Alpha male

[Ambrola]

When does a male know who the Alpha male is? My Sarge s 8 months, and will do things for me that he won't for my wife. Like when he is out of sight outside, she calls him, nothing. I can call him with a stern voice and he comes running? Same with all other things. All I have to do is use that voice and he will listen. When he was about 4 months I smacked him on his rear for not behaveing, and I think he knows he better listlen to me, or am I wrong? That is the only time I have ever had to PUNISH HIM.

[MaggieRoseLee]

I think he'd have listened to you anyways cause of all that makes you a man..

You are probably bigger than your wife, have a deeper voice, and so appear to physically be more commanding in the house pack. How we look and sound means everything to a dog, specially when they are younger and genetics tell them thats what to look for when in doubt and needing guidance.

[msvette2u]

You'd love it here. My dogs ignore my husband for the most part, except "his" dog (and even then, if I raise my voice a bit she'll come to me) but when I give marching orders, they listen.
And...I'm a girl

[Ambrola]

Yesterday, my wife was playing fetch with him. I told her I could make him come in the garage to me and she laughed. I called and he came? She couldn't believe it, because he loves to play ball more than eat.

[qbchottu]

Can you clarify your question? I do not understand what you mean.

[carmspack]

ah yes the alpha male syndrome -- NEITHER -- why not think of it as a co-operative team effort -

PUNISH? how about correct

[Wild Wolf]

Dogs know who's above them in pack ranking/status, yes... that is basic instinct for them. My husband can control Hunter, but Hunter will follow my orders above his any day. I am the "Alpha Female".

[msvette2u]

My "screen name" (email address) has been "Alphamom..." for the past 14yrs. for a reason

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by Ambrola

When he was about 4 months I smacked him on his rear for not behaveing, and I think he knows he better listlen to me, or am I wrong?

Actually, hitting a dog can make them FEAR you more than respect you.

I would rather have a dog blow me off than have them do what I say because they are afraid of me.

People are NOT dogs. They cannot be "alpha" to a dog like another dog can. We do not speak the same language.

We get dogs to listen to us either out of fear or desire.

[Ambrola]

Some of you take this hitting a little to far. I by no means would ever hurt my dog, but there is nothing wrong with a little smack. Their mom does it, older dogs do it and I will do it! Its been done for thousands of years, but I guess you know better.