What Is An Alpha Dog?

[taflar]

I first wrote and posted this on Corgi-L Aug. 22, 2002

What Is An Alpha Dog?:
I think that all too often we use the term "alpha" somewhat in error.
Having just lost my second alpha bitch let me offer some observations.

Now I've been lucky that in 23 years of living with corgis that I have
had only two alpha bitches. Both my alpha bitches, (alpha meaning they
were at the top of the dog pack here) were peaceful, calm dogs. They
could run with any of my dogs. I could take them anywhere and trust them
around other dogs both on and off leash. They did not cause problems.
They did not START fights. They did not have to be subdued by people,
they did not try to dominate or challenge people- ever! They were
terrific with my kids too.

When Kristie died there was no fighting among any of my dogs for the
alpha position. There was no obvious "takeover". Tango just became the
alpha. She didn't push the other dogs around to get the position. It
just became hers. She did not fight with the other dogs prior to
Kristies death. She was always a calm, sweet, non-confrontational dog.
(That does not mean that either alpha never got into a fight, they did
not start them, but they also did not back down.)

A true alpha dog in a multiple dog houshold (which constitutes a pack)
is the one that is the calming influence. And usually a bitch (if there
are both sexes present). They don't usually use physical force to
control the pack. A look will do it. I have seen Tango put herself
between two males that were arguing, and I belive she barked, but there
was nothing other than that. She didn't roll anyone, she didn't bite or
snap.

Also, I do recall that when the dogs seemed extra barky or agitated we
could put Kristie outside in the yard and the dogs both in the yard and
in runs would calm down. She just had to be there. She didn't have to do
anything that was obvious to us.

It's not usually the alpha dog that acts aggressive, it's the middle
ranking dogs that are the aggressors - an alpha wanna be.

Well, let me give you a couple of examples:

Pat Hastings (AKC Judge/former pro handler/breeder) in her seminar put
it this way-

"Relate temperament to a corporation.
-CEO is the alpha - this dog isn't a fighter, not dominant or
aggressive, he's just there.

-Junior executives- these are the ones fighting their way up the ladder.

-Janitors, mailroom workers- not threatening, easy to get along with."

Another example:

"-The vast majority of alpha dogs rule benevolently. They are confident
in their position. They do not stoop to squabbling to prove their point.
To do so would lower their status because...

- Middle-ranked animals squabble. They are insecure in their positions
and want to advance over other middle-ranked animals.

- Low-ranked animals do not squabble. They know they would lose. They
know their position, and they accept it.

- "Alpha" does not mean physically dominant. It means "in control of
resources." Many, many alpha dogs are too small or too physically frail
to physically dominate. But they have earned the right to control the
valued resources. An individual dog determines which resources he
considers important. Thus an alpha dog may give up a prime sleeping
place because he simply couldn't care less."

(Author of the above quote is Melissa Alexander
http://www.clickersolutions.com/clickersolutions/articles/dominance.htm)

Tango maintained her alpha position even though due to her ruptured
disk her back legs became useless and she could not walk or run. She did
not have the physical capabilities to "control" any of the other dogs.
Still none of them challenged her.

Alpha:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/clickersolutions/articles/dominance.htm

The Next Taflar Alpha?:
Now having said all that I think we could be in for an interesting
time here, to see which of my girls becomes the next alpha. Right now my
bet's on Diamond as she's much like her half sister Tango, and she's the
only one I've got that I can run with absolutly every other dog here.
Well, except Solo, and that's not Diamond's decision.

Update for 2007. Diamond and Solo are also gone now. Crest, a male, became the alpha once Diamond was gone, and then Mark. At this time I think Merlin is the current alpha.

While I still think that usually a female is the alpha, it just happens that at this time I don't have one as alpha. Lizi might be once Merlin passes on.

Peggy

[Artos]

Interesting.

1 Do male alphas in an all male canine household behave differently from a female alpha in charge of a mixed or female canine household?

2 Do Omegas ever fight Alphas or Junior dogs when provoked?

[taflar]

1 Do male alphas in an all male canine household behave differently from a female alpha in charge of a mixed or female canine household?

No, the alpha is the alpha, a peaceful, calm dog. Males have not been "matcho". In fact my male alphas have been neutered males too.

2 Do Omegas ever fight Alphas or Junior dogs when provoked?

Any dog will fight if attacked. However, in a wolf pack the omega wolf is the one that gets picked on and usually they do not fight back. I've not seen a corgi yet who will take getting picked on and not fight back.

So I guess it depends on what you mean by "provoked".

Peggy

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

But does there have to be an Alpha? I know that I can easily see the Alpha/Beta roles in my home. Mojo is an Alpha, well, because she just is, there was never an argument about that. Miss Gambler is very happy to be a Beta, luckily, or I guess they would argue.

[taflar]

But does there have to be an Alpha? I know that I can easily see the Alpha/Beta roles in my home. Mojo is an Alpha, well, because she just is, there was never an argument about that. Miss Gambler is very happy to be a Beta, luckily, or I guess they would argue.

I would guess that there is an alpha even when the people don't know it. Dog language is very subtle and many people don't know how to read their dogs. Many people think the dog that's doing the bullying is the alpha and that's totally wrong.

I would suspect that in a pack of any type, meaning two or more dogs there is an alpha.

Peggy

[bayoucorgi]

Peggy, this is an excellent explanation. My girls passed the alpha position from mother to daughter to granddaughter in just the same way. No dog decided it would be that way, it just was. All were benevolent but absolute rulers who could command with a LOOK, and at very most a silent and ever so slightly quivering lip (the Elvis look). My males always deferred to them. When fosters or other dogs joined the pack, my girls would walk over and lay their chin on the new dog's withers and it was always understood. This is not to say my alphas were always "fair", Ryn would gather all the resources (beef bones) and chew them at her leisure while brothers and daughters looked on unless I told her it was not acceptable. She would get an embarrassed chagrined look as if to say, "I don't know HOW I got all those bones, ooops, sorry".

[taflar]

This is not to say my alphas were always "fair", Ryn would gather all the resources (beef bones) and chew them at her leisure while brothers and daughters looked on unless I told her it was not acceptable. She would get an embarrassed chagrined look as if to say, "I don't know HOW I got all those bones, ooops, sorry".

:) Now that is cute!

Peggy

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

This was a very interesting read. Sorry to hear you have lost so many dogs in the past few years, Peggy. How many do you have now and who is the alpha and how did they get in that position?

[taflar]

This was a very interesting read. Sorry to hear you have lost so many dogs in the past few years, Peggy. How many do you have now and who is the alpha and how did they get in that position?

Oh, don't be sorry, it's always hard, but I've had many to love and the down side of that is many to lose. My heart is covered with pawprints and my head filled with memories.

Merlin is the alpha right now. They just become the alpha. It's something the dogs work out, and I'm not sure how it happens. As my article says they "just are".

As for how many I have, well, I have 3 answers, choose the one you like best:
1) more than you think I should have but not as many as I'd like

2) more than one less than one hundred (way less! ;) )

3) we go by the don't ask don't tell policy

I don't mention on public forums or e-mail lists, how many dogs I have because the number is more than most are comfortable with. For many people if you have more than 3 or 4 they come unglued. You get branded a collector or horder and they don't even know your story. I don't like the critisim so over the years I've learned to just keep my mouth shut. Not as many as the "show kennels" but it's a small hobby kennel.

I have several fosters here too. Which ups my numbers, and also makes the numbers flucuate as they find homes or need help.

Peggy

[MVons]

I always think of Chester as lower management. But within the lower management, I see him playing dominance, only with the dogs at his same level. It was fun to see another dog change to play dominance back (paw on Chester) after putting up with Chester jumping up to him for two weeks.

Then there are the snarling females, that he keeps going back to - for what punishment, trying to please, being a pest? I worry that there will be more than snarling, so we change directions.

Peggy, do you ever have dogs that you intended to keep, but their personalities show you that they would do best as solo in a home? Are these - no part of management or middle management that don't want to compete?

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Peggy - I can understand numbers in dogs and it doesn't always make one a hoarder or bad pet owner. Alot of times it shows a caring animal lover. I can also understand the no tell policy and trying to avoid criticism. It is hard sometimes to express the way it really is in a forum and to make people understand. I learned that the hard way and criticism can cut to the quick. I was just curious as to why you had never mentioned how many you have and now I know the reason. I have more then the norm also and some people probably think I am crazy too. Sometimes, I may agree with them. I also have one of those kind of dogs that just is. Thanks for answering my question.

[Jespah]

I understand your feelings about saying how many dogs you have Peggy. I have the same issue with my cats - I have 5. That automatically makes me a scary cat collecting woman who lives in a filthy home. People love to label other people - mostly so they know who they are. I don't tell too many people I have that many cats. They are all very well cared for and I can assure you that my home is quite clean - although on days when my goofy girl Jemma decides that the kitty litter is hers to use, the litter can get a little stinky!

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Deb - I am sorry people think that about your kitties. Cats are cleaner then dogs normally, they don't like mud. :BIGGRIN" I haven't told hardly anyone that we have Taffy. People just don't understand.

[mtoy]

I can only imagine how it is for those with multiples. When we got added Link to our household both DH's and my family flipped out. "WHY DID YOU GET ANOTHER DOG?????" Well, for one thing, it's none of their business, and for another thing, because we wanted to.:MAD:

[CorgiMum]

I'm sure that some people think that we are crazy to have 3 dogs, especially given Miss M's health issue. But the strongest comment I have had to date was from a staff member at a pet store when she found out that we had three corgis. She said, "Well that's a bit greedy isn't it?" She was jealous.+YES+

I feel that if people have the funds, facilities, and time to care for more than one companion, they are blessed because they can make the choice to have more joy in their lives.+LUB+

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Barbara

You are right on and I agree 100 percent. It is sad that woman said that to you. I feel sorry for people that don't have animals. They miss out on so much love in their lives.

[CorgiMum]

Oh she wasn't rude Bonnie, she was genuine in her wish that she could have three dogs too.

I should have put a face emotion in my post, but the corgis were waiting for their breakfast and I was in a hurry. And we all know how pathetic a crew of starving corgis look when they haven't eaten since their 11pm bedtime cookies.:LAUGH:

[bunnybutts]

Oh she wasn't rude Bonnie, she was genuine in her wish that she could have three dogs too.

I should have put a face emotion in my post, but the corgis were waiting for their breakfast and I was in a hurry. And we all know how pathetic a crew of starving corgis look when they haven't eaten since their 11pm bedtime cookies.:LAUGH:


I cant believe how mistreated those poor poor puppers are!!!! :ROLLEYES

[disraeli ears]

I see no problem with 3 dogs - as long as you can afford to take care of them (money and timewise). I would LOVE to have 3 dogs but -

A) Apartments usually only allow 2.
B) It would be too expensive right now.
C) Since it's only me, I would have trouble walking/keeping up with 3 dogs.

But we had 3 dogs when I lived with my mom and stepfather. It was no problem - we all had one each! :ROLLEYES

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Two dogs are fun and three are hilarious. It just depends on circumstances. With three it is harder to stay at hotels, travel, etc but we will manage. My husband is good at helping me with the pups so that will help alot and Taffy definitely loves her crate.

Corgimum - now I feel bad for that lady that wanted three and couldn't have them. :SMILE:

[Kassie]

When we first got Maeve we had 3 dogs and 2 cats (we have called 2 of each our "ecological limit") mostly because it gets to be too much work when we both work full time. We got Maeve when Megan and Costello were 16 and failing. She was the best thing that ever happened to them...took years off Megans life for her last few months. Dogs are pack animals...I don't know what people's problem is! The more the merrier, as long as they are cared for and I don't think there is anyone on this board who would fall short in that department!

In fact, my cousin and her husband are mushers and breed for racing...they have between 22 and 26 at any point in time and they are loved, cared for and spoiled (at times)

[taflar]

Then there are the snarling females, that he keeps going back to - for what punishment, trying to please, being a pest? I worry that there will be more than snarling, so we change directions.

I'll bet he's trying to find a way to please. Good idea on changing directions.

Peggy, do you ever have dogs that you intended to keep, but their personalities show you that they would do best as solo in a home? Are these - no part of management or middle management that don't want to compete?

Yes, I've had dogs that I've placed that I felt would do better in another home.

I've had what I call Omega dogs, they don't fight, they don't want to get in fights, they accept their position. In a wolf pack they'd probably be picked on but I don't allow that. Omega dogs don't get to run with dogs that might pick on them.

It's usually the middle management/alpha wannabe's that are the ones that will do better on thier own. Some I have let go. Usually though we just play "musical dogs". My dogs have others they can run with, and those they never get to see. Meaning they're never all loose in the house or yard at one time. They have to take turns with house time. And they have runs they go in with dogs they get along with.

No, it's not an ideal life, but then I don't have an ideal life either. It's not a bad life and they've not known anything else.

When I do place a dog I look for a home where they can be a "star" instead of "one of a cast of many".

Peggy

[taflar]

I can only imagine how it is for those with multiples. When we got added Link to our household both DH's and my family flipped out. "WHY DID YOU GET ANOTHER DOG?????" Well, for one thing, it's none of their business, and for another thing, because we wanted to.:MAD:

Exactly! I get that from my family too. I don't even bother to tell them dog stuff any more.

Thanks to all of you for your comments on numbers. I'm glad you understand. (And yes, there are cats here too....)

And I'm not in this alone, my husband and son help too. Although I do most of the showing. They take care of everyone while I'm away at shows. (Although sometimes Jim gets to go too and then Jeff is alone with all the animals. But usually only for a weekend.)

Peggy

[ZdogZ]

I know people think that Doug and I are crazy, too. We've had a slew of animals. We had 4 cats plus Zip living in the house at one time. We've also had rabbits, a sugar glider, a duck, and fish (plus Zip). After my cats died, it was just Zip and Tiki (my red/blue beta - named after Tiki Barber). Now it is just my 3Z's.

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

You will have to tell about your sugar glider. I have seen one once.

[ZdogZ]

He (Rocky) was a pain! :BIGLAUGH:He really was cute, but with 3 cats we didn't get to get him out a lot. They have a retractable tooth and he stuck it in the duck's bill once. They are nocturnal, they stink, and they actually sound like a barking dog. We ended up giving him away (it wasn't fair for him to be in the cage all of the time). The people we gave him to let him roam around the house most of the time. They really loved him.

[disraeli ears]

You will have to tell about your sugar glider. I have seen one once.

I knew a family that had a sugar glider...and a tiger. Yes, you read that right. :SHOCKED:

Kept in separate cages, of course. :BIGGRIN"

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Years ago when my children were small we lived on a ten acre farm. We had horses, calves, ducks, chickens, geese, pigs, a baby goat and dogs and cats. It was a menagrie but my children did learn alot from the experience and they know how to treat animals compassionately. My son, 8 years old at the time, traded his brand new bb gun for the baby goat who had a crooked neck because he felt sorry for her. She would sneak in the house with my son's help and sleep with him at night. He did smell like a goat sometimes though. The pig grew up huge and ran with the horses. He would sneak into the house too if he got a chance and yes my house was still clean. :LAUGH:

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

What sweet memories your children must have Bonnie, and what wonderful lessons they learned from you and your husband to teach their kids.

[ZdogZ]

She would sneak in the house with my son's help and sleep with him at night....He would sneak into the house too if he got a chance

:BIGLAUGH: Too cute!
At the lake once a baby goat kept chasing our truck so we put him in the truck with us! I'll have to find that picture....

[ZdogZ]

Here's the goat (sorry, kinda blurry).
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/zipandzia/C2BC%20pictures/Goat.jpg

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

That is a sweet picture and the goat is a really pretty color. Wonder how many people would put a goat in the car. :BIGGRIN" My husband brought a colt home once in the cab of his truck. Good memories aren't they

[ColColt]

That is a sweet picture and the goat is a really pretty color. Wonder how many people would put a goat in the car. :BIGGRIN" My husband brought a colt home once in the cab of his truck. Good memories aren't they

I brought a Colt home and laid it in the front seat of my old Tempo I use to have. I watched it and petted it all the way home. Once I got home, I couldn't keep my hands off it...so lovely.

[Penutsma]

I can only imagine how it is for those with multiples. When we got added Link to our household both DH's and my family flipped out. "WHY DID YOU GET ANOTHER DOG?????" Well, for one thing, it's none of their business, and for another thing, because we wanted to.:MAD:

I got that from my family too when I got Bugsy (the toy poodle). I fell in love with him at first site and can't wait to get to be with him again. Peanut, my chihuahua, was the same way. Delilah, I fell in love with before I saw her! LOL I had only seen the picture of her. I have to remind myself constantly that I am only one person and can't have all the dogs/puppies to love and care for. If I had the money - no way would anyone stop me from having all the dogs I wanted to care for and love on!

I would have goats again too! I loved my goats when I lived on the farm in NW Florida. I really miss them. They are such interesting animals. My goats were minis (small) so we didn't have to worry about the kids getting hurt. They were about twice the size (height) of my cocker spaniel and weighed about the same. Kids had more trouble with the chickens than the goats! hehehe. We had rabbits, turkeys and horses (pigs too! - I'll never do the pig thing again!).

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

David

I was talking about the four legged kind of colt:BIGLAUGH:

[ColColt]

I couldn't pass it up!!:CUTE:

[CorgiMum]

Wonderfully informative Peggy, and a great re-read.+TUP+