How do you know you are the 'Alpha'?

[Susan]

I know, I am full of questions this week!!

When we got Rufus I was very keen to enforce 'pack order' and followed the 'NILIF' idea as much as I could. As he has gotten older, I have probably relaxed a bit with it, and I was wondering how I know if Rufus sees me as pack leader!!

What are the main things I need to look out for, that would suggest he see's himself as above me? And if he does...what will this make him do?

Thanks!

[marcella]

Susan, we're all guilty of relaxing on that a bit! I know I do then I need to get strict again.
Among some of the things to look out for would be:
Dog charging through a door before you
Not listening to commands (although they're all good at that at times!)
Trying to hump you
Climbing up onto the sofa or bed when you are there
Barking when people approach you (usually because they feel the need to protect you, a sign you're not boss!)

that's some of the signs, can't think of any more right now ....... my head is busy thinking about my lunch!!!!

[Susan]

Thanks Marcella!

I too am thinking about lunch...I slept in too late to get breakfast, so have only had two 'happy face' biscuits! lol!

He does some of those things, but not all!

He has never humped anything yet, thank goodness! He is very good at letting me go through the door first, but he does throw me a total 'deafie' when we are out and I am shouting him! Also, he barked at Cuthbert on Sunday when I was kneeling down and Cuthbert jumped up for kisses! Jealous wee boy! He has never barked at people though, so I suppose that is a good sign.

I think I will get a wee bit stricter with him and see if it improves his recall/obedience commands!

[Barry]

Just a couple more Susan, if they do see you as pack leader aka 'Alpha'
Being submissive, ears straight back when clapping, rolling over onto belly for a rub, allowing you to stand over them very close up. Althou the down command is difficult for all, if they do this fairly easily without to much back chat, then this also demonstrates you being Top Dog!
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Barry, Kylie & Jay with precious Rotti Tikka

[marcella]

yeah, Barry is right there. Another way to reinforce you are the boss is when you get your dog in the 'down' position, stand over them, one leg either side of the dog. This makes them very submissive. This is what we will do when Murphy has a go at Diesel, he immediately quietens down and rolls over totally submissive!

[Ashley]

Holly just takes it to the extreme though - you just LOOK at her and she rolls over on to her back!!!
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Ashley with Holly & Murphy.
I hope to one day be as great as my dog thinks I am right now!!

[marcella]

so does Murphy Ashley .......... in fact he usually squirts as well when I talk to him!!!!

[Claire/Mark]

well Mylo deff thinks he is the top dog then as he as yet doesn't go into the down position for me, he will go down think it's play time and jump back up...... am sure he will click on eventually

[Barry]

Aww, too far.... do you just that effect marcella Lol
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Barry, Kylie & Jay with precious Rotti Tikka

[marcella]

[Susan]

LOL, Marcella!

He does go into a down quite easily, but I have a suspicion that this is just because he is a lazy wee tumshie, and it is easier for him than a sit stay!

We visited my Aunt the other day, and my wee cousin is about 6ft3 and built like a tank, and Rufus just saw him and immediately rolled over!

If I am playing with him and he gets too wild, I flip him on his back and hold him down, he relaxes very quickly, I think this means that he knows playing is up when I say!

[marcella]

[Susan]

Marcella!
Away you go!


Oh, I so need to stay off this forum when I am meant to be working!

[Alison and Mark]

I pretty sure eye-contact establishes you as the Alpha. The Alpha will always hold eye contact longer than the submissive (e.g.your dog). My dog always breaks eye contact before I do, re-affirming that I'm the boss.

[Ashley]