Cesar Millan says dogs follow calm—so why is yours still bossing brunch plans?

How Dogs Decide Who’s Boss (And Why It’s Not Always You)

The surprising science (and sass) behind pack behaviour — from walkies to Netflix cuddles

You’ve seen it. One dog steals the best sun spot, the other waits politely. One leads the walk, tail high, while the other toddles behind like an intern with no coffee. But here’s the tail-wagger — pack dynamics aren’t just about growling and wrestling. They’re about trust, timing, and, yes, who gets the biggest piece of chicken.

Turns out, the secret to a happy household might be who controls the squeaky duck

According to animal behaviourists (the hooman kind, not the dog park gossips), dogs naturally form social hierarchies. Not because we crave power — we’re not cats — but because we do best when structure exists. That doesn’t mean you need to cosplay as a wolf alpha. It just means being consistent, clear, and confident. Pack leadership isn’t about being bossy — it’s about being trustworthy.

The “walk test” — who’s really leading who?

Let me sniff out a classic: You clip the lead on and next thing I’m dragging you down the footpath like we’re in a sled race. If that’s the norm, your dog might be voting themselves president of the pack. But when hoomans lead the walk — setting pace and direction like a smart, two-legged GPS — dogs feel safe and settled. That sensor in our snouts? It’s also tuned for leadership signals. Calm energy. Predictable cues. Pocket snacks.

“Dogs follow calm, assertive energy,” says canine expert Cesar Millan. “Not anger. Not frustration. Just clarity.”

The shift is real: One pawrent told us, "Once I stopped baby-talking and started giving clear commands, my boy stopped barking out the window like a postal critic. Now we walk proud, not chaotic." Tail up, hooman. Progress is sniffable.

Inside doggy dynamics: It’s not all tail wags and treaties

Even in multi-dog homes, some unwritten rules are sealed with sniffs and sideways glances. One might always eat first. Another insists on claiming the couch corner with the best doona-to-drool ratio. These roles shift over time, and that’s okay — as long as hoomans don’t meddle with awkward fairness plans. If I worked for every crumb and placed first in the tail-thump Olympics, I get first dibs on the beanbag. It’s the code.

• Watch meal time: Feeding both dogs at the same time in separate areas avoids unnecessary tension.
• Energy levels matter: Overexcitable pups can accidentally challenge calmer dogs. Use calm guidance before the zoomie storm hits.
• Sniff before interfere: Sometimes a growl between dogs is a convo, not a crisis. Let it play out, unless it gets growl-ly serious.

But... my dog's the boss of the household

Ah yes. You’re not alone. There are thousands of hoomans serving as full-time snack butlers for dogs who sleep on $300 cushions and prefer pumpkin-infused treats. Still, leadership starts with the little things:

• Start walkies only when calm energy is present — no door explosions.
• Reclaim couch territory sometimes. Sit where you want, not where your 4-legged roommate parked.
• Practice simple commands to reinforce trust: sit, stay, watch me. Confidence rolls downhill.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t spoil us. In fact, check out this Snooza Ultra Plush Dog Sofa — nap heaven. But don’t let soft beds soften your leadership stance. Set the tone, then give the treat.

What if your dog doesn’t “submit” like the books say?

Pfft. We’re not writing essays here. The goal isn’t domination — it’s direction. Some dogs have confident energy that resists traditional obedience, and that’s fine. Think of pack dynamics like teamwork, not a dictatorship. Your best approach? Be the kind of leader we want to follow: consistent, calm, clear... and pocket-friendly in the snack department.

And yep — gear helps. This EzyDog Double Up Collar I tried last week? Secure, comfy, and makes me feel official. Leadership starts with the right tools, especially when you’re rolling deep through the neighbourhood.

Big pack energy: applying dog logic to hooman chaos

Ever wonder how we'd run your weekend if dogs were in charge? 8am walk, 10am sniff break, 11am nap inspection, and snacks at 12, 3, and 5. Predictability. Routines. Ritual tail wags. That’s what healthy packs do — provide structure so we all feel calmer.

Some hoomans also swear that when they start “thinking like a pack leader,” other parts of life get less chaotic. Coincidence? Or are zoomies secretly zen in disguise?

Just remember, being “alpha” isn’t about being the biggest bark in the room. It’s about leading kindly, patiently, and with enough liver treats to inspire loyalty. Because real leadership? It’s earned one sit command at a time.

Mic drop moment

In a world full of barking, the best leaders whisper through consistency, clarity and kangaroo treats.

Sniff out clarity. Wag with purpose. Lead the pack, hooman-style.

Until next tail-thump,

Thor 🐾

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