Who is the Alpha Dog?

[Doodlebug]

I have heard several people, including our obedience trainer, say that when you bring a second dog into the family you should always show your first dog attention before the second dog.

Then I heard the Dog Whisper say that all of his dogs are equal. I'm kinda confused about this. At first I was showing my first dog attention first and then it didn't seem fair so I kind of trade off or try to give them equal attention. I have a lot of jealousy going on here and just wanted some advise. Thanks

[janedks3406]

I have found that my male is boss when it comes right down to it but my Dutchess who came into the house second she is the BOSS, Emerald has tried to fight for dominance, and the Sheeba, and Raven know that Dutchess rules the Roost.

[Patti]

I think we are suppossed to be the alpha leader. I know whne I brought Cali in to the house I tried to give Maya more attention but it's funny because they have formed their own hierarchy. Cali will not get off the bed in the morning until Maya who sleeps under my bed comes out. She will sit at the end of the bed and whine for her to get up, but Cali has to be first out the back door, she will fly out to make sure she beats Maya out. Then with feeding, Cali waits until Maya eats and then licks Maya's plate and then goes and eats hers, If we Call Maya, Cali comes, if we call Cali she ignores us. So it seems they work out their own rules.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Doodlebug

I have heard several people, including our obedience trainer, say that when you bring a second dog into the family you should always show your first dog attention before the second dog.

Then I heard the Dog Whisper say that all of his dogs are equal. I'm kinda confused about this. At first I was showing my first dog attention first and then it didn't seem fair so I kind of trade off or try to give them equal attention. I have a lot of jealousy going on here and just wanted some advise. Thanks

YOU must be the alpha and the dogs will establish their own pecking order, but they will always know that you have the final say.

I think showing the older dog affection first, in the beginning is to avoid jealousy. until they get used tio each other. But once they get established and get along, you can treat them the same.

Never show any dog affection when they are misbehaving, such as growling at the other dog. Wait until they have settled down.

[chattiesmom]

Generally, the one who THINKS he is alpha usually is....

[Maddie-Rudy-Mom]

My four have such different personalities. They each have thing they are alpha about. It's like the other three no to back off. They keep it interesting around here. I am lucky they get along so good.

[SnowWa]

Perhaps you can think of it this way.....

If you bring a new baby home from the hospital and you already have a little three year old -- you need to be very careful and continue to give that little three year old a lot of attention (perhaps a little extra) for a while - and make sure it doesn't think the new baby is taking it's place.

But - doing this for a while doesn't mean that you care for one child more than another -- of course, you love them equally - and always will.

Sometimes we have special problems when we introduce new members into the family --- and we have to make sure that no one feels neglected or left out.....

****** When I got my new little Yorkie puppy ---who wanted to be on my lap and crawl all over me a lot -- I deliberately often went and got my 4-year-old Bichon and settled him down beside me on the other side. And, then while I was enjoying the little puppy, I would constantly pet and talk to Louie (the Bichon) at the same time. Also - whenever the pup was sleeping (which was a lot) -- I made it a special point to spend even more time cuddling up with and playing with Louie. Needless to say - they are very best friends now - and I never saw a moment's jealousy.

I love them equally -- no doubt about that!

Carol Jean