Pack Status Confusion

What the heck is Pack Status Confusion??   Well, I am so glad you asked!  A dog who is suffering from Pack Status Confusion can be a real pain in the neck.  This dog is constantly feeling anxious, because he is always in limbo.  He doesn't understand his role in the family unit (i.e. your household and the Humans who live in it).  This is usually because he keeps getting mixed signals from you, or someone else in the house.

They have a routine, but it's too loose for their personality.  They get to choose where they sleep.  They get to choose whether or not to eat what's provided.  They choose when to get or give any affection.  They "ask" or "beg" for the things they want, but will not allow you to touch them when you want to.  They seem to be elevating their responses to different situations, even preempting them with barking or growly behaviors when they don't know what's going to happen.  They get to choose when to initiate play.  Etc, etc.  

When you start thinking about your dogs' normal day, how many of those 'normal' things is the dog allowed to choose?  Some dogs cannot handle these mundane things, because they have such a keen sense of pack status.  When they see you allowing them to choose the best sleeping spaces (the couch) or providing them food when They beg/demand for it, they see you as potentially lower than themselves in the pack status.  They may try to assert this new position by offering a growl, or a snap when you try to physically push them off that sofa, or give you "the look" when you try to pet them. ***please note:  A lot of these "rude" behaviors can also show up if your dog is in pain or discomfort.  If your dog is presenting new, sudden bouts of aggressive responses, rule out discomfort First.*** 

These social cues can be where these dogs get confused.  They start thinking that you do not have it all under control.  They start seeing you as Less Than a Leader.  Worse, some of them start feeling like They have to take control, because in their doggie souls, a pack needs a leader.  

If you're leaning on the Positive Reinforcement fence, your dog needs The Ultimate Resource Provider to have it under control, or they will feel as though they have to take control.

No matter what training philosophy you are using, the bottom line is that in order for your dog to feel secure, he has to know that what you are telling him to do, is trustworthy.  That you will follow up and follow through with the things you ask/tell him.  Canines thrive on predictable routine.  Some breeds are so genetically designed to take orders, that allowing them to make their own decisions can create behavioral issues, such as aggressive responses, extreme stubbornness, or unpredictable behaviors with people and animals outside the home.

Dogs that fall in to this sort of confusion are usually of the fearful variety.  They may do things to make themselves appear big when they get nervous.  Barking and growling in efforts to police a situation, but when confronted, are more likely to snap and run away, because they truly don't want anything to do with the "scary" situation.  They are a shy kid being forced to become a bully....

These dogs do not know how to Be.  So it is up to you, oh Leader, to start setting them up for success by taking the burden of decision making off their shoulders, and putting it back where it belongs, in your hands.

This does not mean you will need to get big and scary.  It means that for a little while, you may have to abandon the idea that the grown up dog you have, is capable of making any choices.  If you've got a dog that is "out of control" there are some steps you can take to bring them back to center.  Most of this can be applied to almost any dog, but please keep in mind that if you are dealing with an actual dominance issue, these suggestions are only a starting point.  Work with a qualified Teacher (a good dog trainer) to find the best ways to help your individual dog.

Start by creating routine.  We know you already feed them breakfast at a certain time, and there's a predictable exercise excursion, but what about the basics?  

1. Where does dog sleep?  A dog suffering from Pack Status confusion should really be kenneled at night.  Even though your dog has outgrown the chew everything stage, treating their kennel much like a child's bedroom, becomes a familiar and safe feeling place.  

2. Is your dog on a feeding schedule?  Dogs who free-feed (meaning the bowl is always available and always full) are not reliant upon you...They see the bowl as the Resource that provides.  Change this up and provide meals as often as is appropriate for the dog's age.  A puppy will need to be fed 3-5 times a day.  A grown, mature dog might do better on a twice a day, or sometimes even just once a day.

No Free-Feeding.  A Dog with a full bowl does not need you.

If you've got a dog who "refuses" food when it is provided:  Set a timer for 15-20 minutes.  Leave the food available for only that amount of time.  Pick it up when the timer sounds, and do not provide it again until the next scheduled mealtime.

As long as you aren't sneaking the dog some alternative food sources, they will usually begin to eat when you provide it, after 2 or 3 days.  Choosing to skip a meal or three will not harm your dog.  Some dogs do have medical conditions that do not allow for the missing meals, but otherwise, please do not free-feed.

Use part of the food portion as snack rewards.  When working in your home, using the dog's food portion as rewards can be a great alternative to commercial treats.  If you are transitioning from free-feeding, to feeding on a schedule, this can also be a good way to make sure the dog is taking in some calories throughout the day, without creating a situation where they are skipping the dog food to get to the chicken bits.

Those higher-value rewards are for tougher situations; off property, or when guests arrive.  

Should your household be feeding a raw diet, it is even more important that you do not allow the food to sit; this can lead to bacteria growth and health issues for your dog.

4. Does your dog know how to Say Please?  Asking your Status Confused pup to Sit before receiving Anything they want, is an easy way to get them to realize that You are the Leader.  They are adorable, and we know this...But leaders get to choose the affection, not them.  

When they come up looking cute and want affection, tell them to Sit or Down or Shake...Anything! Make them work for the affection.  You may find that they refuse to Sit at first...guess what, you have exposed that he thinks he's better than you.  Assuming he knows how to Sit, if they are used to getting affection for free, and suddenly you are making him work for it, he may not like that initially.  Be patient.  Try not to repeat yourself, and wait him out.  Do not touch or force him to Sit.  

If he stands there staring at you, he is working out in his head just Why Exactly you are telling him to Work.  He is the boss, right?  Why should He do anything for some affection?  This is usually a passing moment of cognition, and they should Sit.

Should he stare for a moment and then walk away, you now must put a leash on him and ask for that Sit again.  Follow through.  He doesn't get to choose to ignore you.  

If he complies and Sits when you ask, feel free to pet him.  Or let him outside.  Or throw his toy.  Or place his food dish down for him, you get the idea.  Asking for that Sit, is teaching him to Say Please.

5.  Do Not Allow a Status Confused dog to greet your guests first.  Putting an insecure dog out in front is just asking for trouble.  The dog may make bad choices, but your guests might make it worse by trying to make friends with him.  Better to kennel him, or leash him, and tell the guests to Please Ignore Him.  A polite dog doesn't bother the guests.  If yours is confused about his role in your pack, it is unfair to allow him to make choices about the visitors.  

When the dog has calmed a bit, if you want to allow him to sniff their feet/legs a bit that's ok.  It is Your choice, not his.  Putting him to work in these situations, such as asking for Sit or Down, or even tossing treats on the floor to encourage his nose to work, can be great ways to help him relax.

This will not diminish any protective instincts your dog may have either.  In fact, by choosing how and when he is allowed to interact with visitors, you are showing him what is appropriate.  This gives him an understanding of "normal" vs. someone breaking in at night, or threatening you.  A dog who learns to ignore welcome guests, be it laying politely on a dog bed, or hanging in their kennel, is more likely to bite someone breaking in because That now feels abnormal to him.  

6. Take away your dogs sleep spot choice.  In addition to kenneling a confused pup at night, it is a good idea to stop allowing him to choose the couch.  Some dogs cannot handle the social disruption that being allowed to sleep in an elevated position can cause.  They are not dumb.  They know how comfortable the couch is.  You, as the Leader, have access to the best, most comfortable places to rest...This is one of them.  

Feel free to provide the dog with comfortable beds, a blanket, even a pillow on that bed if you so desire, but stop letting them up on the furniture.  And no, you cannot skirt this by giving the dog their own recliner.  The idea is to gently remind them that they are a Dog.  

This rule does not have to apply to your run-of-the-mill dog personality, so please know that we do not believe that all dogs must live on the floor.  Dogs who cannot handle the social implications that being allowed "Up" are the dogs we are discussing here.

If you choose to use the crate as his new place to chill, keep the door closed until You choose to put him in there.  Remember, this is about gently controlling all the things that are good in your dogs' life.  Gaining access to a comfy place to lay down can be another way to show him that You are the Leader.  

Don't just leave the kennel door open for him either.  If you have chosen to put him in the crate, you can also choose when to let him out.  Ask for a Sit or Down first, make him work for it.

7. Teach basic obedience.  If your dog doesn't already know a few things, teaching basic things like Sit, or how not to jump on you, goes hand in hand with showing them what their role is.  Jumping all over you is a social no-no.  Respecting the Leader's body space means they don't get to pummel you with paws, or give you the standing "hug." 

To help a Status Confused dog figure out their role in your pack, is about gentle control.  It's about setting up boundaries that cannot be moved, by creating predictable situations for your dog.  If you aren't sure whether or not your dog is struggling with Pack Status Confusion, a Dominance Issue or is just a Wild Puppy who needs some rules, get with a qualified Canine Professional who can help you sort out just what you're dealing with.

Aggressive responses do not always mean you have an Aggressive Dog.  Jealous behaviors may indeed be an indication that your dog does not know his place, or he feels as though he owns that person and is actually struggling with Resource Guarding.  Still further, if your dog is not sure of his role, and is also terrified....He may have a combination of social conditions he is struggling with.  

These suggestions are only a baseline.  They are good for most dogs, and most situations.  Most dogs will start to relax after the first 2-3 weeks of this new routine, as long as the routine is actually being followed.