Who's the Boss?

DOMINANCE AGGRESSION IN DOGS AND CATS

DOMINANCE

Dominance is a normal animal response to a social hierarchy. In a group setting, status and rank are important for maintaining control. For example, the lead male is dominant over a young animal, and thereby provides guidance in terms of acceptable behavior. If a mother cat was not dominant over her kittens, she would not be able to teach them social graces. If there is not a clear leader in a group of canines, constant squabbles could occur.

In a group setting, dominance means order. Dominance, however, is not achieved through violent acts. Often, dominance is achieved through status, rank, age, size and posturing. That is, most truly dominant animals can control the others with subtle looks and body movements, not necessarily with teeth and claws.