Alpha Dogs

[GraciesMom]

As I posted in another forum, I have two dogs now - Gracie and Angel, a little long haired chi that has won my heart. I'm picking up the new dobie in November. Gracie has turned into an Alpha female MONSTER. She won't let Angel eat, doesn't want her near me, etc., etc., etc. Angel is so shy and submissive anyway, it's really awful to see Gracie push her around. I'm going to consult a dog trainer when I get settled into Tucson for the winter, but for now - anyone got any tips for stopping this behavior? I'm having to hand feed Angel just so she gets some food. There's no way Gracie will let her near the bowl. And if I lock Gracie away, she throws such a fit that Angel hears her and won't get near the bowl. IT's like the BOWL scares her. (Yes, I'm getting another bowl just for Angel - that only SHE will be allowed to eat from to remove the stigma of "Gracie's Bowl"). It just breaks my heart - she won't stand up to Gracie about ANYTHING . . .

[GraciesMom]

As I posted in another forum, I have two dogs now - Gracie and Angel, a little long haired chi that has won my heart. I'm picking up the new dobie in November. Gracie has turned into an Alpha female MONSTER. She won't let Angel eat, doesn't want her near me, etc., etc., etc. Angel is so shy and submissive anyway, it's really awful to see Gracie push her around. I'm going to consult a dog trainer when I get settled into Tucson for the winter, but for now - anyone got any tips for stopping this behavior? I'm having to hand feed Angel just so she gets some food. There's no way Gracie will let her near the bowl. And if I lock Gracie away, she throws such a fit that Angel hears her and won't get near the bowl. IT's like the BOWL scares her. (Yes, I'm getting another bowl just for Angel - that only SHE will be allowed to eat from to remove the stigma of "Gracie's Bowl"). It just breaks my heart - she won't stand up to Gracie about ANYTHING . . .

[Tom in Salem, MA]

Gracie'sMom, I too have an Alpha (Male), You need to work on your female first. When she understands YOU are the boss, then you can work on her and the other dog.
In the meantime, AFTER YOU are done eating, you should feed the alpha first, and the other dog second....there is a social order that needs to be followed, and you are the pack leader, I am serious.
Make sure that both dogs see you eat, no scraps, and absolutely different bowls for each dog.
If they beg you for food, growl at them.(Wait 'till you see the response you get from that!)
I found an excerpt online that I'll post, and it's dead on advice;

Your home is your dog's pack. If your dog is inclined toward leadership or social climbing, you may inadvertently awaken his alpha dog instincts. If you treat your dog as an equal, if you allow him special privileges, or if you consistently allow him to disobey commands, he may begin to consider himself the alpha dog--only an alpha would normally receive these privileges. And don't be fooled by my use of the male pronoun--female dogs can aspire to the alpha position just as strongly.

Dogs crave leadership and are more confident when they understand their place. It's crucial for you to re-establish the proper relationships in your home through alpha dog training. You're going to have to reclaim your spot as leader of the pack.

A major portion of alpha dog training is attitude. Your body language and voice should exude a quiet confidence, authority, and expectation of obedience. A deep firm voice and straight, tall posture may be all you need to communicate your position to the average dog.

If your pet is a natural leader or social climber you may need additional alpha dog training. The core of alpha dog training is reminding your dog of his place. Instead of allowing him to make demands on you, you must teach him that he has to earn what he gets.

Give your dog a command (for example, make him sit) and give him his food only after he obeys. If he doesn't obey, don't feed him. Try again at twenty minute intervals until he obeys. And be sure you eat before he does. If it's not your normal mealtime, eat a small snack and make sure he sees you. Don't feed your dog table scraps during your own meal.

Don't allow your dog to go through a doorway ahead of you. Good alpha dog training demands that you (and everyone else in your family) go through the doorway first. Then he can pass through.

Your dog should not be allowed to sleep in your bed. Alpha dog training teaches the dog that the best sleeping place in the house is reserved for humans.

Never place yourself at or below the dog's height. This means don't lie in the floor watching television with your dog, and don't roll around on the floor playing with your dog. If your dog is in your path, make him move. Don't step over or around him even if you can. In the pack, the alpha makes the subordinate dogs get out of the way. Your alpha dog training has to mirror this behavior.

One of the most critical aspects of alpha dog training is eye contact. If you make eye contact with your dog, it is crucial that you wait for your dog to avert his eyes first. If you look away first, you'll only be reinforcing his alpha position. This means no staring contests with the dog for your children.

Alpha dog training takes time and patience, but everyone in your family will benefit. Your home will be safer and everyone will be happier--including your dog--when everyone understand their place in the pack.

[LindaH]

Tom has given you some very good advice...YOU need to be the Alpha Dog in your pack, not Gracie.

I'd highly recommend watching a few episodes of "The Dog Whisperer"...you'll see, in practice, the things that Tom is talking about...or peruse Cesar's website for information, particularly the "Cesar's Tips" section). "Exercise, then discipline, and FINALLY, affection." Too many dog owners give affection first, don't exercise their dogs enough, and either don't give quiet, calm, assertive discipline, or aren't consistent.

[GraciesMom]

I'm headed to Petsmart for new bowls and I'll follow these pointers . . . but not sleeping with the dogs? It's been so cold here the last few nights, if I hadn't been in the middle of a doggie sandwich, we'd all have frozen! LOL!! I know I need to get them out of the bed if I ever intend to have another relationship . . . will work on that . . . eventually. Thanks for the GREAT ADVICE!! (And the only way I could ever get below Gracies height would be to lay my head flat on the floor sideways and PICK HER UP! LOL!!

[GraciesMom]

I tried the "don't look away until she does" thing last night. That dog will stare at me for hours - whew! Started tossing things to make her look away after a while. She's going to be a CHALLENGE!!

[hondo122]

What worked for Zeus (but he was a puppy at the time) was get on the floor on all fours. Get over her and start coming down until she must lay down under you. This presents you as the pack leader. No harsh words just dominate her through body language. After a bit she will recognize you as the pack leader and go into a calm submisive state. Hope this works.

[Steve Rankin]

Tom nailed it.

You need to be Alpha and the dogs need to understand that YOU will not tolerate inappropriate behavior.

Our Rottie was being trained for police work when the breeder friend of our felt pity for our lack of dogs at the time and gave her to us. German bred for police work, she came to our house with every thought of being Alpha. At the first hint of that, I smashed her in the side of the head as hard as I could--not appropriate for most dogs, but that's what it takes to get the attention of a head strong Rottie <female dog>. It settled the arrangement instantly. Getting the wife to be next in line was a tough nut to crack as she's not good at being Alpha over her Bichon.

Now, with our Collie & Bichon they have donkey races over who has to be Alpha today.