Can You Manage Who The Alpha Dog Is When You Own 2 Pet dogs
A canine owner called Beth composes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white woman (Cassie) is almost 2 and made sterile. 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 incredibly dedicated, a great listener and quick 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 ever encountered (you've most likely seen worse). She used to only listen to commands when she wanted but I have actually stopped that. I have actually had numerous problems with her dominant tendencies but have come a long method. She now sees me as the alpha and only displays aggressiveness when she is in pain-- particularly when I brush her. She has actually been identified with allergic reactions, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my problem though as I believe I can resolve this one with using the training collar.
ADAM INSERTS: It's very tough to correct pain-response hostility. It's more of a response than anything else. Utilize the muzzle and limit the pet when you require to give her shots. Other times (just so that she doesn't construct an unfavorable association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and then provide her a cookie. Do this at random times.
BETH CONTINUES: Cassie shows a lot of supremacy hostility toward Peanut. She roars when he tries to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or battle) she will "hump" him. I constantly feed her very first, provide her treats initially, pet her very first but Peanut simply does not appear to get it. He will walk through the door before Cassie but after me. He is constantly one head length ahead of her when we walk outside. Further, I think he is attempting to challenge her due to the fact that the playing time more just recently has actually developed into combating. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has been no blood. Nevertheless, Cassie typically is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he lets out this barking/yelping sound when she launches, he goes right after her once again till I break it up.
She also shows the exact same hostility towards the feline. If the feline enters into her "area" when she is comfortable in front of the fire or if the feline even walks by among her bones she goes bananas. She'll chase the feline away with grumbling and quickly running after her.
ADAM INSERTS ONCE AGAIN: You can fix this behavior. She will learn not to chase the feline in the house.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the big question. What do I do? Do I continue to treat Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them fight it out? Do teacup yorkie near me for sale I continue to scold her for going after the cat? HELP!
Any advice you can provide will be much appreciated. Your book is great by the method ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the question.
There is ONE huge point you're not conceiving: You can only impact your relationship with each dog. You can be dominant to both pets. Or you can be dominant to only one canine. Or you can be considered as the Omega canine (the most submissive one) by both pet dogs.
However, you can not manage how your pet dogs see each other. This is a subject I have actually discussed in past concerns of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your advantage:
A subscriber composed: "Thanks, Adam. I think I found the response. 'We determine who will be the alpha pet dog.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can refrain from doing this! It's difficult!!!
The canines' personalities 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 pets' behaviors and not permit any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha pet in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
However as quickly as you leave the pets together-- not being watched-- and go out for dinner ... 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 after that an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will mature to be an intense criminal defense lawyer.
Kid # 3 will grow up to be a middle management executive for a large firm.
Kid # 4: will grow up to be a peace activist and a socialist.
Now, when you leave your home 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 privileges of being the "so-called" leading pet.
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 pets, and kid # 1 and kid # 2 will scrap-it-out to see who is REALLY the "leading dog." Their genes (and to some extent, upbringing-- relying on their age) identifies this. But it is the most difficult kid who will become the group leader.
Even though kid # 2 might be relatively difficult in his own right, he will check kid # 1 ... but will eventually lose ... as kid # 1 is too tough.
Now, if kid # 1 gets ill and needs to remain in bed, then kid # 2 ends up being the brand-new kid # 1.
In other words, the "Alpha pet dog."
Up until you get house. Then you're the alpha canine, and he ends up being the beta pet.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you have actually described your pet dogs' interactions ... it does not sound to me like you've got an issue. It sounds much like play, or perhaps some dominance scuffles. However, without seeing the canines face to face it's difficult to inform for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam