Can You Control Who The Alpha Dog Is When You Own Two Canines
A dog owner named Beth writes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white woman (Cassie) is almost 2 and spayed. The enthusiast male (Peanut) is just one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was saved from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is exceptionally committed, a great listener and fast student. He is the perfect dog as he is extremely excited to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and persistent canine I have ever encountered (you have actually probably seen even worse). She used to just listen to commands when she wanted but I have stopped that. I have had numerous problems with her dominant propensities 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 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 overcome this one with using the training collar.
ADAM INTERJECTS: It's extremely challenging to correct pain-response aggressiveness. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Utilize the muzzle and limit the dog when you require to give her shots. Other times (so that she doesn't construct an unfavorable 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 lot of supremacy hostility toward Peanut. She roars when he tries to get a bone near her and when they play (or battle) she will "hump" him. I constantly feed her first, offer her deals with first, pet her first but Peanut just doesn't appear to get it. He will walk through the door prior to Cassie however after me. He is constantly one head length ahead of her when we stroll outside. Even more, I believe he is attempting to challenge her because the playing time more recently has actually developed into combating. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has been no blood. Nevertheless, Cassie generally 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 once again until I break it up.
She also displays the same hostility towards the feline. If the cat enters into her "location" when she is comfortable in front of the fire or if the cat even walks by one of her bones she goes crazy. She'll chase after the feline away with grumbling and rapidly pursuing her.
ADAM INTERJECTS ONCE AGAIN: You can remedy this habits. She will find out not to go 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 chasing the cat? ASSISTANCE!
Any recommendations you can provide will be much appreciated. Your book is fantastic by the way ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the question.
There is ONE big point you're not conceptualizing: You can only impact your relationship with each pet. You can be dominant to both canines. Or you can be dominant to just one dog. Or you can be viewed as the Omega canine (the most submissive one) by both pets.
However, you can not control how your canines view each other. This is a topic I have actually discussed in previous concerns of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your advantage:
A customer wrote: "Thanks, Adam. I think I discovered the response. 'We determine who will be the alpha pet dog.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can not do this! It's difficult!!!
The canines' characters are fundamental. Only you can figure out if you're dominant to the other canines, by being MORE DOMINANT. However you can not work it out for them.
You can manage the pets' behaviors yorkies puppies for sale near me and not permit any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha pet dog in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
But as soon as you leave the pet 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 four kids.
Kid # 1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will mature to be an intense criminal defense attorney.
Kid # 3 will grow up 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 the house every day for work, you may say, "Kid # 4 ... you're in charge." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 might get the benefits of being the "so-called" leading pet dog.
However as quickly 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 pet." Their genes (and to some degree, 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 fairly difficult in his own right, he will test kid # 1 ... however will eventually lose ... as kid # 1 is too hard.
Now, if kid # 1 gets sick and has to stay in bed, then kid # 2 ends up being the brand-new kid # 1.
Simply put, the "Alpha pet."
Till you get house. Then you're the alpha pet, and he ends up being the beta dog.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you've described your canines' interactions ... it does not sound to me like you've got an issue. It sounds just like play, or perhaps some dominance scuffles. However, without seeing the pets face to face it's impossible to inform for sure.
That recommends now, folks!
Adam