Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

So, who's the Alpha in your household? With us, it's always been DW, no matter how many animals we've had. Even dogs that have escaped from their owners and are wandering our yard know that DW is an Alpha. I don't command as much respect as DW does. I'm the Beta, but I think that's only because the other animals know that I'm the Alpha's mate....

I've also seen a lot of houses where it's obvious that the pets have either an obvious Alpha, or they jockey for the Alpha position, but it's definitely not the humans.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Good question.

DH spends all day with Brinkley since he works from home now. Brinkley chooses to be near him and follow him more than me. It wasn't always this way, but it is now. DH feeds him and walks him more than I do also. It's clear that DH is his "favorite" which only bothers me a little.

However, I am the alpha. I'm alpha because Brinkley listens to my commands and I always incorporate training into rewards.

We give him treats every night at 9pm. DH just hands it over. I make Brinkley sit, stay, and then walk out of the room for a time (we're up to 40 seconds now) and will only give him the treat if I come back to find him in the same exact spot. This reinforces his "stay" so he knows that that doesn't mean "stay until you get distracted" or "stay until you wonder where I am and try to find me". I read a story about how this saved a dog's life when the owner commanded her to sit and stay from across a busy street and the dog listened.

Each week, I up the ante. This week, I place a treat between he and I and I give him the "come" command. He walks right by the treat (giving it a wide berth even ) to come to me.

As a result, I may not be his favorite, but he is much more obedient for me. I would like to try agility training and therapy dog certification once he's old enough, so there is a higher purpose also.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

That would be me. Although I totally spoil her I don't let her get away with nonsense.
She knows she is supposed to bark once to go out and once to come in. She's usually pretty good but sometimes she'll bark to go out but won't go out. Like she changes her mind. That's when I force her out the door.
When we play ball she knows to drop the ball at my feet or the game is over. Sometimes she makes DH tug it out of her mouth. She knows not to try that with me.

Message edited 7/28/2009 10:56:08 AM.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

It's definitely DH, and it drives me nuts! They go to him first to say hello when we get home, they listen to him the first time while I have to give commands two or three times, when he has the leash they walk nicely but when I have it they pull ahead... that sort of thing. I go out of my way to be consistent and "calm assertive" with them, and it HAS gotten better, but the difference is still clear as day.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Well, sometimes I think we let Brutus be the Alpha. LOL He is allowed wherever he wants, including our bed and we let him have his way usually.

However, when it gets serious - like DH doesn't like how Brutus is playing with our nieces and nephews, he is showing any form of agression towards me ( even during playtime ) or maybe someone left the gate open and he is getting too close to it. . .then DH is DEFINITELY the Alpha.

I think I come after Brutus though. . . .

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Message edited 7/29/2009 12:42:51 PM.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Murray thinks its him - so we have to remind him EVERY damn day that he is not the leader. ugh!

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

My cat Bella is the alpha.

She runs the house. She's in charge.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

our pets

our dog will sometimes listen, but only when he really wants to and our cats.. forget it! i've woken up to cat paws in my face bc i didn't get up early enough to feed them. as a result, we have very needy, attention-hungry animals

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

My Izzy will hold my head in his paws so he can chew my hair.

They win.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Definitley DH. Cooper doesn't listen to a word I say, esp. if DH isn't around. He's lucky I love him so much that little love bug!

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Bruno my oldest guy, is the alpha unless my husband objects to his behavior.
The three of us are alpha over Vito, but I think that's only because he's really chill.

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

Definitely DH.

Our dog knows she can get away with murder when it comes to me .

Re: Who is the "Alpha" in your "Pack"?

My dog Tinkerbell runs the house. I think she thinks she is a person. She may only be like 4 lbs...but she is in charge