Can You Control Who The Alpha Pet dog Is When You Own 2 Dogs
A pet dog owner called Beth composes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have 2 cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white woman (Cassie) is nearly 2 and made sterile. The enthusiast male (Peanut) is just one 1 years of ages and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is exceptionally dedicated, a very good listener and fast learner. He is the perfect canine as he is extremely excited to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and persistent pet I have ever experienced (you've most likely seen even worse). She utilized to only listen to commands when she wanted but I have actually put a stop to that. I have actually had many problems with her dominant propensities but have actually come a long way. She now views me as the alpha and only shows hostility when she is in pain-- particularly when I brush her. She has been identified with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my issue though as I think I can work through this one with using the training collar.
ADAM INSERTS: It's really tough to correct pain-response hostility. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Use the muzzle and restrain the canine when you require to provide her shots. Other times (so that she does not construct a negative association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and then give her a cookie. Do this at random times.
BETH CONTINUES: Cassie displays a great deal of supremacy aggression towards Peanut. She growls when he attempts to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I constantly feed her first, give her treats initially, pet her very first however Peanut simply does not 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 walk outside. Further, I believe he is attempting to challenge her due to the fact that the playing time more just recently has turned into fighting. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has actually been no blood. Nevertheless, Cassie usually is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he discharges this barking/yelping noise yorkie for sale when she releases, he goes right after her once again till I break it up.
She likewise displays the same hostility 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 one of her bones she goes bananas. She'll chase after the cat away with growling and rapidly running after her.
ADAM INTERJECTS AGAIN: You can correct this behavior. She will discover 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 treat Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them fight it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing the cat? HELP!
Any advice you can provide will be much valued. Your book is great by the method ... 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 canines. Or you can be dominant to just one dog. Or you can be deemed the Omega pet (the most submissive one) by both canines.
However, you can not control how your canines view each other. This is a subject I have actually blogged about in past problems of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:
A customer composed: "Thanks, Adam. I think I discovered the response. 'We identify who will be the alpha pet.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can refrain from doing this! It's difficult!!!
The pet dogs' personalities are inherent. Only you can figure out if you're dominant to the other pet dogs, by being MORE DOMINANT. However you can not work it out for them.
You can manage the dogs' behaviors and not permit any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha canine 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 about taking a group of 4 kids.
Kid # 1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and after that an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will mature to be a fierce 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 home every day for work, you might say, "Kid # 4 ... you supervise." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 might get the opportunities of being the "so-called" top pet 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 pets, and kid # 1 and kid # 2 will scrap-it-out to see who is REALLY the "leading dog." Their genes (and to some level, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. But it is the toughest kid who will become the group leader.
Despite the fact that kid # 2 may be fairly tough in his own right, he will test kid # 1 ... however will eventually lose ... as kid # 1 is too hard.
Now, if kid # 1 gets ill and needs to stay in bed, then kid # 2 ends up being the brand-new kid # 1.
In other words, the "Alpha canine."
Till you get home. Then you're the alpha pet, and he becomes the beta canine.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you've explained your dogs' interactions ... it doesn't sound to me like you have actually got an issue. It sounds similar to play, or perhaps some dominance scuffles. Nevertheless, without seeing the pet dogs personally it's difficult to inform for sure.
That recommends now, folks!
Adam