Canine social systems

Canine social systems involve a hierarchy – that is, in such systems some animals rank higher than others. Status is affected by age, sex, performance, and skills.

The hierarchy serves to maintain order, reduce conflict and promote cooperation among group members. Positions within the hierarchy are based on the outcomes of interactions between individual dogs and the other pack members. The more dominant animals can control access to valued items such as food, den sites and mates. For domestic dogs, valued items might be food, toys, and sleeping or resting places, as well as attention from their owner.