One Alpha per household???

[MissGambler'sMommy]

Just curious, and I really wanted this question noticed so that's why I started a new thread: Can there be more than one Alpha in a house? If there can't, then that would explain so much with Miss Gambler, especially the food aggression, because my husband is DEFINATELY the Alpha, and she heeds his every word, happily. I would love for someone out there knowledgeable with dogs, someone who has, or has had, more than one to answer this. Thanks!

[Chip's Mom]

Good question MGM - I have 4 dogs and Jasmine fits the profile of an alpha dog. People are supposed to be the supreme alpha I think. However, I have not had any problems with my dogs fighting until maybelle came along and she is more dominating of chip and an alpha wannabee. She is getting better. I am curious to what people will say because I don't fully understand this alpha wannabee business. LOL.

[darci]

I only have 1 alpha dog in our house, 2 dogs and 1 cat.

But I tried to be very careful when we got Egan because we knew Darci was an alpha bitch.

Debbie was very helpful in giving us some advice on male female matching.

[Chip's Mom]

Do they get along well Cindy?

[darci]

Yes ... I am so glad.
Now occasionally when they are playing they get a bit rough and will have a small spat.
But they get along very well. I am glad we chose a male as our second corgi. It wouldnt have been a big deal, but Darci is such a drama Queen, 2 queens I am afraid would have been a nightmare.

[tandemgal]

deleted by T-Gal

[MissGambler'sMommy]

Let me jump in and clarify here, I meant with the adults in the household. Can both my husband and I be the Alpha, and be in charge, or is there only one Alpha allowed per household? (Which would explain why Miss Gambler listens so well to my husband.)

[Chip's Mom]

MGM - I think dogs can see both people as alphas. Last night cesar milan was training a whole fire dept of guys to be alpha to this dalmation and it worked.

[darci]

oh yes................
All the humans of the household can and should be the alpha over the dogs.

[Hayashi_eri]

We have 4 female dogs at home & here is their Alpha ranking at home....
Size really doesn't matter here....

1. Maltese mix = Queen. Coco
-Super bossy 1st alpha (despite being the smallest in size)
-Howls while the others bark
-Will snap at the others if they get too "friendly" with her.
-anything on the floor belongs to her

2. JRT mix = Princess Bebe
-2nd alpha (slightly bigger in size then the 1st alpha)
-will do anything for treats
-will snap at the others only when she nap time is disturbed

3. Pembroke Corgi = Buta baby (chubby & short)
-always bullied by queen coco...
-will snap if others gets too much attention from me..

4. Golden Retriver = Belle Belle (biggest in size)
-bullied by all....
-only playmate is Buta

[Cardiguy]

I don't think it matters if there are more than 1 alpha human as long as the dog perceives both humans as having a higher rank in the "pack" than itself. I once asked a dog trainer how does one become a "leader" and his response was very simple- "act like a leader"

[Fluffypants]

Originally Posted by Cardiguy

I don't think it matters if there are more than 1 alpha human as long as the dog perceives both humans as having a higher rank in the "pack" than itself. I once asked a dog trainer how does one become a "leader" and his response was very simple- "act like a leader"

Well put Cardiguy, and I agree. As long as the dog perceives every human in the household as having a higher rank than they do, it doesn't matter which of the humans is highest ranking.

Maybe because (as you have said) you spoil her, she perceives you as her servant, instead of her leader? You can start making her work a little for things, with the ever popular, and often referenced, "Nothing in Life is Free" program. Do a search, and you will see lots of threads about it.