Alphas

It’s funny.

Do you know why some dogs become so strongly territorial and aggressive? From little rat-dogs to pit bulls and German shepherds? Why they become controlling and neurotic – unbalanced?

Are they alphas?

Are they genetically wired to take charge and be that way?

No.

Actually, its quite the opposite.

Outside of abusive or dangerous upbringings, most true Alpha dogs are calm and balanced. In control but not controlling. They are comfortable, knowing that they are where they should be, leading, protecting, deciding.

The trouble starts when there is no Alpha.

When dogs need that calm, strong, and confident force around them to be truly comfortable, but can’t find one in their pack, or in their lives. It’s in these circumstances that dogs who don’t have the drive, need, and composure to be a real Alpha, feel they are forced to become one.

There must be one for them.

They can only be content, be happy within that strict social order.

Leader – followers.

Protector - pack.

Without any other option, these dogs try to be the top dog – the leader.

They assume the empty role and try to exert control over a situation they find unbearably chaotic. But they lack the calm, stable, confident outlook and world view that would allow them to be comfortable enough in the chaos to lead others through it.

They cannot become the thing they so desperately need for themselves.

That’s when dogs become strongly territorial, aggressive, and unstable. They are raging against the chaos, trying to vanquish it, defeat it. And the harder they try, the more they realize they are losing. They are not in control.

They need an Alpha, because that dog understands you can’t vanquish, defeat or control circumstance. You have to accept the chaos as it is, as life is, and control what you can – your actions, reactions, and your beliefs.

Its then, when they let the pack know that it’s OK, that someone understands how it all works, that the rest of the pack can become confident, believe they can handle the chaos, and settle into their lives in a comfortable way.

I've always pushed myself to lead.

So have others in my life.

I'm not sure I have it in me right now. Maybe I need to follow for a bit?