Can You Manage Who The Alpha Pet Is When You Own Two Canines
A dog owner named Beth composes:
Dear Mr. Katz,
I have 2 cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie) is almost two and made sterile. 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 extremely dedicated, a great listener and fast learner. He is the ideal canine as he is very excited to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and persistent canine I have actually ever encountered (you have actually most likely seen worse). She used to just listen to commands when she desired but I have actually stopped that. I have had numerous problems with her dominant propensities but have actually come a long method. She now sees me as the alpha and only shows hostility when she is in discomfort-- particularly when I brush her. She has been diagnosed with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my issue though as I believe I can work through this one with making use of the training collar.
ADAM INSERTS: It's extremely hard to remedy pain-response hostility. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Use the muzzle and restrain the dog when you need to offer her shots. Other times (so that she doesn't develop 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 great deal of dominance aggression toward Peanut. She grumbles when he tries to get a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I constantly feed her very first, give her treats first, pet her very first however Peanut just doesn't appear to get it. He will walk through the door prior to Cassie but after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we walk outside. Further, I think he is trying to challenge her since the playing time more just recently has become battling. It's more barking than anything-- to date there has actually been no blood. Nevertheless, Cassie generally is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he blurts this barking/yelping sound when she launches, he goes right after her again till I break it up.
She likewise displays the same hostility towards the cat. If the feline comes into her "area" when she is comfy in front of the fire or if the cat even walks by one of her bones she goes crazy. She'll go after the feline away with growling and quickly pursuing her.
ADAM INTERJECTS ONCE AGAIN: You can remedy this habits. She will learn not to chase after the cat in your home.
BETH CONTINUES: So here's the huge question. What do I do? Do I continue to deal with Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them fight it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing after the teacup yorkie near me for sale cat? AID!
Any suggestions you can provide will be much valued. Your book is excellent by the method ... Regards,
Beth
Dear Beth:
Thanks for the concern.
There is ONE huge point you're not conceiving: You can only affect your relationship with each pet. You can be dominant to both canines. Or you can be dominant to only one pet dog. Or you can be viewed as the Omega dog (the most submissive one) by both pet dogs.
However, you can not manage how your dogs view each other. This is a subject I've blogged about in previous issues of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your advantage:
A customer composed: "Thanks, Adam. I believe I found the response. 'We identify who will be the alpha canine.' Correct? "
My reply:
" No, no no! You can not do this! It's impossible!!!
The pets' characters are fundamental. Just 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 canines' behaviors and not permit any scuffles if you:
-- are the alpha pet in the pack.
and
-- you have voice control.
However as soon as you leave the pets together-- not being watched-- and go out for supper ... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be the dominant one.
Think of taking a group of 4 kids.
Kid # 1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral.
Kid # 2 will grow up to be a strong criminal defense attorney.
Kid # 3 will mature to be a middle management executive for a big company.
Kid # 4: will mature to be a peace activist and a socialist.
Now, when you leave your house every day for work, you may say, "Kid # 4 ... you supervise." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 may get the privileges of being the "so-called" top canine.
However as quickly 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." Their genes (and to some level, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. But it is the hardest kid who will end up being the group leader.
Although kid # 2 might be relatively hard in his own right, he will test kid # 1 ... however will eventually lose ... as kid # 1 is too difficult.
Now, if kid # 1 gets sick and has to remain in bed, then kid # 2 ends up being the brand-new kid # 1.
To put it simply, the "Alpha pet."
Till you get home. 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 dogs' interactions ... it doesn't sound to me like you've got an issue. It sounds just like play, or possibly some dominance scuffles. Nevertheless, without seeing the pets in person it's impossible to inform for sure.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam