From various forums I read there seems to be a debate - sometimes heated - in regards to the Alpha theory and dogs and I was wondering where this lies with the Basenji.
Some hold strong that there needs to be an Alpha in the pack - in the wild there is the Alpha dog, the strong leader, and in the home there is the Alpha, the strong leader, aka the human in charge.
Others think that the Alpha theory is outdated and not true. That in the wild there is no true Alpha of the pack and that you don't need to assert dominance or take on an Alpha position in your home and with your dog. That through common respect between you and your dog you can live harmonious with your dog with the both of you at the same "level of dominance" without the archaic theory of Alpha positions in your pack.
I have read that for the Basenji breed in general - that if you don't step up to be the leader of the pack, the leader of the household, that your Basenji will be more than happy to fill that roll and take over for you!
Do you find that the Alpha theory holds true to the Basenji? That to keep them "in check", so to say, that you need to have the upper hand and be the one in control, be the Alpha of your pack?
Personally I don't know if it is because I have 3 very active and headstrong sons that if I didn't take the "Alpha Position" in the household we would have nothing but chaos, so I tend to be the same with Kiya. She knows who is boss of the house. Although that doesn't stop her when she is acting like a teenage girl testing the waters and toeing the line. :p