What Is An Alpha Dog?

When you think of an alpha dog do you think of a large dog that is an in-your-face animal?  I used to until I got to know the different personalities of dogs and saw that some were introverts, extroverts and alphas.  They were born that way so behaving that way was natural.

Alpha dogs take care of their ‘family’.  In doing so they set rules and boundaries.  Usually they will oversee the raising of puppies and the pack order.  It is the alpha pair (male and female) that are the only two to breed.  They also eat first and then their pack is allowed to eat.  Generally, when the pack is sleeping they will keep watch for their safety.

In order to successfully own an alpha dog your personality should match the calm, quiet reserve of the dog.  An alpha dog comes by his/her personality naturally and they will try to challenge you so be sure to set the tone quickly as to who is in charge.  Setting these safe, respectable boundaries is not to be mean to your dog or to be aggressive. It is to remain consistent and firm, yet calm and quiet with your dog.

My favorite trait of an alpha dog is their calm, quiet reserve. The manner in which they conduct themselves typically to keep the pack safe and to interact with their human counterparts.

Don’t be afraid of an alpha dog but do show them respect.  Your alpha male or female will want to be first at everything.  First to drink fresh water, first to eat kibble, first to go up or down the stairs, first to go in or out of the door, first into your lap etc, etc.  By teaching your alpha some obedience to your commands, you are establishing who is in charge. Remember that an alpha is not a mean dog. They are a calm, quiet, confident and highly competent dog.  Be sure that you are as well.

Happy Dog = Happy You!

Julie