to The Pack!

I have a tremendously deep bond with each of my dogs. I achieved our relationship by becoming a member of the pack. My role is to nurture the pack, ensure the pack is safe, and provide plenty of time for socialization and individual personality development. 

Horowitz: Families that allow their dogs plenty of socialization, utilize positive reinforcement and avoidance-based strategies, and maintain precise and predictable interactions are rewarded by a dog that is an enjoyable member of the family.

Seasoned wolf leaders, or alphas, survey surroundings from the back of the pack line when traveling. Additionally, wolf leaders allow their young to eat before feeding themselves. Wolf Researcher L. David Mech said there are no signs of a leader rousting a subordinate from a desired resting place, and an alpha wolf rarely initiates pinning (a dominance behavior). Experts who study wolf behavior describe the role of the wolf leaders as parents or parent figures — "guiding, teaching, and caring for their pack members" (Horowitz & Landsberg, 2022). 

Earning and giving loyalty and becoming a member of a tight-knit dog pack is one of the most rewarding experiences I have in relating. 

Reference:

Horowitz, D. and Landsberg G.. (2022). Dog Behavior and Training - Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership - What Does It Really Mean?

Some additional suggested readings:

• Visit the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior to meet Drs. Horwitz and Landsberg at www.avsabonline.org and read each of the position statements but particularly those on dominance and punishment.
• Coren, S. (2004). How Dogs Think.
• Mech, D. (1981).The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species. 
• Eaton, B. (2011). Dominance in Dogs: Fact or Fiction.

Absolutely. Re-integrating your dog into the pack mentality is the best way to help create a healthy human transition back into the workplace and/or social engagements after COVID-19. 

Absolutely. Tell me what you need and let’s make this an absolutely pawsitive experience 🐾🎯🐾

Great question! Give us a ring. There are times when we offer housesitting. If we are unavailable, consider integrating your pup(s) into our pack instead.

Every dog entering The Pack will receive full attention as family, not only from the caregiver(s) but also from The Pack and other dogs who are well-vetted for social behaviors. Dogs needing decompression can make a special arrangement to integrate into the pack slowly. We always suggest a meet and greet if you have concerns regarding how your dog may integrate into a new environment.

First, we provide love and acceptance to the newcomer. We then build trust and move the pup toward integration into the pack to begin healthy socialization.

NOTE: All dogs must have up-to-date vaccination records to stay with The Pack.