Alpha order in the pack

[Heather]

I have read a few things on this board about the order of dogs in a pack, and the Alpha dog, etc. I am beginin to think that some of the behavioral problems in our house may be due to the fact that I am not certain who is the Alpha, or how to treat him if one was? Can anyone advise on preferred reading material on the subject? I only have two Dachsie's, is it likely oon is an Alpha, is there always an Alpha?

Thanks.

[Krista]

Check out this link. http://www.doggiedoor.com/twodogs.shtml

You must discern by their behavior who is the alpha dog and treat them as such. -Make them first in everything.

[Mark]

Hi Heather,

The way I always like to think of it in our pack is that I am the Alpha and then within the pack there is a top dog. In our pack Duck Butter is top dog, yet it is not always evident because top dog does not mean "town bully" . . . I think alot of people expect the top dog to be one that exerts a dictator-like authority over the others and it is not always so. Evidence can be minor like the other dogs rolling to their backs and exposing their underside to her, or turning their butt to her, or (with our two spayed females) the top dog "mounting" and humping the other, etc. . . .

And yes, IMHO there is always a top dog.

I think you are wise in finding out. Good luck!

Mark

[Oscar's Mom]

How do you treat the top dog? Do you just make him first in everything?

[Krista]

Oscar's Mom, you should read the link I gave too, and maybe someothers will have some other links to offer, or books to read.

The top dog should get first dibs.

-put their food bowl down first
-let them go through doors first
- greet them first when you come home
-pet them first if both approach you.
-when giving treats, give to top dog first
- Do not baby the low dog -try to give equal amounts of attention to both dogs, but always pay attention to the top dog first.

Hope that helps. Now you should still make it clear you are above them. Make them sit for food/treats, still do obedience training...etc.

[Heather]

Funny you should mention humping because last night, Hans tried to Hump Beanie, and I was quite puzzled. They are both neutered males.

I think Hans is the Alpha, but I will read the suggested link below to be sure.

Ok, now we know how to determine the Alpha, and how to treat the Alpha. But what are the advantages of maintaining this Alpha?

PS. what is a catahoula?

[Mark]

Hi Heather,

When the pack dynamics are not reinforced by the Alpha (you) the pack is confused, unsure of their place, they misbehave and in general are not always as happy as they should be because they don't know where they fit in. From the Top Dog to the bottom dog . . . if they know where their place is in the pack . . . they are all very happy, calm and know how to act.

The top dog is simply "first" . . . first to be greeted, first fed, first choice of sleeping area, first to get a treat and first to get attention. Not more attention . . . just first. Krista's first post in this thread has a site with an excellent write up on all this. When I am feeding our three or giving them treats I call out the name as they get their food or snack. Kinda sing-songy like, "this is Duck Butter's . . . and this is Top Spin's . . . and this is Masse's". Always in order of rank. If the ranks change . . . we change the order.

Top Spin is a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog (Catahoula for short, but never "Cat"). They are the State dog of Louisiana and are bred to hunt wild boar and herd livestock (cattle mostly). They are very tough & dominant dogs and I'm pretty sure he will become top dog sometime in the next year or so. They can be seen at: http://www.cathoulaleopard.com or http://www.catahoulaleopard.com/swdogs.htm

The picture shown in the second site listed looks just like Top Spin except he has no brown markings. He is 16 months old and is 75 pounds.

Duck Butter (current top dog) and Masse (mother/daughter) are Mini WH Dachsies. Both about 9 pounds each.

I hope this answered your questions . . . if not feel free to post again and be sure to check out the link Krista provided. It is: http://www.doggiedoor.com/twodogs.shtml

Have a great day!

Mark



<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by Mark on September 26, 2000 at 07:00 AM</font>

[Heather]

Thanks Mark, sorry for the delayed thanks, I was away last week.