The Natural German Shepherd Instinct

The Natural German Shepherd Instinct

Your dogs most important instinct is the pack instinct. This is essential information for you to know in order to have a happy and comfortable relationship with your dog. Knowing about your dog’s inherent pack instinct is so significant because this is what establishes your connection with your pet.

Even at the stage of puppy hood, dogs are very outgoing and sociable animals. They like to be around and live with other sociable beings in a cluster or pack. A hierarchy is created within that pack. At the top of the ranking is the leader, the most assertive one in the group. He is the head of the pack, the one who makes the rules and sees that they are being followed. He is the one who makes most of the decisions.

Next you will have a second leader, then the third one, down to the most passive and submissive of all. Knowing exactly their status and where each one stands with one another is what creates security and camaraderie.

Dogs have pact instincts, meaning that they like to belong and be a part of the team. That is why they fit so perfectly as a member of the human family. Unlike cats that are ant-sociable and very independent animals, dogs are pack animals that are very outgoing and happier with being part of the group.

Once the puppy becomes a part of your household, even if the household is just you, a pack is automatically created, at least in your puppy’s point of view. His inherent instinct will immediately compel him to look for its structure. Who will be the leader? Who will be the follower? Because most dogs are not secure in an environment without a leader, you need to establish yourself as the leader right away or he will assume the position himself.

Most dogs are very content and happy to be followers as long as you are willing and able to be the leader. But how do you do that? How do you hold the position of being the leader of the pack?

Establishing yourself as the leader of the pack should begin immediately, preferably in the puppy hood stage. Below are some suggestions on how you can establish leadership with your dog:

1. Praise and reward him whenever he demonstrates good behavior.

2. Stop him right away whenever he does something that you do not like.

3. Train him how to obey.

4. Develop consistency with house rules. If he was not allowed on the bed yesterday, then he’s not allowed on the bed today.

5. Be firm that he behaves in public.

6. Be firm that he behaves and accepts being groomed.