When more than one dog lives in a household, the question quickly arises: Is there automatically a hierarchy among the dogs or one that calls the shots–the so-called “alpha dog”? Dog trainer Katharina Marioth explains in an interview with PETBOOK that this notion is outdated.
Status Is Not a Power Relationship
“In the past, people thought there was a fixed hierarchy in every group of dogs with an alpha at the top,” says Katharina Marioth. Today, however, it is known that leadership roles in dogs are very dynamic. “In modern dog training, we no longer speak of rank or dominance, but of status–and it changes constantly.”
The status of a dog is not related to power or subordination, Marioth emphasizes. Often there is an older first dog and a younger dog or puppy that joins the household. “A natural status arises simply from the age difference,” she explains. “The puppy is still a neutral entity in many ways–both characteristically and sexually.” In this setup, the adult dog often takes on a mentor role.
This is evident, for example, in play: “The socially mature dog throws itself on its back in front of the puppy, makes itself small–and this is not submission, but communication,” says Marioth. The older dog playfully teaches the younger one about bite inhibition, social behavior, and how to handle excitement. Such interactions have nothing to do with dominance but with learning and social interaction.
Dogs Must Be Compatible
It is also important that the dogs are compatible–not just physically, but also in terms of character. “We humans often can’t judge this deeply from the outside,” says Marioth. She advises introducing future pack members to each other before they move in to see if they even want to communicate. “You can tell within the first few minutes if bonding behavior is evident–for example, if the dogs walk side by side or sniff together.”
It becomes particularly tricky when a very confident first dog meets an extremely insecure dog. “Then I need a first dog that is truly stable and doesn’t get infected by the other’s fear,” she explains. If the first dog is rather unstable, the situation can tip–and training progress can be lost. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to the dynamics in advance.
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The First Dog Can Have Priority Initially–But Not Permanently
Even in everyday life, the relationship between the dogs should be consciously shaped. “Initially, the first dog can be given some preference–such as being greeted or fed first,” says Marioth. This helps stabilize existing structures. At the same time, she warns against rigidly sticking to this order: “If it turns out that the newcomer is the more confident dog and the group accepts it, we humans should respect that.” Dogs have a much better sense of status and dynamics than we do–working against it risks conflict.
Recognizing Status Requires Experience
Those with little experience in multi-dog households should seek support, recommends Marioth. “People who have worked with large groups of dogs for decades–such as in animal welfare, as dog walkers, or breeders–develop a good sense for it,” she says.
For everyone else, it is worthwhile to involve a professional in selecting a new dog. Many choose based on sympathy or appearance, but that can be misleading. “An objective assessment helps: Does the new dog really fit the group, in terms of character and energy level–and also with the rest of the household?”
Leadership Means Sovereignty, Not Control
And what role does the human play in this structure? Many owners believe they must lead the group–but leadership does not mean control, Marioth emphasizes. “Ideally, leadership doesn’t mean constantly dictating the direction, but managing with sovereignty.” A good leader–whether in the office or the pack–strengthens others, compensates for deficits, and remains calm.
The more relaxed a person is, the higher their status in the eyes of the dogs. “When things get serious, it gets quiet–that’s also true among dogs,” she says. Loud, dominant behavior or physical pressure are signs of insecurity.
Videos where people demonstratively walk ahead of their dogs are therefore misleading, according to Marioth. “Whether I or my dog goes through the door first has nothing to do with status,” she clarifies. What matters is that the person is a calm, reliable leader. “Dogs don’t want dominance–they want bonding and security.”
Conclusion
In a multi-dog household, it’s not about hierarchies but about relationships and dynamics. Status arises from experience, character, and mutual trust–not dominance. Those who lead their dogs with calmness and sovereignty and pay attention to their interaction create the best conditions for a harmonious pack.
You can watch the full interview with dog trainer Katharina Marioth in the video.
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Katharina Marioth Freelance Author
About the Expert
Katharina Marioth is the founder of the brand Stadthundetraining and the KEML principle. She is an IHK- and government-certified dog trainer and behavioral assessor for dangerous dogs in the state of Berlin. In her daily business, she works closely with veterinarians, scientists, and other specialists on dog-related topics. With her knowledge and skills, she secured the title of Dog Trainer of the Year 2023 in the Sat.1 show “The Dog Trainer Champion.”
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