Can You Control Who The Alpha Pet dog Is When You Own 2 Dogs
A dog owner named Beth writes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white woman (Cassie) is nearly two and spayed. The buff male (Peanut) is simply one 1 years of ages and neutered. Peanut was saved from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is extremely dedicated, a great listener and quick student. He is the perfect pet as he is extremely eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and persistent canine I have actually ever come across (you have actually probably seen even worse). She used to just listen to commands when she wanted but I have actually stopped that. I have actually had various issues with her dominant tendencies however have come a long way. She now sees me as the alpha and just shows hostility when she is in pain-- specifically 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 overcome this one with making use of the training collar.
ADAM INTERJECTS: It's really hard to fix pain-response aggression. It's more of a response than anything else. Use the muzzle and restrain the canine when you require to provide her shots. Other times (just so that she does not build a negative association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and then offer her a cookie. Do this at random times.
BETH CONTINUES: Cassie displays a lot of dominance aggressiveness toward Peanut. She roars when he tries to get a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I constantly feed her first, give her deals with initially, pet her very first but Peanut simply doesn't appear to get it. He will stroll through the door prior to Cassie however after me. He is constantly one head length ahead of her when we stroll outside. Further, I think he is attempting to challenge her due to the fact that the playing time more recently has actually turned into fighting. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has actually been no blood. However, Cassie usually is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he discharges this barking/yelping sound when she releases, he goes right after her again until I toy yorkie for sale break it up.
She likewise shows the very same aggression toward the cat. If the cat comes into her "location" when she is comfy in front of the fire or if the feline even strolls by among her bones she goes nuts. She'll chase the feline away with grumbling and rapidly following her.
ADAM INSERTS ONCE AGAIN: You can correct this habits. She will discover not to chase after the feline 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 fight it out? Do I continue to scold her for going after the cat? ASSISTANCE!
Any advice you can offer will be much valued. Your book is fantastic by the method ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the question.
There is ONE big point you're not conceiving: You can only affect your relationship with each pet dog. You can be dominant to both canines. Or you can be dominant to only one pet. Or you can be considered as the Omega pet dog (the most submissive one) by both pet dogs.
However, you can not manage how your pet dogs view each other. This is a subject I have actually written about in previous problems of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your advantage:
A subscriber wrote: "Thanks, Adam. I believe I discovered the answer. 'We identify who will be the alpha canine.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can refrain from doing this! It's impossible!!!
The pets' characters are intrinsic. Only you can identify if you're dominant to the other pets, by being MORE DOMINANT. But you can not work it out for them.
You can manage the dogs' behaviors and not enable any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha pet dog in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
However as soon as you leave the canines 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 4 kids.
Kid # 1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will grow up to be a strong criminal defense attorney.
Kid # 3 will mature to be a middle management executive for a big company.
Kid # 4: will grow up to be a peace activist and a socialist.
Now, when you leave your house every day for work, you may state, "Kid # 4 ... you're in charge." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 may get the advantages of being the "so-called" leading dog.
But as quickly as you leave ...
It's going to be a considered that kid # 3 and kid # 4 are going to be the bottom pet dogs, and kid # 1 and kid # 2 will scrap-it-out to see who is REALLY the "leading canine." Their genetics (and to some degree, upbringing-- relying on their age) determines this. But it is the toughest kid who will become the group leader.
Although kid # 2 may be fairly difficult in his own right, he will test kid # 1 ... however will ultimately lose ... as kid # 1 is too difficult.
Now, if kid # 1 gets ill and has to stay in bed, then kid # 2 becomes the brand-new kid # 1.
To put it simply, the "Alpha pet dog."
Until you get home. Then you're the alpha dog, and he becomes the beta canine.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you've explained your dogs' interactions ... it does not sound to me like you've got an issue. It sounds similar to play, or perhaps some dominance scuffles. However, without seeing the pet dogs in person it's impossible to inform for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam