Alpha Dogs

[Brenda Hetzel]

How many of you had the oldest dog take on the role of the alpha dog? My oldest dog, K.D. is alot smaller than the younger dog, Lucky but she is the alpha dog. Lucky does try to exert his dominance but she puts him in his place. I just wondered if down the road, when K.D. is older, Lucky will finally win out and become alpha.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

None of my dogs is very alpha, but they all respect the oldest dog and mind him. He is nurturing and the boss at the same time. He has done this with 4 puppies in his ten years - I think it is just his personality. When we got him we also had a very old female springer that he nurtured BUT she was boss and growled at him when necessary.

[Adina P]

I think some dogs are and always will be the "Alpha" to some degree. Our Cass, for instance, has always been a more dominant (but GOOD) Alpha. Rosco will never take a bone away or anything that is near her (he'll only bark incessantly and hope she move). He'll never walk past her or over her if she is blocking his way...only bark. She's pretty headstrong. He very very very rarely even attempts to engage her in play. She couldn't care less what the others are doing unless they are near her or getting in her way or running to fast around her.

Thule and Rosco are fairly equal I think...Thule leads in some areas, Rosco leads in others (i.e. outside where he throws her to the ground and rubs her in my muddy backyard...eewwww)

[Brenda Hetzel]

Is Cass the oldest dog?

[Paul Lewis]

Mine switch offf daily.