Can You Control Who The Alpha Pet Is When You Own 2 Dogs

A 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 two and spayed. The buff male (Peanut) is simply one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was saved from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly devoted, a great listener and quick learner. He is the ideal pet dog as he is really eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn canine I have ever come across (you have actually most likely seen even worse). She utilized to only listen to commands when she wanted however I have put a stop to that. I have had various issues with her dominant propensities but have come a long way. She now sees me as the alpha and only displays hostility when she is in pain-- specifically when I brush her. She has been diagnosed with allergic reactions, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my issue though as I think I can resolve this one with the use of the training collar.

ADAM INSERTS: It's very challenging to fix pain-response aggression. It's more of a reaction than anything else. Utilize the muzzle and restrain the canine when you require to offer her shots. Other times (just so that she does not construct a negative 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 toward Peanut. She roars when he attempts to get a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will "hump" him. I constantly feed her first, offer her deals with first, pet her first however Peanut just doesn't seem to get it. He will walk through the door before Cassie but after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we walk outside. Further, I believe he is trying to challenge her due to the fact that the playing time more just recently has actually become 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 lets out this barking/yelping noise when she launches, he goes right after her once teacup yorkies for sale again till I break it up.

She likewise displays the same hostility toward the cat. If the feline comes into her "area" when she is comfy in front of the fire or if the feline even walks by among her bones she goes crazy. She'll chase after the feline away with roaring and rapidly running after her.

ADAM INTERJECTS ONCE AGAIN: You can correct this habits. She will discover not to chase the feline 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 combat it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing after the cat? AID!

Any suggestions you can offer will be much appreciated. Your book is great by the method ... Regards,

Beth

Dear Beth:

Thanks for the concern.

There is ONE huge point you're not conceptualizing: You can just affect your relationship with each dog. You can be dominant to both pets. Or you can be dominant to just one dog. Or you can be viewed as the Omega canine (the most submissive one) by both pet dogs.

However, you can not manage how your pet dogs 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 advantage:

A customer composed: "Thanks, Adam. I think I found the answer. 'We determine who will be the alpha dog.' Correct? "

My reply:

" No, no no! You can not do this! It's impossible!!!

The canines' characters are intrinsic. Only you can determine 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 canines' behaviors and not permit any scuffles if you:

-- are the alpha pet dog in the pack.

and

-- you have voice control.

However as soon 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.

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 strong criminal defense lawyer.

Kid # 3 will mature to be a middle management executive for a large firm.

Kid # 4: will grow up to be a peace activist and a socialist.

Now, when you leave your house every day for work, you might state, "Kid # 4 ... you supervise." And as long as you're around, Kid # 4 might get the advantages 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 pet." Their genetics (and to some extent, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. But it is the hardest kid who will become the group leader.

Even though kid # 2 may be fairly difficult in his own right, he will check 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 becomes the new kid # 1.

To put it simply, the "Alpha pet dog."

Up until you get home. Then you're the alpha pet dog, and he ends up being the beta dog.

Get it?

Beth, as far as you have actually explained your canines' interactions ... it doesn't sound to me like you have actually got a problem. It sounds similar to play, or possibly some supremacy scuffles. Nevertheless, without seeing the pet dogs face to face it's difficult to inform for sure.

That recommends now, folks!

Adam