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Originally Posted by Checkers
This morning I did a nice long walk with Checkers to start out the day. I will take Cheyenne a little later. Due to her back issues she only does short walks around the neighborhood now,
-Cheryl
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Okay, you have another element in here as well - Cheyenne's health and pain issues that go along with her age. With Checker's tearing about chasing after the ball, she may have snapped to insure he didn't run into her and hurt her.
As to what an alpha is or isn't. Cheryl definitely has the alpha roll in her household, but between the dogs, that is not something we as humans can really decide or determine. Age, or longevity in the home don't necessarily mean anything as to which is the alpha. I predict in by this time next year, Lulu will be the alpha over Tucker in Susan's home. Females generally are the "bosses" in the canine pack.
An alpha just is - it is a presence that commands respect and deference and something some are just born with. It is not something we humans can teach a dog to be, although sometimes an alpha will take a younger one under their paw so to speak and teach them the way. Alphas are not bullies nor or they the ones that start or instigate fights. Those are your alpha wannabes scrambling and trying to elevate their status in a pack. Alphas are the peacemakers. They rule and control with a look or at most a curled lip. They don't back down, but they don't start things either. Once you've seen a true alpha in action, well I am just in awe whenever I see one, it is soooo cool! Our first corgi/a Cardigan b*tch was one and life was much simpler among the dogs when she was alive.
At a club picnic several years ago there were a number of corgis frapping about, playing chase, wrestling, just all over the place. And then this beautiful senior Pem girl decided to take a walk throught the passle of Pemmies. She did nothing but walk through them and the other corgis of all ages and sizes parted and let her have a clear path. I turned to her owner and commented - "now that's a true alpha." She just smiled.
Debbie