QUESTION:
When you meet a dog for the first time, what is the first thing you do in order to tell the dog that you’re the boss?

ANSWER:
Nothing. Why would I want to be the boss of a dog I meet for the first time? Dogs who meet each other don’t try to assume any kind of role as a boss or leader. The role as a leader of a pack is solely connected with the established pack the indivdual is a member of, and the same has nothing to do with outsiders.

In the established pack that I am a member of, I more or less automatically assume the role of a leader – because I manage privileges like food, water, walks and activities. When difficult situations occur, I use the leader’s role and go between, just as dogs do. Anything else than this is unnecessary to become an established leader of your pack. You have no business being a leader over any other dogs. You meet, communicate, like each other or not, and that’s it. I have no difficulties traning strange dogs, but this has nothing to do with leadership and should not be confused with the role as a leader. You can learn more about this by for instance reading boooks about wolf behavior. We’ve got a lot to learn from them.

Turid Rugaas