If You Own Two Dogs, Can You Control Whos The Alpha Dog?
by Adam G. Katz

Dear Mr. Katz:

I have two cocker spaniels that are one year apart. The red and white female (Cassie)is almost two and spayed. The buff male (Peanut) is just one 1 years old and neutered. Peanut was rescued from a cocker shelter in October of 1999. He is incredibly devoted, a very good listener and quick learner. He is the ideal dog as he is very eager to please. Cassie on the other hand is the most independent and stubborn dog I have ever encountered (youve probably seen worse). She used to only listen to commands when she wanted but I have put a stop to that. I have had numerous problems with her dominant tendencies but have come a long way. She now views me as the alpha and only displays aggression when she is in pain -- specifically when I brush her. She has been diagnosed with allergies, is on allergy shots and has bad skin. This is not my problem though as I think I can work through this one with the use of the training collar.

ADAM INTERJECTS: Its very difficult to correct pain-response aggression. Its more of a reaction than anything else. Use the muzzle and restrain the dog when you need to give her shots. Other times (just so that she doesnt build a negative association to the muzzle) put it on, take it off, and then give her a cookie. Do this at random times.

BETH CONTINUES: Cassie displays a lot of dominance aggression toward Peanut. She growls when he tries to pick up a bone near her and when they play (or fight) she will hump him. I always feed her first, give her treats first, pet her first but Peanut just doesnt seem to get it. He will walk through the door before Cassie but after me. He is always one head length ahead of her when we walk outside. Further, I think he is trying to challenge her because the playing time more recently has turned into fighting. Its more barking than anything -- to date there has been no blood. However, Cassie usually is on top of him, pinning him to the ground, and he lets out this barking/yelping noise when she releases, he goes right after her again until I break it up.

She also displays the same aggression toward the cat. If the cat comes into her area when she is comfortable in front of the fire or if the cat even walks by one of her bones she goes crazy. Shell chase the cat away with growling and quickly running after her.

ADAM INTERJECTS AGAIN: You can correct this behavior. She will learn not to chase the cat in the house.

BETH CONTINUES: So heres the big question. What do I do? Do I continue to treat Cassie as the next in the pack? Do I let them fight it out? Do I continue to scold her for chasing the cat? HELP!

Any advice you can offer will be much appreciated. Your book is great by the way....

Regards, Beth

Dear Beth:

Thanks for the question.

There is ONE big point youre not conceptualizing: You can only affect your relationship with each dog. You can be dominant to both dogs. Or you can be dominant to only one dog. Or you can be viewed as the Omega dog (the most submissive one) by both dogs.

However, you cannot control how your dogs view each other.

This is a topic Ive written about in past issues of my e-zine. Im going to reprint it for your benefit:

A subscriber wrote: Thanks, Adam. I think I found the answer. We determine who will be the alpha dog. Correct?

My reply:

No, no no!

You cannot do this! Its impossible!!!

The dogs temperaments are inherent. Only you can determine if youre dominant to the other dogs, by being MORE DOMINANT. But you cannot work it out for them.

You can control the dogs behaviors and not allow any scuffles if you:

-are the alpha dog in the pack. and you have voice control.

But as soon as you leave the dogs together-- unsupervised-- and go out for dinner... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be the dominant one.

Think of taking a group of four kids.

Kid#1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral. Kid#2 will grow up to be a fierce criminal defense attorney. Kid#3 will grow up to be a middle management executive for a large firm. Kid#4: will grow up to be a peace activist and a socialist.

Now, when you leave the house every day for work, you may say, Kid#4... youre in charge. And as long as youre around, Kid#4 may get the privileges of being the so-called top dog.

But as soon as you leave...

Its going to be a given that kid#3 and kid#4 are going to be the bottom dogs, and kid #1 and kid#2 will scrap-it-out to see who is REALLY the top dog. Their genetics (and to some extent, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. But it is the toughest kid who will become the group leader.

Even though kid #2 may be fairly tough in his own right, he will test kid#1... but will ultimately lose... as kid#1 is too tough.

Now, if kid#1 gets sick and has to stay in bed, then kid#2 becomes the new kid#1.

In other words, the Alpha dog.

Until you get home. Then youre the alpha dog, and he becomes the beta dog.

Get it?

Beth, as far as youve described your dogs interactions... it doesnt sound to me like youve got a problem. It sounds just like play, or perhaps some dominance scuffles. However, without seeing the dogs in person its impossible to tell for sure.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer! http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

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