alpha dog??

linnie · 03-19-2007, 04:18 AM

Isabella is the dominant dog in the house Sophy automatically rolls over on her back when Bella approaches her. Bella seems to really boss sophy should I allow this alpha behaviour??? or should I stop it???
I dont want to make Bella feel threatened and she is jealous.
She doesnt harm her just uses stand over tactics, she does the same to Annie if she gets out of line but hasnt harmed her at all.
Do dogs just normally have positions they make in the household???

***Rivsky*** · 03-19-2007, 05:13 AM

Unless it's getting nasty I definitely wouldn't be interfering. Dogs usually work out their own heirarchy and humans should take note of it and respect that order that they have worked out amongst themselves.

mrsgrubby · 03-19-2007, 08:41 AM

I agree. As long as they aren't hurting each other, they need to have a "chain of command".

linnie · 03-20-2007, 01:22 AM

Thanks I was thinking the same but wanted to make sure

bigdoglover · 03-20-2007, 11:53 AM

I agree as well...Elite "postures" over Spatz, and even stands tall around Carlo. I let them do it as long as there isn't any serious aggression going on. That's when YOU have to be the "alpha" and set the "no fighting" rules.

sammy · 03-20-2007, 02:14 PM

I don't remember the details of the dogs in your family. Did the dynamics change recently? Is this a new dog? a young dog?

I would make sure you elevate yourself in the dog's eyes. It should be clear that YOU are the leader and you decide what goes. How are the dog's general manners/ obedience and self control ?
Personally, I don't allow any bullying or pushy behavior in my house. I wouldn't with my kids and I don't with my dogs either. Everybody can be polite and behave nicely- they just need to learn what's allowed and expected in my house. I don't make a fuss about it either.(rambunctious play is allowed having fun at another dog's expense or otherwise being an insensitive jerk is not)
Dogs don't necessarily live in a linear hierarchy esp in family homes. ie In my house Rosie is much more pushy about food - she will push Sammy out of the way to grab food but she wouldn't dream of taking a toy from him and seems to defer to him on everything else. A true alpha dog is confident but is NOT a bully and does not need to do alot of posturing or throwing their weight around. That's more of a middle management or adolescent type behavior.
It's hard to judge behavior without seeing it. What is your gut telling you ? How does Sophie look ?

03-19-2007, 04:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 174	alpha dog?? Isabella is the dominant dog in the house Sophy automatically rolls over on her back when Bella approaches her. Bella seems to really boss sophy should I allow this alpha behaviour??? or should I stop it??? I dont want to make Bella feel threatened and she is jealous. She doesnt harm her just uses stand over tactics, she does the same to Annie if she gets out of line but hasnt harmed her at all. Do dogs just normally have positions they make in the household???
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

03-19-2007, 05:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Rivsky* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Australia Posts: 3,869 Blog Entries: 6 Rep Power: 145	Unless it's getting nasty I definitely wouldn't be interfering. Dogs usually work out their own heirarchy and humans should take note of it and respect that order that they have worked out amongst themselves.
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

03-20-2007, 01:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 174	Thanks I was thinking the same but wanted to make sure
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

03-20-2007, 11:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
bigdoglover Giant Schnauzers Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West-Central Illinois Posts: 3,624 Rep Power: 179	I agree as well...Elite "postures" over Spatz, and even stands tall around Carlo. I let them do it as long as there isn't any serious aggression going on. That's when YOU have to be the "alpha" and set the "no fighting" rules.
	__________________ Glory and Greed will destroy the breed.

03-20-2007, 02:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
sammy herding dog lover Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: western canada Posts: 1,089 Rep Power: 115	I don't remember the details of the dogs in your family. Did the dynamics change recently? Is this a new dog? a young dog? I would make sure you elevate yourself in the dog's eyes. It should be clear that YOU are the leader and you decide what goes. How are the dog's general manners/ obedience and self control ? Personally, I don't allow any bullying or pushy behavior in my house. I wouldn't with my kids and I don't with my dogs either. Everybody can be polite and behave nicely- they just need to learn what's allowed and expected in my house. I don't make a fuss about it either.(rambunctious play is allowed having fun at another dog's expense or otherwise being an insensitive jerk is not) Dogs don't necessarily live in a linear hierarchy esp in family homes. ie In my house Rosie is much more pushy about food - she will push Sammy out of the way to grab food but she wouldn't dream of taking a toy from him and seems to defer to him on everything else. A true alpha dog is confident but is NOT a bully and does not need to do alot of posturing or throwing their weight around. That's more of a middle management or adolescent type behavior. It's hard to judge behavior without seeing it. What is your gut telling you ? How does Sophie look ?
	Last edited by sammy : 03-20-2007 at 02:21 PM.

03-19-2007, 08:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
mrsgrubby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,476 Rep Power: 146	I agree. As long as they aren't hurting each other, they need to have a "chain of command".

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