This myth has been busted so many times, it`s like a drug lord that keeps hiring undercover cops.

The idea of an Alpha, Pack leader, or dominant dog are all completely false. It was introduced to the world in the mid-20th century and has been impossible to kill since. The researcher who coined the term even wrote a second book retracting the conclusions of his flawed study. This myth is like the chlamydia of the dog training industry.

Here are the facts:
🔹Neither dogs nor wolves have an “Alpha” leader. Wolf packs are family units where the parents take responsibility for leading their offspring, as you would expect.
🔹Modern day dogs and wolves are as similar genetically as we are to chimpanzees. They share a lot of DNA, but their behavior, temperament, and environment have evolved along different paths over the past 20,000 years.
🔹Wolves may be “pack” animals, but dogs are not. Dogs are social animals, but they don`t form packs when left to their own devices. Stray dogs tend to live solitarily, only occasionally working together to find food.
🔹Dogs do not have fixed relationship hierarchies with each other. They do not have dominant or submissive personalities. They choose how to interact with each other on a case by case basis and given the history between the dogs and each dog`s desired outcome. Dogs are interested in avoiding and de-escalating conflict when they feel they can. All of the same goes for their relationship with you.

🤔 If this takes you by surprise and you want to dig deeper - GOOD! You should be skeptical of what you read online. You`re my kind of people and I`m happy to provide links to more information. Comment MYTH on the post and I`ll DM you some resources.

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🚫 Avoid These Common Puppy Socialization Mistakes! 🐾

1️⃣ Waiting On Vaccines: Socialization shouldn’t be delayed until your puppy’s vaccines are complete. The AVSAB recommends socializing your pup early, even with proper safety measures to protect against diseases. There are plenty of safe ways to expose your puppy to new experiences!

2️⃣ Not Being Intentional: Socialization should be a focused activity, not just multitasking. Set aside time to introduce your puppy to new experiences and environments intentionally. Also, start teaching them to enjoy independent play and spending time alone, which helps them adapt to daily life.

3️⃣ Going To Overcrowded Spaces: While dog parks and daycares have their place, they shouldn’t be the primary way your puppy learns about interacting with other dogs. Supervised playdates with well-matched dogs offer a better opportunity for positive, controlled socialization.

4️⃣ Allowing Interactions TOO Soon: Avoid letting kids or others hold your puppy too soon. Kids might not always hold your pup gently, which can create fear. Instead, let your puppy approach and interact with children on their own terms to build positive associations.

5️⃣ Overexposure: Limit how often your puppy interacts with strangers. Overexposure can lead to reactivity in the future. Teach your pup that most people are just background characters and should be calmly ignored, helping them stay well-adjusted.

🐶 Need guidance on effective puppy socialization?

👇 Comment “socialization” to learn more about our effective puppy training services that focus on socialization and training on all of the common puppy antics right here in Waco!

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💡 Enrichment Idea: Take Your Dog on a Car Sniffari! 🚗👃

Looking for a fun way to enrich your dog’s day when a walk isn’t possible? Try a sniffy car ride! 🌟

Secure your dog in the car, roll down the windows, and drive slowly around your neighborhood. Let them enjoy the breeze and take in all those exciting new smells. This is a great alternative for older dogs, those with mobility issues, or pups who pull on the leash. It’s also perfect for cooling down and relaxing after stressful events.

If your dog isn’t quite comfortable with car rides yet, let’s work on making them feel more at ease. My training services in Waco are designed to help with all sorts of behavior and enrichment needs, including creating positive car experiences.

🐶 Ready to give your dog the best enrichment and training? Reach out today to schedule a consultation and get started on a happier, healthier routine for your pup!

👇 Comment “enrichment” to get your hands on our Canine Enrichment Guide and start meeting your dog`s needs more effectively!

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