Many moons ago my parents had to offload their German Shepard to one of their parents that had domesticated geese. The geese let the dog know who was in charge..
Im not sure how the geese told the dog that the humans were in charge but the dog already knew that which is why he was afraid with confusion in how the humans would react to any action he chose.
Normally dogs that know the rules also know that they are higher in the pack than the geese but the geese (and other stock) are also extended members of the pack not to be harmed by them.