Follow the Leader

In any group there must be a leader.  Without effective leadership one has no path or direction to follow.  Here is a picture of huskies pulling a sled.  In groups of sled dogs there is always a leader dog.  That dog guides the others in the direction they need to go to stay on course.  But the true leader is the person on the sled.  Even though he is behind them, without his encouragement and guidance, the sled would not stay the course.

The same is true about family pets.   All pets need a leader, without one the dog will take that spot, however our companions are happiest when in a  following role.  Some say leaders are born, others say a set of circumstances make them.   Science teaches us that leaders can be created when the need arises and the scent of the pheromones given off changes according to status.  Pheromones are a chemical substance released by an animal that serves to influence the physiology or behavior of other members of their same species.

This scent is taken in through the highly sensitive nose and is hard wired to the brain.  Humans, allegedly, who are true leaders give off these pheromones of leadership which our pet can smell.  An otherwise submissive dog will assume top role if we become ill or injured. It is all part of the pack mentality of keeping the group alive.   There are many rescue stories of dogs who saved their owners from burglary, assault, or getting hit by a car as they cross the street.  Often these heroic animals are not trained to do such but are following their leadership instinct.
Several studies have shown  pheromones in an  animal change as their role in the pack moves to alpha.  As an example,  a variety of apes  studied by scientists  uncovered that there are hormonal changes which take place when a new ape reaches the alpha role. The animal then gives off a different pheromone then when it was in the beta position of the group.

When selecting a leader for a pack, the animals rely on chemical clues which relay information about the social status, and health of a pack member.  The group always picks the alpha to follow.
Most of us have  played follow the leader games, such as “Simon Says”, when we were growing up as well as learning how to take direction from parents and teaches.  This is a small glance into how groups of animals work.  Although we can not assume every parent or teacher was a leader, often there was a more structured, attentive class of students to one particular teacher or parent.   Likewise, our dogs do not have the benefit of every owner being a leader.  But you will see a dog who is lacking in leadership being unruly and disobedient as they have not clear path to follow.


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