Can You Control Who The Alpha Dog Is When You Own 2 Canines
A pet 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 2 and purified. The enthusiast male (Peanut) is simply one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was saved from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly dedicated, a very good listener and quick learner. He is the ideal canine as he is very eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn dog I have ever come across (you have actually probably seen worse). She utilized to just listen to commands when she wanted but I have actually put a stop to that. I have had many issues with her dominant tendencies however have come a long way. She now sees me as the alpha and only shows hostility when she is in discomfort-- specifically when I brush her. She has actually been identified with allergic reactions, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my issue though as I believe I can resolve this one with the use of the training collar.
ADAM INTERJECTS: It's really hard to fix pain-response hostility. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Use the muzzle and limit the dog when you require to offer her shots. Other times (just so that she doesn't build an unfavorable association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and after that offer her a cookie. Do this at random times.
BETH CONTINUES: Cassie displays a lot of supremacy aggression toward Peanut. She growls when he tries to get a bone near her and when they play (or battle) she will "hump" him. I always feed her very first, give her treats first, pet her first however Peanut simply does not appear to get it. He will walk through the door prior to Cassie but after yorkshire for sale me. He is constantly one head length ahead of her when we stroll outside. Further, I think he is trying to challenge her since the playing time more just recently has actually become combating. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has been no blood. Nevertheless, Cassie usually is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he discharges this barking/yelping sound when she launches, he goes right after her again up until I break it up.
She likewise shows the very same aggressiveness towards the cat. If the feline enters her "location" when she is comfy in front of the fire or if the cat even walks by among her bones she goes nuts. She'll chase the cat away with roaring and quickly running after her.
ADAM INTERJECTS ONCE AGAIN: You can remedy this behavior. She will find out not to go after the feline in your house.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the huge question. What do I do? Do I continue to deal with Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them fight it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing the feline? HELP!
Any guidance you can use 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 dogs. Or you can be dominant to only one pet. Or you can be deemed the Omega dog (the most submissive one) by both pets.
However, you can not manage how your pets see each other. This is a topic I have actually blogged about in previous concerns of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:
A subscriber wrote: "Thanks, Adam. I believe I discovered the answer. 'We identify who will be the alpha pet dog.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can not do this! It's impossible!!!
The pet dogs' personalities are inherent. Only you can figure out if you're dominant to the other dogs, by being MORE DOMINANT. However you can not work it out for them.
You can control the dogs' habits and not enable any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha dog in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
But as soon as you leave the dogs together-- without supervision-- and go out for dinner ... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be the dominant one.
Consider taking a group of 4 kids.
Kid # 1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will mature to be a strong criminal defense attorney.
Kid # 3 will mature to be a middle management executive for a large company.
Kid # 4: will grow up 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 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 "top canine." Their genes (and to some extent, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. However it is the toughest kid who will end up being the group leader.
Despite the fact that kid # 2 might be relatively hard in his own right, he will check 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 becomes the brand-new kid # 1.
To put it simply, the "Alpha pet dog."
Until you get home. Then you're the alpha pet dog, and he becomes the beta pet dog.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you have actually described your pet dogs' interactions ... it doesn't sound to me like you've got a problem. It sounds similar to play, or maybe some supremacy scuffles. However, without seeing the dogs in person it's difficult to inform for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam