Can You Control Who The Alpha Canine Is When You Own Two Dogs
A dog owner named Beth composes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have two 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 rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is exceptionally devoted, an excellent listener and quick student. He is the ideal canine as he is very eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn pet dog I have ever encountered (you've probably seen even worse). She utilized to just listen to commands when she desired however I have put a stop to that. I have had many issues with her dominant propensities however have actually come a long way. She now sees me as the alpha and only displays aggressiveness when she is in discomfort-- specifically when I brush her. She has actually been identified with allergic reactions, is on allergic reaction shots and has bad skin. This is not my issue though as I think I can work through this one with making use of the training collar.
ADAM INSERTS: It's extremely hard to correct pain-response aggression. It's more of a response than anything else. Utilize the muzzle and limit the dog when you require to offer her shots. Other times (so that she doesn't construct an unfavorable 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 lot of supremacy hostility towards Peanut. She roars when he tries to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or battle) she will "hump" him. I always feed her first, give her treats initially, pet her very first but Peanut simply doesn't seem to get it. He will stroll through the door before Cassie however after me. He is always one head teacup yorkie for sale length ahead of her when we walk outside. Further, I think he is trying to challenge her due to the fact that the playing time more just recently has actually turned into fighting. 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 blurts this barking/yelping noise when she releases, he goes right after her again until I break it up.
She also shows the exact same aggression towards the feline. If the cat comes 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 nuts. She'll chase the feline away with growling and quickly running after her.
ADAM INSERTS AGAIN: You can fix this behavior. She will find out not to chase the cat in your home.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the huge 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 guidance you can provide will be much appreciated. Your book is excellent by the method ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the concern.
There is ONE big point you're not conceptualizing: You can just impact your relationship with each dog. You can be dominant to both pets. Or you can be dominant to just one pet. Or you can be deemed the Omega canine (the most submissive one) by both canines.
However, you can not control how your canines see each other. This is a subject I've discussed in past concerns of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:
A customer composed: "Thanks, Adam. I believe I found the response. 'We identify who will be the alpha dog.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can not do this! It's impossible!!!
The pets' temperaments are intrinsic. Just you can identify if you're dominant to the other pets, by being MORE DOMINANT. However you can not work it out for them.
You can manage the pets' behaviors and not allow any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha pet in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
However as quickly as you leave the pet dogs together-- unsupervised-- and go out for supper ... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be the dominant one.
Consider taking a group of four kids.
Kid # 1 will mature to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will mature to be a strong criminal defense lawyer.
Kid # 3 will grow up to be a middle management executive for a large company.
Kid # 4: will mature to be a peace activist and a socialist.
Now, when you leave your home every day for work, you may say, "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 "top pet dog." Their genes (and to some level, upbringing-- relying on their age) determines this. However it is the most difficult kid who will become the group leader.
Even though kid # 2 might be relatively hard 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.
In other words, the "Alpha pet dog."
Until you get house. Then you're the alpha dog, and he ends up being the beta canine.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you have actually explained your pet dogs' interactions ... it doesn't sound to me like you've got a problem. It sounds much like play, or maybe some supremacy scuffles. Nevertheless, without seeing the dogs face to face it's impossible to inform for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam