![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.wknts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/sox.jpg\" "\\"sox\\"")
<\/a>What happens when we look at ideas and behaviors in a variety of contexts?\u00a0 When we think about \u2018discipline\u2019 and \u2018dogs\u2019 most of us think in terms of taking our pets to obedience training.\u00a0 \u201cSit.\u00a0 Stay.\u00a0 Shake.\u201d<\/p>\n\u00a0Have you ever thought about what they<\/em> can teach us<\/em>?<\/p>\n Many parents are uncomfortable with their role as family leader \u2013 our best friends can help here, too.\u00a0 Dogs have strong instincts about rules, order and etiquette as they relate to preserving the pack.\u00a0 When a new puppy tries to take its place within the group, an older dog will make clear the rules and boundaries.<\/p>\n There are lots of rules.\u00a0 Puppies learn them all \u2013 quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s where you can sleep.\u00a0 I greet the humans first.\u00a0 You get the second cookie and that\u2019s my squeaky toy \u2013 you can never, ever touch it.\u00a0 Ever.\u201d<\/p>\n Are the consequences for messing up?\u00a0 You bet. When the senior dog disapproves everyone know it:\u00a0 \u00a0loud, dramatic barking and growling punctuated by an occasional bite for the one who just doesn\u2019t \u2018get it.\u2019<\/p>\n Alpha dogs come in different breeds, sizes, shapes and colors.\u00a0 They have different personalities and \u201cstyles\u201d but the have a lot in common:<\/p>\n 1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They don\u2019t nag \u2013 their \u2018word\u2019 (or look or growl) is law.\u00a0 One look. \u00a0\u00a0What they want is very, very clear \u2013 and punishment for those who disobey is swift, sure and unmistakable.<\/p>\n 2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alphas don\u2019t feel guilty.\u00a0 They know that the survival of the pack rests squarely on their ability to teach their pups proper behavior.\u00a0 It\u2019s just what needs to be done \u2013 there\u2019s no emotion attached.<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alpha dogs do not need the pups\u2019 approval.\u00a0 They\u2019ve got a job to do and they don\u2019t care who likes them.\u00a0 They get it done.\u00a0 (And the pups reward them with total admiration and devotion.\u00a0 Go figure.)<\/p>\n 4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Discipline takes a variety of forms \u2013 sometimes it\u2019s loud and dramatic, sometimes it\u2019s a \u2018time out\u2019 away from the rest of the pack\u2026. sometimes it\u2019s just the raised eyebrow that reminds the offending youngster.<\/p>\n 5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They are fair. \u00a0The intensity of the correction matches the offense.<\/p>\n Families need strong, fair leadership.\u00a0 Kids (whether canine or human) need to know the boundaries and the consequences for violating them. \u00a0\u00a0Dog: \u00a0really is a Mom’s best friend.<\/p>\n