I've heard trainers all the time saying that in order to get your dog to obey you, you need to become their alpha and can't allow them to think themselves the alpha dog. But how could that apply to humans? My dog listens to me very well, he is closest to me, I'm the one who trained him. I would think my dad would be considered his alpha because he's pretty controlling, but he's always listened to me better than anyone else. So do you think you really need to become the alpha dog for them to listen to you?
If they listen to you, you are the alpha. You sound like me and my husband. We have very few rules, but those we have, our animals know enough to listen. For example, Tiffany likes to sleep with her head on my husband's pillow. When he tells her to move, she'll scoot over an inch or so and close her eyes. The next command my husband gives her is Off and she does it.
You don't have to throw a dog to the ground and pin it to make him know you are in charge.
To answer your question, yes, someone has to be in charge, and since you're paying the bills, it's you. Just like your parents (if you are a teenager) are your alpha, or if you're an adult, your employer is in charge and has the right to tell you what to do.
Dogs want to have or to be a strong leader. Who do you want leading thing, a human or a dog?
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Your dog will pretty much obey anyone who gives them a command they understand but to live safely they must think of you as a strong leader. If the dog thinks it is the leader and it sees a squirrel on a freeway it is going to leap onto the freeway. If it thinks you are the alpha it might look up for permission first.
No.
I do not think of "my" being the alpha. I think of "alpha" as a dog in a pack. I am not a dog. My dog is not a person.
However. My dog lives in "people" life, in a "people" home. I am the person, and it is my job to train my dog how to live in such. I am the trainer, hence I am the one who must be obeyed.
Very simple.
And .... re: the above "he is closest to me, I'm the one who trained him. I would think my dad would be considered his alpha because he's pretty controlling, but he's always listened to me better"
Bingo! You've got it!!! Usually a dog's # 1 person is the one who has trained the dog. Training builds a bond of understanding and mutual respect.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Being the "alpha" or "boss" has nothing to do with "being controlling", being a "tyrant", or being "macho".
Uh .. duh.
whoever feeds the dog is usually the person the dog considers to be the leader (if they consider anyone to be a leader at all) also whoever walks them.
you are your dogs leader from the sounds of what you are saying.
if you weren't your dog would be more stuborn and be more likely to test your patience.
Dogs don't think like people.
You're dad's behavior may make him the Alpha n your eyes, but it doesn't make him the Alpha in your dog's eyes.
A dog's Alpha is person person that gives (and has the power to take away) FOOD, AFFECTION, PLAY and COMFORT. You are probably the person controlling these things.
I say yes. All it means is that your showing your dog who's boss. In all situations. It means you retain the control. Imagine a toddler who has no one to guide them .. chaos. Same idea goes here. You and your dog will be better off when there's a clear leader. We take the place of the puppy's mother. She helps keep her pups in line, you just continue to help him know his boundaries. It strengthens your bond, he trust and relies on you, but you can still have a tremendous amount of fun!:)
Dogs bond with their care giver. If you are the one who takes care of his/her needs then you are his pack leader. Be consistent with praise and use a stern NO! when there's inappropriate behavior. But being consistent is the key .
Being an "alpha" is more than just controlling. Do you show your dog discipline when it misbehaves? Do you reward it when it behaves? These are also aspects of the so called "Alpha."
yes
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com otherwise your dog will never listen to anything you say
he must either respect you as the alpha, (the boss) of he will gladly take the role and expect you to obey him
I'm HUMAN ... therefor automatically Alpha * & * OMEGA! The arbiter of life & ; death.
Instantly & permanently.
Your dog sees you as her alpha. It's very important that they respect you and know that YOU are in charge.
Considering the fact that dogs are JUVENILE wolves, I'd say strong leader figure is a much better term.
I think you have a poor perception of what Alpha means.
How is what you're describing not alpha behavior?
YES. For sure my dog she wont listen to anyone unless she respects them. Most peoples dogs are like that ...
NO ...
I think that dominance in domesticated dogs is really, really blown out of proportion. Many trainers think that domesticated dogs got rid of the need to have an "alpha" and the whole pack mentality. I've never tried to be the alpha with my dog-I believe that through training your dog learns to respect you without all the silly alpha rituals that so many "trainers" advocate.
