2006-06-20 14:34:54 · 13 answers · asked by sueet2b 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
As you know, domesticated dogs are basically tamed and specially bred wolves. The alpha-wolves (alpha-male and alpha-female), are basically the lead wolves. Fights are common among packs, and so the alphas are normally the strongest. Now, in a family, the "alpha-dog" is most likely the dog who has been around the longest. Normally, this dog will take control of actions, and take action against other dogs at times ex: I have a 13 year old dog who is the "alpha". When the others do something wrong, and they are scolded, the 13 year old will come and nip at the face a bit, or growl. This does not hurt the other dog, but teaches them to not do what they did, and it instills order.
2006-06-20 14:42:03 · answer #1 · answered by Riiken Ultima 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Alpha dogs are, as other people have mentioned, pack leaders. They are much less common than most people believe, since of course, only one dog can be leader of any given pack. More dogs are born followers and will pick up leadership only if necessary (i.e. if no one else is leading).
Alpha dogs tend to be very confident and typically do not have to fight to get their way. Just as some humans are very charismatic and simply earn other people's respect by walking through the door, a true alpha dog gets respect from other dogs just from their physical presence.
Where this question usually comes up is when people say a dog is misbehaving, pushy, etc because it is "alpha". Whether or not a dog is truly alpha doesn't really matter, because the only thing that actually matters is that your dog sees you as the leader in your home.
http://www.blackacorndogs.com/train_nilif.html
2006-06-21 02:18:21 · answer #2 · answered by FairlyErica 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the book Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson before you purchase or adopt your dog. This will give you an idea of what dogs thought process are.
Dogs are pack animals and the alpha is the top dog.
You will be the top dog, but you don't need to get this by being dominant or mean to your dog.
If you teach your dog to learn the command "sit" with a treat. You just started to establish yourself as boss or alpha!
IT is that EASY!!
By training your dog to learn commands and giving them rewards, you are in control and they will always look to you.
Some dogs are a little more stubborn, but do your research on what dogs fit your lifestyle and personality.
Take your dog to play dates and training classes. Spend an hour or so a day playing fetch or tug and you will be a great dog owner!!! And you won't ever have to think about the word ALPHA.....
2006-06-20 21:42:42 · answer #3 · answered by sha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And alpha is the leader of whatever group it is in, so the alpha dog is dominant.
Your odds of having one depends on a number of things:
What is the dog's breed(s)? Some dog breeds tend to be more dominant than others.
What was the dog's personality as a pup, with it's mom and litter? Some pups will naturally be dominant and some submissive.
What was the dog's environment and treatment as it grew up? Abusive or borderline treatment may bring out aggression, or may bring out dominance as a protective device.
What is the dog's current environment? Is the dog allowed to make all decisions? Does it get fed first? Does it take what food it wants? Does it go out the door first? Does it decide when to play? Does it play tug games - and end up winning?
These things can lead to a very dominant dog.
2006-06-20 21:42:20 · answer #4 · answered by starbunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
like the before answer alpha dogs are the leader of the pack as per your question what is the chance you have one? 100% this is because it is genetically built into dogs to work towards the dominating position. and this includes with other species. including humans. it is not good for a dog to think it is alpha over a human though. for several reasons.
2006-06-20 21:41:21 · answer #5 · answered by mournyngwolf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alpha dogs are the leaders of their pack. In the case of a family, the male dog (ususally males) will at first try to gain leadership but usually backs off.
In the wild, one male would be the alpha male, his mate the alpha female. His second in command would be the beta, and so on. It is natural for all dogs to seek out alpha position as it is hardwired into them.
2006-06-20 21:39:59 · answer #6 · answered by Sakura 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alpha dogs are the leader of their pack. If you have more than one dog then you have an alpha dog. A DOMINATE dog will fight, constantly and sometimes to the death, to get to the alpha spot. True dominance is rare in some breeds(Shelties, Chinese Cresteds) and VERY common in other breeds(Malamutes, Rottweilers) Be sure to research your breeds carefully. Also, if you tend to choose a puppy who is the first to run out and greet you over a shy puppy who hangs back, you have a higher chance of getting a dominate dog.
2006-06-21 01:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by jenn_a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure there are odds...but an alpha dog is the pack leader.
For instance, for 6 years, I have had my Miniature Schnauzer, and then, a puppy was dumped off in our yard.
Skye is making sure this puppy knows that SHE is the boss...she is asserting herself as the Alpha...the #1 dog.
2006-06-20 21:40:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the leader of the pack. You have to be the alpha dog with your pets. If not they won't listen to you or repect you. They can also get aggresive if the are the alpha dog to you and others. Owners should always be dominent to the dog.
2006-06-20 21:39:27 · answer #9 · answered by lavieja321 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your responsibility to establish yourself in the alpha position. If you fail to do this, your dog will do it as a natural behavior. All dogs are capable of being the alpha male, some just find it easier than others. Genetics...
2006-06-20 21:40:08 · answer #10 · answered by Steven A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋