|
|
| Public Forum |
Proceed to Auspet's
New Discussion Forum |
Pet
Directory |
Classifieds
| Home
| LinkXchange
|
 Click here to make Auspet.com your default home page |
|
 Auspet - Message Boards
 Dogs - all types
 Can a gentle dog be alpha?
|
 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Can a gentle dog be alpha? |
|
Jackie New Member  Posts: 3 |
posted 03-01-2004 12:13 PM
 
Hi all, We have a two year neutered male dog that we adopted 4 months ago. He is probably a chocolate lab x border collie mix and very gentle and sheepish. He's never shown any aggression toward anyone - he is more timid than anything. His ears are nicely back at home and extremely obedient and well behaved. Recently we found out that he is bigger than his male doggie friend who is a little bigger and stronger physically. Another male dog new to him came to him and kissed his mouth yesterday at a dog park. We had an extreme alpha female who attacked any dog with a hint of attitude before, so we are highly sensitive to dog behaviors. Can a dog be alpha without aggression, violence or intimidation? Will he remain nice and gentle? IP: Logged |
|
Jamiya Member  Posts: 1392 |
posted 03-01-2004 12:42 PM
I'm not sure what you are questioning. Why do you think he is alpha? Also, the concept of "alpha" is a constantly changing thing. A dog in one situation may be the alpha dog, but the same dog may be submissive in a different situation. Many factors come into play. If your dog is 2 years old and does not show any signs of aggression, I don't know why he would suddenly start acting differently (unless there was something wrong, of course). There is always the possibility that some dog will come along that he doesn't get along with, though, so owners need to be ever alert to signals sent by both dogs. Hope this helps, and if you can clarify what you are seeking perhaps someone can help you better!
IP: Logged |
|
puggleowner Member Posts: 228 |
posted 03-01-2004 12:53 PM
My dog is very gentle with us and with people, even a little shy at times, but she can show aggression towards other dogs. I was a little shocked the first time she got into a "spat" too- her doggy friend tried to take her chewy away, and Cameron did not like that. It wasn't a serious fight that drew blood or anything, but Cameron sounded very scary, she was growling and pinned the dog down trying to get her toy back. I think even the most "gentle" of dogs can get aggressive with another dog if provoked, because that is how they communicate their dominance with other dogs. As Jamiya said, though, a dogs status as dominant or submissive can completely change depending on the dog. WIth my parent's golden, for example, he can take her toy away and she will not do a thing- it's like she allows him to take her toy away but not the other dog. Did your dog actually get into a fight? Or just snap or growl? IP: Logged |
|
Jackie New Member Posts: 3 |
posted 03-01-2004 01:30 PM
Thanks for your input. I was just curious if one can be alpha without being aggressive with others... There are three signs I can think of: 1) he barked and snapped at his friend Brownie when he tried to take his chewy away, 2) when he is with Brownie, he eats first and Brownie licks him in the mouth, 3) He has peed on a friend's small dog who was really annoying completely out of blue. He showed no signs of aggression before peeing on him. The dog just took it. It was a big surprise. Other than that we completely assumed that he was a small dog. Yesterday at the dog park, he was playing with a new dog and he was very gentle with him, but the dog licked him in the mouth in 10 min. He would let Brownie or other dogs mount on him - he'd just sit down when other dogs do things that he doesn't like. I have gotten used to having a very gentle dog for a change and I just hope he won't turn into a mean dog. IP: Logged |
|
Jamiya Member Posts: 1392 |
posted 03-01-2004 03:02 PM
I don't think you have to worry about him turning mean! Some doggie signals mean different things in different contexts, so you do have to be careful in how you interpret things. It sounds like your dog acts and reacts appropriately with other dogs. With Brownie, you should probably be present when they are together just in case they get out of hand. But that doesn't mean either one is an "aggressive" dog. Your dog sounds just lovely. Enjoy!
IP: Logged |
|
susan_cude@hotmail.com Member Posts: 813 |
posted 03-01-2004 08:15 PM
Hey Jamiya! I know you were thinking of wild Nala when you said: Your dog sounds just lovely. Enjoy! Just a little humor!!!! don't get offended, I know Nala is doing much better now...I just had to smile when I read that... Hi Jackie, and wellcome to the forum! it does sound like your dog is doing all the normal things a dog will do when approached be a strange dog. I wouldn't worry! but i would keep a close eye on him when he plays with Brownie like Jamiya said. Do enjoy your new family member Susan IP: Logged |
|
Jamiya Member Posts: 1392 |
posted 03-01-2004 08:18 PM
LOL, Susan! Nala's a devil-dog.  She was awesome at agility tonight, though. And just now she sniffed the sleeping cat and walked away. Of course, she just got out of time out for trying to eat that same cat, so that may have something to do with it.
IP: Logged |
|
Jackie New Member Posts: 3 |
posted 03-02-2004 03:27 PM
Thank you all for your reply! I just keep thinking "this dog cannot continue to be so nice..." It's kinda funny how normal dog things he does freak me out. IP: Logged |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Contact Us | Auspet.com
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
| Home | Contact us | Advertise here | Jobs at Auspet | |
| © 1999-2017 AusPet.com |