Can You Control Who The Alpha Pet Is When You Own Two Canines
A pet dog owner called Beth writes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie) is nearly 2 and purified. The enthusiast male (Peanut) is simply one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is extremely committed, a great listener and quick student. He is the perfect pet dog as he is very eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and persistent pet dog I have actually ever encountered (you have actually most likely seen even worse). She utilized to just listen to commands when she desired but I have stopped that. I have actually had numerous problems with her dominant tendencies but have actually come a long method. She now views me as the alpha and just shows aggression when she is in pain-- specifically when I brush her. She has been identified with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. teacup yorkie for sale up to $400 in pa This is not my problem though as I think I can work through this one with the use of the training collar.
ADAM INSERTS: It's very tough to remedy pain-response hostility. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Utilize the muzzle and limit the pet when you need to give her shots. Other times (just so that she doesn't build an unfavorable 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 great deal of dominance aggression toward Peanut. She grumbles when he tries to get a bone near her and when they play (or battle) she will "hump" him. I always feed her first, give her treats first, pet her first but Peanut simply doesn't appear to get it. He will stroll through the door before Cassie however after me. He is constantly one head length ahead of her when we stroll outside. Further, I believe he is attempting to challenge her because the playing time more recently has actually developed into battling. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has been no blood. However, Cassie usually is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he lets out this barking/yelping sound when she releases, he goes right after her again up until I break it up.
She also displays the very same aggressiveness towards the feline. If the cat enters into her "area" when she is comfortable in front of the fire or if the feline even walks by one of her bones she goes crazy. She'll go after the cat away with roaring and rapidly pursuing her.
ADAM INTERJECTS AGAIN: You can correct this behavior. She will find out not to chase after the feline in your home.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the big question. 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 feline? HELP!
Any guidance you can offer will be much 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 just affect your relationship with each dog. You can be dominant to both pets. Or you can be dominant to only one dog. Or you can be considered as the Omega pet dog (the most submissive one) by both pets.
However, you can not control how your pets see each other. This is a topic I have actually blogged about in past issues of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:
A subscriber composed: "Thanks, Adam. I think I discovered the response. 'We determine who will be the alpha pet.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can refrain from doing this! It's difficult!!!
The dogs' personalities are fundamental. Just you can determine if you're dominant to the other dogs, by being MORE DOMINANT. But you can not work it out for them.
You can manage the pet dogs' habits and not allow any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha canine in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
But as quickly as you leave the dogs 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 4 kids.
Kid # 1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will grow up to be an intense criminal defense attorney.
Kid # 3 will mature 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 house every day for work, you may state, "Kid # 4 ... you supervise." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 may get the privileges of being the "so-called" top dog.
However as quickly as you leave ...
It's going to be a considered that kid # 3 and kid # 4 are going to be the bottom canines, 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 become the group leader.
Even though kid # 2 might be fairly 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 needs to stay in bed, then kid # 2 becomes the brand-new kid # 1.
In other words, the "Alpha canine."
Until you get house. Then you're the alpha pet, and he becomes the beta dog.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you have actually explained your dogs' interactions ... it doesn't sound to me like you've got an issue. It sounds just like play, or perhaps some supremacy scuffles. However, without seeing the pets face to face it's impossible to tell for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam