Can You Control Who The Alpha Pet dog Is When You Own Two Pet dogs
A pet dog owner called Beth writes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have 2 cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white woman (Cassie) is nearly 2 and made sterile. The buff male (Peanut) is simply one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was saved from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly devoted, a very good listener and quick learner. He is the perfect pet dog as he is extremely excited to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn pet I have ever come across (you've probably seen worse). She utilized to only listen to commands when she wanted however I have actually stopped that. I have actually had various issues with her dominant propensities but have come a long method. She now sees me as the alpha and just shows hostility when she is in discomfort-- particularly when I brush her. She has been detected with allergies, is on allergic reaction shots and has bad skin. This is not my problem though as I believe I can resolve this one with making use of the training collar.
ADAM INTERJECTS: It's very hard to correct pain-response hostility. It's more of a response than anything else. Utilize the muzzle and restrain the pet dog when you require to provide her shots. Other times (just so that she does not build an unfavorable association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and then provide her a cookie. Do this at random times.
BETH CONTINUES: Cassie shows a lot of dominance aggression towards Peanut. She growls when he attempts to get a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I constantly feed her very first, provide her deals with initially, pet her very first however Peanut simply does not seem to get it. He will walk through the door prior to Cassie however after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we walk outside. Even more, I believe he is attempting to challenge her due to the fact that the playing time more just recently has turned into combating. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has actually been no blood. However, Cassie normally is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he discharges this barking/yelping noise when she launches, he goes right after her again till I break it up.
She also displays the same aggression toward the feline. If the feline enters into her "location" when she is comfy in front of the fire or if the feline even strolls by one of her bones she goes nuts. She'll go after the feline away with growling and quickly following her.
ADAM INTERJECTS AGAIN: You can remedy this behavior. She will discover not to chase after the feline in your home.
BETH CONTINUES: yorkie puppies for So here's the huge question. What do I do? Do I continue to treat Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them combat it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing after the cat? ASSISTANCE!
Any advice you can provide will be much valued. Your book is great by the way ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the concern.
There is ONE huge point you're not conceptualizing: You can only affect your relationship with each canine. You can be dominant to both pet dogs. Or you can be dominant to just one canine. Or you can be viewed as the Omega pet (the most submissive one) by both pet dogs.
However, you can not manage how your canines see each other. This is a topic I have actually discussed in previous problems of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:
A subscriber composed: "Thanks, Adam. I believe I found the answer. 'We determine who will be the alpha pet.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can not do this! It's impossible!!!
The canines' personalities are intrinsic. Just you can determine if you're dominant to the other canines, by being MORE DOMINANT. However you can not work it out for them.
You can control the dogs' habits and not allow any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha dog in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
But as soon as you leave the pet dogs together-- unsupervised-- and go out for dinner ... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be the dominant one.
Think of taking a group of 4 kids.
Kid # 1 will mature to be a Navy Seal, and after that an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will mature to be a fierce criminal defense lawyer.
Kid # 3 will grow up to be a middle management executive for a big firm.
Kid # 4: will grow up to be a peace activist and a socialist.
Now, when you leave your house every day for work, you might say, "Kid # 4 ... you supervise." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 may get the advantages of being the "so-called" top pet dog.
But as quickly as you leave ...
It's going to be a given that kid # 3 and kid # 4 are going to be the bottom dogs, and kid # 1 and kid # 2 will scrap-it-out to see who is REALLY the "top canine." Their genes (and to some extent, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. However it is the most difficult kid who will become the group leader.
Even though kid # 2 might be fairly hard in his own right, he will evaluate kid # 1 ... however will ultimately lose ... as kid # 1 is too difficult.
Now, if kid # 1 gets sick and needs to stay in bed, then kid # 2 becomes the new kid # 1.
Simply put, the "Alpha dog."
Up until you get house. Then you're the alpha dog, and he ends up being the beta pet.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you have actually explained your canines' interactions ... it does not sound to me like you have actually got a problem. It sounds just like play, or possibly some dominance scuffles. However, without seeing the dogs face to face it's impossible to tell for sure.
That recommends now, folks!
Adam