Is the “dog pack” theory correct?

The pet industry has been teaching us about the “pack” theory for decades, but they’re getting it wrong—and it’s time to set the record straight. While the pack theory is close, it doesn’t fully explain the true nature of a canine social system or how dogs interact with the world around them. In this article, I’m going to explain why and how the industry is missing the mark and introduce you to a revolutionary perspective that could change the way you understand and approach your dog’s behavior.

As a world-class behaviorist, I’ve spent years refining my approach to canine behavior, blending science, experience, and a deep understanding of social structures. What I’ve discovered challenges conventional wisdom and offers a better way to work with your dog. If you’ve ever struggled with behavioral issues or felt like the standard advice wasn’t enough, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into why Lee’s “Canine Social System” goes beyond the pack theory and why it’s crucial for you to understand.

The Broader Perspective: Social Systems Across Species

A social system is not unique to dogs—it reflects a pattern seen throughout the animal kingdom. Social systems are instinctive processes that have existed for as long as animals have roamed the earth. It’s likely that even dinosaurs had intricate social systems in place. And I would bet those systems worked very similarly to the systems we see in nature, now. These structures are not learned; they are natural consequences that emerge when sentient beings coexist, think, and respond to stimuli.

Consider some examples:

• Elephants (herds): Elephants form matriarchal societies where the oldest female leads the group. Their social bonds and communication are intricate, including vocalizations and seismic signals to coordinate movements over large distances.

• Baboons (troops): Baboons live in troops with complex hierarchies, where individuals forge alliances and navigate social politics to maintain their positions.

• Fish (schools): Though less critically thinking, fish exhibit social behaviors, with certain species maintaining schools for safety and coordination.

• Dolphins and whales (pods): Among the most intelligent animals, dolphins and whales are thought to have social systems as complex as humans, with evidence of cultural behaviors and long-term social bonds.

• Humans (simpletons 🤪): Despite our incredible intelligence and capacity for innovation, humans can still be pretty dumb as a group. Our social systems are intricate and based on a scale of hierarchy with leaders and followers. In families, parents are typically the leaders, and children are the followers. When parents fail to maintain control and leadership, children often become unruly, leading to stress and dysfunction in the family. This same principle applies to the workplace, where employers serve as leaders and employees as followers. If the leaders fail to lead properly, the employees become disorganized, and the workplace becomes chaotic and stressful. This naturally extends to government control as well.

In all these systems, there is an underlying hierarchy. Leaders take on the responsibilities of protecting, guiding, and maintaining order, while followers rely on the leaders for direction and support. This structure is universal across species—it’s the natural way for social groups to function.

Understanding this hierarchy helps us approach dog behavior with empathy and insight. Dogs, like other animals, naturally gravitate toward these roles, and recognizing where they see themselves within the hierarchy is crucial to building a healthy relationship.

Myths About Leadership

There are several common misconceptions about leadership in the canine world that can lead to confusion and ineffective training. Let’s address a few of the most widespread myths:

1. “There Can Only Be One Leader”

Many people think that in any pack, there must be one dominant leader. While some dogs do demand sole leadership (think of a dictator like North Korea), leadership can often be shared among multiple individuals with clear roles. This is more like a system of checks and balances, such as in the United States government. Dogs are fully capable of accepting more than one human or dog as their leader.

2. “Leaders Must Be Aggressive or Dominant”

Leadership is often misunderstood as requiring constant displays of dominance or aggression. While poor leaders often choose to rule in exclusively dominant fashion – good leaders exhibit a mix of traits, including confidence, stability, and fairness. Yes, a leader must have the capacity for dominance, but it should only be used as a last resort. A great leader is not harsh—they are calm, clear, and empathetic.

3. “The Social System Is Fixed”

Some people believe that the social hierarchy is static, but it’s actually fluid and ever-changing. You may be the leader one day, but just like when governments are overthrown, power can shift in an instant. This is why some dog owners say, “All of a sudden, my dog became aggressive.” In reality, their dog may have been gradually testing boundaries, and a leadership gap formed over time.

4. “There’s Several Ways to Train A Dog – Every Dog Is Different.”

I disagree with he notion that different dogs need different methods. They all operate based on this social structure and leadership is the only way to gain reliable control over your dog. While my methodology is the best way to train a dog, I agree there isn’t necessarily one rigid way to apply it. The general concept is universal, but there are countless nuances in how it’s implemented. This makes my system both incredibly simple and incredibly intricate at the same time.

By dispelling these myths, dog owners can gain a clearer understanding of their role in the canine social system and build stronger, more effective relationships with their dogs.

Leadership Traits vs. Followers Traits

In every social system, individuals exhibit behaviors that reflect their role in the hierarchy. These traits can tell us a lot about their position and the dynamics of the group:

Traits of Leaders

• Independence and self-reliance.

• Assertiveness and a natural ability to enforce boundaries.

• Resistance to being controlled by others.

• A tendency toward jealousy or possessiveness.

• A willingness to make tough decisions for the good of the group.

Leaders aren’t necessarily aggressive or dominant all the time—they are confident, decisive, and willing to use their authority if absolutely necessary.

Traits of Followers

• Dependence on social inclusion and leadership.

• A focus on cooperation and acceptance within the group.

• Reliance on rules and structure to navigate life successfully.

• A preference for deferring to authority rather than asserting control.

Both roles are essential to maintaining balance in the group. Being a follower doesn’t mean being weak, and being a leader doesn’t mean being harsh. A harmonious system requires both roles working together.

Why the Pet Industry Isn’t Teaching This

Most of my clients don’t disagree with what I’m saying. In fact, nearly every client I work with says, “Wow, this makes so much sense. So why isn’t the pet industry teaching this?” It’s a fair question, and I can think of a few reasons:

1. It’s Based on Emotion

Let’s be honest—disciplining your dog doesn’t feel good. Whether it’s your dog, your child, or even an employee, discipline is uncomfortable for most people. But does that mean we should avoid it entirely? Absolutely not. Leadership requires making tough decisions, and sometimes that means enforcing boundaries even when it’s uncomfortable.

2. The Pet Industry Makes a Ton of Money on Treats

Imagine how much revenue would be lost if treat-based training disappeared. Treats are a multi-billion-dollar industry, possibly even approaching a trillion dollars. From marketing campaigns to shelves full of colorful packages, the pet industry is heavily invested in keeping treat-based training alive. They sell it as love and care for your dog, but in reality, it’s often just an easy way to turn a profit.

3. It’s Everywhere—Ignorance and Programming

Positive reinforcement training and treat-based methods are so common that they’ve become ingrained in our culture. From movies to TV shows to billboards, we’re constantly being exposed to the idea that treats are essential to loving and training your dog. When you see an ad for a pet store that says, “Show your dog you love them with treats,” you’re being programmed to think that’s the only way to build a relationship with your pet. It’s no wonder this approach has become so widespread.

4. The Fact That It’s Not Being Taught Leaves Room For Skepticism

People often say, well if your training is so good, why doesn’t everyone teach it?! And I’m attempting to outline those reasons in this very section and more. Hopefully you can understand how the pet industry is so large that they can push any agenda they want to – and people tend to believe it. I am not twisting your arm to believe me – just look at the results I produce versus the results that almost everyone else is producing and I think it’s absolutely clear that my techniques are leaps and bounds better.

I understand why this is happening, but the real question is whether we can fix it. Can we shift an entire industry’s mindset when emotion, profit, and ingrained habits are working against us? I think it’s possible, but it will take time and a lot of education to make it happen.

The Misconception of Meanness and Dominance

The pet industry often portrays strong leaders as “mean” or “harsh,” suggesting that these qualities are what make a leader strong. While it’s true that effective leaders must be capable of enforcing boundaries, true leadership is not about being harsh—it’s about balance and control.

Dominance, while not the most important trait of a leader, is absolutely vital. Leaders must possess the capacity for dominance, but it should only be used when absolutely necessary and as a last resort. This capacity is not about aggression or cruelty; it’s about having the ability to act decisively and enforce rules in situations where it’s required to maintain order and safety.

Even if you don’t believe in being tough or dominant, there may come a time when you encounter a dog that challenges your authority. In these moments, you must be prepared to show them that you’re not only capable of holding your ground but that you’re better at it. If you’re not ready to demonstrate your strength, your dog will take over immediately—and with it comes a slew of behavioral and obedience issues.

True leaders embody traits such as:

• Confidence and stability.

• Consistency and fairness.

• Empathy and restraint.

Leadership isn’t about meanness or harshness; it’s about guiding others in a way that fosters trust and respect. Being capable of dominance is a necessary component of leadership, but it must always be tempered with compassion, patience, and fairness.

Behavioral Problems and the Social System

Most behavioral issues in dogs—excessive barking, aggression, resource guarding—stem from disruptions in the social system. When a dog perceives themselves as the leader, they take on responsibilities they’re not equipped to handle, leading to stress and behavior problems.

Conversely, dogs that lack a strong leader may become anxious or insecure because their dependence on leadership isn’t being fulfilled. These dogs don’t need domination; they need guidance.

To resolve these issues, the solution isn’t about forcing submission but about gently and consistently taking on the leadership role they expect from you. This includes:

• Setting and enforcing rules calmly and fairly: Dogs thrive when they understand what’s expected of them. Consistent boundaries help build trust.

• Establishing predictable routines: Routines create stability and reduce anxiety by giving dogs a sense of order in their daily lives.

• Communicating clearly: Dogs don’t speak our language, so it’s important to use clear, consistent signals and body language.

• Avoiding emotional reactions: Yelling, frustration, or inconsistent responses can confuse dogs and worsen their behavior.

When you establish yourself as a calm and confident leader, your dog can relax and focus on their role as a follower. This alignment restores balance to the social system and resolves the majority of behavioral issues.

Teaching Dog Owners to Be Leaders

One of the core aspects of my training program is teaching dog owners how to behave and operate as the leader of the pack. The biggest reason other methods fail is because their techniques often directly contradict this philosophy.

For example, one common piece of advice is to “ignore” bad behavior. Like turning around and not giving your dog attention when they jump on you. While this might sound harmless, to a dog, it can come across as incompetence or even an inability to handle the situation. If your dog perceives that you don’t know how to manage them or the environment, they may lose respect for your position and take over the leadership role themselves.

This shift in roles can be devastating to your relationship. One isolated mistake like this isn’t likely to cause a significant problem, but when these mistakes are repeated and compounded over time, the damage adds up. This is exactly what happens to most people. They unknowingly send the wrong signals, eroding their dog’s respect and creating behavioral issues that could have been prevented.

This is why leadership sounds simple at its core, but it’s incredibly intricate. Every move you make, every breath you take—your dog is watching you. (Yes, just like the song!) Dogs are constantly observing and analyzing your actions to determine where they stand in the hierarchy and whether you’re a leader worth following.

My program focuses on eliminating these contradictions by showing dog owners how to consistently demonstrate leadership. From managing everyday situations to addressing specific behaviors, I teach techniques that align with the canine social system. This ensures that your dog views you as the competent, trustworthy leader they need, and your relationship is built on mutual respect and clarity.

Why I Don’t Teach Basic Training

One of the most important reasons I don’t focus on basic training is because leadership and control are incredibly intricate. If you only learn the basics—like teaching your dog to sit, stay, or come—you’re inevitably going to make mistakes when it comes to more advanced behavioral challenges.

These advanced mistakes can unravel the basics over time. For example, if your dog starts testing your authority in subtle ways and you don’t address it correctly, even their basic obedience will start to break down. Eventually, you’ll find yourself without control, and the relationship you’ve worked to build will suffer.

This is why I teach a complete system rather than focusing on simple commands. My training program is designed to give you the tools to address both foundational and advanced challenges, creating a framework of respect, trust, and understanding that will stand the test of time.

If you’re only learning the basics and not understanding the full social system, you may be setting yourself up for failure. It’s not just about getting a dog to sit or stay—it’s about creating a partnership where your dog sees you as the leader they can trust and follow in any situation.

Flawed Studies and Biased Experiments: How Misguided Research Misrepresents Dog Behavior

The billion-dollar treat training industry has fueled a wave of biased studies and experiments designed to support their methods and make excuses for their failed techniques. These studies often present skewed conclusions that misrepresent canine behavior, leaving dog owners with inaccurate information about their pets. The ulterior motives behind these experiments are clear: they subconsciously aim to promote treat-based training as the superior method while dismissing other approaches.

One striking example I came across in an experiment testing dogs’ cognitive abilities and behavior. In one study, a grid of buckets was set up, each containing a treat. The researchers claimed that if a dog had good spatial awareness and memory, it would navigate the grid, eat the treats from each bucket only once, and avoid revisiting empty buckets. When the dogs were released, however, they quickly discovered the treats and began frantically running around, eating from the buckets. They revisited buckets they had already emptied and appeared to “double-check” their work. The researchers concluded that the dogs demonstrated poor spatial awareness and memory because they couldn’t remember which buckets they had already taken treats from.

I strongly disagree with this conclusion. The problem wasn’t with the dogs’ memory or spatial awareness—it was with the parameters of the test itself. There was no clear indicator to the dogs that they weren’t supposed to revisit buckets. The dogs simply did what any logical being would do when presented with a grid of potential rewards: they checked and re-checked to ensure they didn’t miss anything.

To illustrate this point, imagine if the test involved buckets filled with $1 million each. When released into the grid, would you only check each bucket once and move on? Absolutely not! You’d likely double, triple, or even quadruple-check each bucket to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind. The dogs weren’t demonstrating poor memory—they were showing natural, logical behavior in the absence of clear guidance or rules.

This example highlights why we need unbiased scientists conducting legitimate studies to truly understand canine behavior. The only scientists studying these things are “positive-only” obsessed professors with blinders on. When experiments are designed with ulterior motives or a pre-existing agenda, the results are inherently flawed. Such studies fail to provide meaningful insights into dog behavior and instead reinforce a narrative that supports the financial interests of treat-based training advocates.

Dog owners deserve accurate, unbiased research that genuinely seeks to understand their pets, not studies that manipulate outcomes to justify ineffective training methods. This is why critical thinking and skepticism are essential when evaluating the so-called “science” behind dog training.

Proven Results: Why My System Works

My philosophy and methodology aren’t just theories—they’re proven through years of experience and consistent success. I’ve transformed dogs with severe behavioral issues, and I’ve taken dogs that others deemed “untrainable” and turned them into the most exceptional of canine companions.

For example, I can take my dogs for walks anywhere without holding the leash. My dogs never need equipment. I often say, “If you want to go to a circus with your dog, off-leash, could you? I could.”

And I didn’t achieve this with dogs who were naturally easy to train. I’ve worked with dogs who had major behavioral challenges—aggression, anxiety, and resource guarding—and still achieved incredible results. If I can do this with difficult dogs, imagine what’s possible for a dog without significant issues.

This level of freedom and control is life-changing, not just for you but for your dog as well. Ask yourself: why wouldn’t you want to give your dog this level of freedom and trust? Why settle for a life where your dog is confined to a leash when an easy solution is available?

Yes, price can be a factor, but my program is arguably cheaper in the long run. Consider the costs of ongoing training, equipment, or managing behavioral issues that could have been resolved. The value of a harmonious, trusting relationship with your dog is priceless—and my system delivers it.