Can You Manage Who The Alpha Dog Is When You Own 2 Canines
A pet owner called Beth composes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have 2 cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white woman (Cassie) is almost 2 and spayed. The enthusiast male (Peanut) is simply one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly committed, an excellent listener and fast learner. He is the perfect canine as he is really eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and persistent dog I have actually ever experienced (you have actually probably seen even worse). She utilized to just listen to commands when she wanted however I have actually put a stop to that. I have had many issues with her dominant tendencies however have come a long method. She now sees me as the alpha and only displays aggressiveness when she is in pain-- specifically when I brush her. She has actually been diagnosed with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my problem 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 aggressiveness. It's more of a response than anything else. Use the muzzle and restrain the dog when you need to offer her shots. Other times (just so that she does not construct 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 shows a lot of dominance hostility towards Peanut. She grumbles when he attempts to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I always feed her very first, provide her treats first, pet her first however Peanut just does not seem to get it. He will stroll through the door prior to Cassie however after me. He is always 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 turned into battling. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has actually been no blood. However, 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 again till I break it up.
She also displays the exact same hostility towards the cat. If the feline comes into her "location" when she is comfortable in front of the fire or if the feline even strolls by one of her bones she goes bananas. She'll chase the cat away with growling and rapidly following her.
ADAM INSERTS ONCE AGAIN: You can remedy this habits. She will find out not to chase the cat in your house.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the big concern. What do I do? Do I continue to treat Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them combat it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing after the feline? HELP!
Any suggestions you can use will be much appreciated. Your book is terrific by the method ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the question.
There is ONE big point you're not conceiving: You can only affect your relationship with each pet dog. You can be dominant to both canines. Or you can be dominant to only one pet. Or you can be viewed as the Omega pet (the most submissive one) by both pet dogs.
Nevertheless, you can not control how your pet dogs view each other. This is a topic I have actually discussed in past problems of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:
A customer wrote: "Thanks, Adam. I believe I found the answer. 'We determine who will be the alpha dog.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can refrain from doing this! It's impossible!!!
The canines' personalities are inherent. Only you can identify 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 allow any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha pet in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
However as quickly as you leave the canines 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 mature to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will grow up to be a fierce criminal defense attorney.
Kid # 3 will mature to be a middle management executive for a big firm.
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 state, "Kid # 4 ... you supervise." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 may get the opportunities 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 dogs, and kid # 1 and kid # 2 will scrap-it-out to see who is REALLY the "top dog." Their genetics (and to some degree, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. However it is the most difficult kid who will become the group leader.
Although kid # 2 may be fairly tough in his own right, he will test kid # 1 ... but will eventually lose ... as kid # 1 is too difficult.
Now, if kid # 1 gets ill and has to stay in bed, then kid yorkie teacup for sale # 2 ends up being the new kid # 1.
In other words, the "Alpha pet."
Until you get home. Then you're the alpha pet, and he becomes the beta dog.
Get it?
Beth, as far as you've explained your dogs' interactions ... it does not sound to me like you've got a problem. It sounds just like play, or maybe some supremacy scuffles. Nevertheless, without seeing the canines in person it's difficult to tell for sure.
That recommends now, folks!
Adam