Can You Control Who The Alpha Dog Is When You Own 2 Dogs
A pet owner called Beth writes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have 2 cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie) is nearly two and purified. The buff male (Peanut) is just one 1 years of ages and neutered. Peanut was saved from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is extremely dedicated, an excellent listener and fast learner. He is the perfect pet 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 have actually most likely seen worse). She used to only listen to commands when she desired however I have stopped that. I have actually had various issues with her dominant tendencies however have come a long method. She now views me as the alpha and only shows hostility when she is in discomfort-- particularly when I brush her. She has actually been detected with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my problem though as I think I can work through this one with using the training collar.
ADAM INTERJECTS: It's really hard to remedy pain-response hostility. It's more of a response than anything else. Utilize the muzzle and restrain the pet dog when you require to give her shots. Other times (so that she does not construct a negative association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and after that provide her a cookie. Do this at random times.
BETH CONTINUES: Cassie shows a great deal of supremacy hostility toward Peanut. She growls when he attempts to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I always feed her first, give her treats first, pet her first however Peanut simply doesn't appear to get it. He will stroll through the door before Cassie but after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we stroll outside. Even more, I think he is trying to challenge her because the playing time more just recently has developed into battling. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has been no blood. Nevertheless, 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 shows the exact same hostility toward the cat. If the cat comes into her "location" when she is comfy in front of the fire or if the cat even walks by one of her bones she goes nuts. She'll chase the cat away with roaring and quickly pursuing her.
ADAM INSERTS ONCE AGAIN: You can remedy this behavior. She will learn not to chase after the feline in the house.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the huge concern. What do I do? Do I continue to deal with Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them combat it out? Do I continue to scold her for going after the cat? HELP!
Any recommendations you can offer will be much yorkshire teacup puppy for sale appreciated. Your book is terrific by the way ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the question.
There is ONE big point you're not conceiving: You can only impact your relationship with each dog. You can be dominant to both pet dogs. Or you can be dominant to only one pet. Or you can be deemed the Omega dog (the most submissive one) by both dogs.
However, you can not manage how your canines see each other. This is a topic I have actually written about in past problems of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:
A customer composed: "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 canines' personalities are intrinsic. Just you can figure out if you're dominant to the other pets, by being MORE DOMINANT. But you can not work it out for them.
You can control the dogs' habits and not enable any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha canine in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
But as quickly as you leave the pets together-- unsupervised-- and go out for supper ... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be the dominant one.
Think of taking a group of four kids.
Kid # 1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then 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 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 might get the privileges of being the "so-called" leading dog.
But as soon as you leave ...
It's going to be a considered 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." Their genetics (and to some degree, upbringing-- relying on their age) determines this. But it is the toughest kid who will end up being the group leader.
Even though kid # 2 might be relatively tough in his own right, he will evaluate kid # 1 ... but will ultimately lose ... as kid # 1 is too difficult.
Now, if kid # 1 gets sick and has to stay in bed, then kid # 2 becomes the brand-new kid # 1.
Simply put, the "Alpha canine."
Until you get house. Then you're the alpha canine, and he becomes the beta pet dog.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you have actually described your canines' interactions ... it doesn't sound to me like you've got a problem. It sounds much like play, or possibly some supremacy scuffles. Nevertheless, without seeing the pets in person it's impossible to inform for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam