Can You Control Who The Alpha Pet dog Is When You Own 2 Dogs
A dog owner called Beth composes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have 2 cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white woman (Cassie) is practically 2 and purified. The buff male (Peanut) is simply one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is exceptionally devoted, an excellent listener and fast student. He is the ideal canine as he is really eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn pet dog I have actually ever encountered (you've most likely seen even worse). She utilized to just listen to commands when she wanted but I have stopped that. I have actually had many issues with her dominant tendencies but have actually come a long method. She now sees me as the alpha and just shows aggressiveness when she is in pain-- specifically when I brush her. She has actually been detected with allergic reactions, is on allergy yorkie teacup for sale shots and has bad skin. This is not my issue though as I think I can resolve this one with using the training collar.
ADAM INSERTS: It's very difficult to fix pain-response hostility. It's more of a response than anything else. Use the muzzle and restrain the dog when you require to provide her shots. Other times (just so that she doesn't construct an unfavorable association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and after that give her a cookie. Do this at random times.
BETH CONTINUES: Cassie shows a lot of dominance aggressiveness towards Peanut. She grumbles when he attempts to get a bone near her and when they play (or battle) she will "hump" him. I always feed her very first, give her deals with first, pet her first but Peanut just does not seem to get it. He will stroll through the door prior to Cassie however after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we stroll outside. Even more, I believe he is trying to challenge her because the playing time more recently has developed into fighting. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has actually been no blood. However, Cassie generally is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he blurts this barking/yelping sound when she launches, he goes right after her again up until I break it up.
She also shows the same hostility toward the cat. If the cat comes into her "area" when she is comfy in front of the fire or if the feline even strolls by one of her bones she goes crazy. She'll chase the cat away with growling and quickly running after her.
ADAM INTERJECTS ONCE AGAIN: You can fix this behavior. She will learn not to chase the cat in your home.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the huge concern. 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 feline? HELP!
Any guidance you can offer will be much valued. Your book is excellent by the way ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the concern.
There is ONE big point you're not conceiving: You can just impact your relationship with each pet dog. You can be dominant to both pets. Or you can be dominant to just one canine. Or you can be considered as the Omega pet dog (the most submissive one) by both pet dogs.
Nevertheless, you can not manage how your dogs see each other. This is a subject I've blogged about in past concerns of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your advantage:
A customer composed: "Thanks, Adam. I think I found the answer. 'We determine who will be the alpha dog.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can not do this! It's difficult!!!
The canines' characters are inherent. Just you can figure out if you're dominant to the other pet dogs, by being MORE DOMINANT. However you can not work it out for them.
You can manage the canines' behaviors and not enable any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha dog in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
However as quickly as you leave the pets together-- not being watched-- and go out for supper ... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be the dominant one.
Think about taking a group of four kids.
Kid # 1 will mature to be a Navy Seal, and after that an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will mature to be an intense criminal defense attorney.
Kid # 3 will mature to be a middle management executive for a large firm.
Kid # 4: will mature to be a peace activist and a socialist.
Now, when you leave your home every day for work, you might state, "Kid # 4 ... you supervise." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 may get the advantages of being the "so-called" top canine.
However as soon 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 "leading pet dog." Their genetics (and to some extent, upbringing-- depending upon their age) identifies this. But it is the hardest kid who will become the group leader.
Even though kid # 2 might be relatively tough in his own right, he will evaluate kid # 1 ... but will eventually lose ... as kid # 1 is too hard.
Now, if kid # 1 gets ill and needs to remain in bed, then kid # 2 ends up being the new kid # 1.
In other words, the "Alpha pet."
Up until you get house. Then you're the alpha pet, and he ends up being the beta pet dog.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you have actually described your canines' interactions ... it does not sound to me like you have actually got an issue. It sounds much like play, or possibly some dominance scuffles. However, without seeing the canines in person it's impossible to tell for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam