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Wolf Pack Ways - Alpha Pup, the Future Alpha Leader
by Rena Murray
We continue our exploration of wild wolf society and its implications for the behavior of your domestic dog with consideration of how the wild wolf pups achieve certain wolf pack rank, and how a pup develops into a new alpha leader of the pack. We have seen that wolf pups quickly learn and apply predatory skills of hunting and ripping open the carcass of the kill. They strengthen their necks by tossing around caribou hide, practice evasive maneuvers and stealth in their play, and experience harsh lessons in the critical role of obedience for their very survival. They learn and practice the discipline, cooperation, and respect for wolf pack rank that pervade wild wolf society.
But who among them will be the next alpha leader of this wild wolf pack?
When the pups of a wolf pack are about three months old, their need to run with a pack really begins to show. The pups start forming a line and practicing running with each other while avoiding collision with one another. It is at this time that their individual personalities become increasingly evident, although it is not until around the end of the first year when they start striving for position in the pack. (It is generally around the second year that most have enough experience actually to gain pack position.)
Some bigger pups show aggression toward the smaller ones for accidental collisions with them during the puppy pack practice runs. These short-tempered ones are not going to be good wolf pack leaders. They are viewed as unstable, while the stability of the calmer pups leads to more self control, pack control, and influence.
It is the calmest and most alert pup who ends up leading the puppy pack. The size and strength of the pup does not determine his leadership. Frequently, the alpha pup in a wild wolf pack stands out and his position is guaranteed from early on.
The alpha pup will be followed by all of the others, who he directs with glances. Eye contact and subtle eye signals are vital communication modes in a wild wolf pack, especially for the hunt, and equally important among domestic dogs.
As the alpha pup grows, he will take some private outings with the male alpha leader of the pack. During these outings, he will be taught the deepest secrets of leading a wolf pack.
No other member of the wolf pack will disturb the alpha leader and alpha pup at this time. With a glare and forward ears, the alpha leader will have commanded them to stay. Nor will the wolf pack panic at this 'departure' of its alpha leader, for they know what their alpha is doing and where he is.
The alpha pup begins to follow the leader of the pack everywhere and to copy his behavior. If the alpha leader snarls and growls when eating, so does the pup. If the alpha leader looks at something, so does he. The alert pup does not miss a thing.
During this time, the other pups are growing into their roles, too, in this wolf pack society. For example, the alone pup who keeps to herself is a likely future omega ranked wolf. The wolf pup who is constantly beside the alpha pup whenever he can be is likely to become a beta.
All the roles are important to make a balanced wolf pack. As with an army, there is a need and use for each wolf pack rank. The alpha leader rules as commander in chief, and has the respect of all other pack members. He also receives constant scent mixing and grooming from his wolf pack members to keep him encouraged and to keep his stress down. It is his responsibility to ensure that his pack lives!
The beta is faithful to the alpha leader, more than all others. In human terms, he flies his right wing, or is his right-hand man. The beta wolf defends the alpha leader whenever needed.
The omega, at one time called the outcast, is actually the jester of the wild wolf pack. Slightly bullied by the others, nevertheless, he is a stress reliever for the wolf pack. He is apt to taunt higher ranked wolves and often is the last to eat.
We can liken the wild wolf pack to a corporation. Yes, the president (alpha leader) is important, but surely do not forget his right hand man (vice president) and all the vital functions and employees under him. The wolf pack has a very efficient training department, as the pups grow and are groomed for their future roles in this highly structured and disciplined wild wolf society.
Unwanted Wild Dog Behavior and Dog Instinctive Behavior in your dog? Ask Dog Behaviorist – Dog Obedience Trainer, Rena Murray, at the Dog Behavior Modification site - your source for Dog Training and Dog Rehabilitation help, Dog Products, Dog Lover Gifts, and all things dog related. See Rena's no-nonsense "Platinum Expert Author" Articles, "BestEzines"-featured free Newsletter – PAW PERSUASION POINTERS, and the Paw Persuasion Blog - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/ . Contact Rena NOW for hands-on help with a Private Coaching Session .
Contact the author, Rena Murray
, at rena@pawpersuasion.com
.
