i have 2 dogs, both of whom are well behaved and both of whom adore me. i am the leader of the pack. but between those 2 is one dog more dominant than the other even with me as leader?
2007-12-12 10:30:51 · 10 answers · asked by mephistowaltz 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Whats the ?
2007-12-12 10:34:45 · answer #1 · answered by sweet tourettes 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
In dog packs, there is the alpha/leader of the pack, which is you.
However, their is sub-levels also, and within the 2 dogs, one will be more dominant than the other, although it may be so subtle that you can't really determine which it is. In other cases, it's very apparent. If you have 2 females, you may find the occasional scrape to determine leadership among the 2 of them. If you have a male and female, typically the female will be the leader of the dog pack.
The only thing that you really need to be sure of is that both dogs see you as the alpha, the leader. Beyond that, they will work it out between themselves who is "second in command."
2007-12-12 10:36:13 · answer #2 · answered by rjn529 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Stop setting up situations where you are trying to prove your the alpha or you will have a dog whose jocking for position forever. Here is a wonderful article. Your dog's behavior is driven more by instinct and training then dominance. Being dominant is no replacement for being a good teacher. Little of a dog's behavior is driven by the need to fancy themselves the leader. Dominance is real, but there is more to behavior than that. Study Pavlav, the four quadrants, and Skinner and the instinctual drift, and the Premac princple.
2007-12-12 10:39:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally an alpha (in this case you), has a right hand man. It's normally a calm confident male that will diffuse fights, help maintain discipline, and just generally keep an eye on everyone's well-being.
You may also have two "middle pack" dogs. Neither dominant or submissive, they normally always quarrel for status without the intervention of an alpha.
If you have a male and female it is possible that they enjoy equal status and you are the alpha.
Pack animals (and dogs ARE pack animals), thrive in a system with a social hierarchy. They need to know that they are part of a group (family etc.), and they need to know that they aren't the boss or else they will attempt to assume a leadership role.
Regardless of what Skinner or Clicker Trainers think they know, and regardless of how scientifically they try to break it down...it's in dog nature to be pack animals and have a hierarchy.
[Puppyluv, I'm not sure why you're singling me out.... I never said that using dominance was any way to train a dog. I work with groups of dogs and I absolutely need them to recognize me as the leader or we can end up in unsafe situations. Using a firm voice and using the nothing in life is free program, I'm able to attain this.
I don't believe in using intimidation or bullying. That has nothing to do with being the leader, or the 'dominant' one. Dogs will only respect a fair leader..otherwise as you said, they will always challenge you. I would never physically challenge a dog...I don't have the tools to win that battle. (ie a mouth full of teeth)
Because of my approach, the dogs I work with both respect and trust me.
I'm not some Cesar lover. I disagree with many of his methods as a matter of fact. I also disagree with overintellectualizing canine behavior, (skinner etc.) in lieu of just respecting their nature. I don't subscribe to any one school of thought.
Just wanted to clarify because I feel you judged my position incorrectly. It seems to me that we have a very similar outlook.]
2007-12-12 10:43:53 · answer #4 · answered by monicat79 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Within every pack there is a ranking all the way to the last pup. If you are not attuned to it you may not even see it. Watch their behavior. Who is first to bark at a stranger, door bell or noise? Who is first in taking a walk, who leads the walk?
Watch body movements, stances or postures, little signs of dominance or submission. If you watch carefully you can tell.
2007-12-12 10:50:54 · answer #5 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes there probley is a more dominant dog between the to you will just have to watch them closely and see witch one eats first or chooses the first toy to play with to find out wich is the more dominant
2007-12-12 10:34:46 · answer #6 · answered by Justin B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Each of my three dogs have their dominant areas. One is food, one is toys and the 3rd one (which of course is the smallest) gets the sleeping area.
2007-12-12 11:41:08 · answer #7 · answered by Scrappydo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! All dogs have an alpha. which is you but they also need a dog alpha. My female dog controls my male!!
I'm not sure about this answer, I'm just speaking from experience!
2007-12-12 10:36:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Only you can answer that--after all-they are your dogs and you should be able to tell who is second in command just by the way they act.
2007-12-12 17:13:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, yes. If you have more than one dog, they will form their own hierarchy And, you should try to tune it to that and respect it.
2007-12-12 10:47:30 · answer #10 · answered by drb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋