.
To avoid this, try to stay above your dog at all times if possible. Using a firm voice and standing up tall can help you achieve this.
Another way to help your dog bond with you is by playing frisbee together. Take your dog out to a park or in your backyard, if you have enough space, and throw a Frisbee for him to catch in his mouth and bring back to you.
You can also help your dog bond with you by petting them and being affectionate. Some dogs love being pampered, while others just want to snuggle and have their belly tickled.