Lead Alpha Male Dogs...

Your question about pack mentality varies. But domestic dogs do not have this as much as wolves. The independence is what helps them get out and hunt. The pack mentality allows them to share what they catch with you. I may be overthinking too but that is what I came up with over the years. I make sure the dogs know I am alpha not one of them. I have seen some setting the pecking order before huting with new dogs but they figure it out fast and get to hunting. My dogs are just dogs until it is time to hunt. When it is time to hunt I don't like it when dogs still want to mess around. I think males tend to mess around more than females. I like hunting strong female dogs because they seem to get to hunting faster. Just my two cents.