He's socialized to other dogs since I take him to a dog park regularly. But, he is really picky with who he'll be friendly with. He's a small dog, so he's usually very playful with other small dogs. When he sees a big dog, 99% of the time, he goes into aggressive mode and will pull, bark, and growl at the other dog. I will yell at him "No!" and pull him and try to make him sit still, but once he's started, it's hard to get him to calm down. Then, on the rest of the walk, he remains "on alert" and will be more aggressive towards dogs he normally would play with. Why does he do this? Does this mean he's an alpha-dog?
2006-11-10 15:53:52 · 10 answers · asked by Genmai Cha 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes and no. He's PROTECTING you from the bigger dogs, and the only way he can relax is if he fightes aggressivly. Since he's trying to
protect you, he wants to let the other dogs, who seems "suspicious", to show that you are HIS that you are not a toy to be messed with, and that he is YOURS. The best way to show your alpha female in this role is to either pin him down on the ground and
put your self halfway over him, and wait til he sighes. (This shows that he forfets) or, if that doesn't work, bite him over the nose LIGHTLY and say, "I'm boss." not loud, but sternly. He should understand, and next time he tries to snap at another dog, shout "No!" STERNLY not loud, you might scare the other dog, and then that would cause problems, you must try this AFTER you show him your the alpha female. ^_^
GIRL POWER IS THE BEST!!!!Lol.
2006-11-10 16:47:31 · answer #1 · answered by Magdalena's Rose~*~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have the exact same situation with my two dogs. Both are female, one is older and the other is a puppy. The Westie is definitely the Alpha-Female. Like my dogs, the Golden annoys the hell out of the Westie, and the Westie will act as though she hates the Golden. When they play, does it look like the Westie is getting annoyed? Even if she snaps, does she try to hurt the Golden? Honestly, the Westie is the alpha-dog, and it's mostly due to the fact that she's older.
2016-03-28 02:00:52 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not an alpha dog trait. It is the fear- I-will-attack-you-first defensive stance . If he becomes traumatized by that experience, he will be fearful the rest of the walk.
Keep on taking him for a walk. AFter a while, he will understand that those bigger dogs will not attack him.
It will also help if you do not ask him to sit nor force him to socialize when he is not comfortable yet. It is better for you to continue your walk and not acknowledge the bigger dogs. He will do so at his own time
2006-11-10 16:06:31 · answer #3 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about him being an alpha dog but he has socialization problems. If I were you I would consult with a Dog Behavioral Specialist and have him evaluated. I am concerned not only about his aggressiveness and lack of socialization but the fact that he is not responding to you when you try to calm him down. After successful work with a Behavioral Specialist try Obedience classes to continue working on the socialization issues. I don't know how old your dog is but this is something that needs to be worked on right away. I am putting my 14 week old Bichonpoo (small dog) in Puppy Kindergarten to begin working on socialization early.
2006-11-10 16:05:30 · answer #4 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What your dog is - is a dog that is about to be eaten by a big dog! It's just a matter of time until he cops the attitude when he isn't close enough for you to save him and the big dog takes him up on his challenge. You definitely need to take him in hand or take him to some classes to stop that type of behavior. YOU need to be the Alpha-dog!
2006-11-10 16:13:12 · answer #5 · answered by Gail S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds more like he has small dog syndrome. Alpha dog behaviour only comes out in the "pack" situation. You are his pack member so if he is dominating you then he has what it takes to be an alpha.
2006-11-10 16:09:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is protecting you and yes he is acting as alpha. When he reacts to a big dog you need to place yourself between your dog and the larger (threat) dog. Therefore placing your dog behind you letting it know you are in control of the situation..
2006-11-10 16:03:35 · answer #7 · answered by Meatloaf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alpha dog refers to the order in your home- not to others walking by. He probably has a fear of bigger dogs and that's how he shows it. Even in the home, he should be last on the chain of alpha to non-alphas (last to humans I mean).
2006-11-11 08:19:04 · answer #8 · answered by niubutterfly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have to board my 3- boy and 2 girl chihuahuas for trips, my vet recently said that the littlest quietest one was alpha. i was shocked he's been picked at by the other two boys,gosh up untill about 6 mo. ago. he said because he always pees on the same spot as the others last he was the dominant one. i guess cause his scent is on top. so all in all agressive and protective do not equal alpha.who ever gets the last pee is!
2006-11-10 16:28:39 · answer #9 · answered by zoiella000000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he may be an alpha dog ,
or he could just be a pain the donkey for other dogs
2006-11-10 16:02:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋