can alpha position change?
|
|
| Alph changes constantly depending on the situation as I understand it. That's why I don't put much stock in the theory. |
| Hi,
I equate it to the changing of the guard in some ways. I'm one of those that do believe in the alpha theory as it's very obvious in my household. Some households it may not be apparent and the dogs frequently alternate positions. We've even jokingly stated on this forum over the years that many times it's the boys that are in the top position but when the females occasionally choose to take the lead - Watch out! The boys listen!  Those that have females and males in their households have stated that the girls choose to get involved when they fiqure it's something of importance and seems like many dogs acknowlege older females especially. I humorously think it's the same in human households myself! Different dynamics when the dogs are of the same genders as it's easier to see who always wants to be "top dog".
In my household, Merlin, is definately alpha male - I have absolutely no doubt of it. He rules with a firm hand but does it without fighting or bloodshed - the other two just accept it and never challenge him. Shaggy was always the dominant one over Blue. When she passed Blue took over her "role" as Merlin was only 4 months old and he naturally was boss over the puppy. As time passed and Merlin grew he once refused to back down and Blue growled at him. I remember it clearly Merlin pinned him down, placed his face close to Blue's and then let him up. I saw it as changing of the guard - the Old dog relenquishing to the New stronger one. Blue who in all his 14 years of life had never ever played or rough housed with another dog suddenly aligned himself with Merlin as his play buddy when Panda entered the household. Panda and Merlin loved each other from the moment they met and I always felt Ole Blue saw his position in the heirachy further diminishing. To my astonishment Ole Blue started playing with Merlin at his grand old age. Blue would always be the instigator and do a lot of "trash talking" with Panda, and Merlin would immediately race to Blue's side. Kinda like having a big brother for backup in some ways. Merlin wouldn't get involved but always stand right beside Blue and Panda would lower his head and walk away avoiding conflict. I always feel if Merlin wasn't around Panda would put Blue in his place. Only one time did an all and out fight erupt with Panda and Blue as Merlin had accidently locked himself in the bathroom and thus didn't come to Blue's side. My son set down the box that had contained his ice cream cake for Blue to lick. (I walked in during the battle as I hadn't been home at the time.) Panda wanted some too and a huge battle occurred between the two. In that case Panda won and Blue with tail between his legs didn't "trash talk" Panda for months afterwards. I suspect if Merlin wasn't around Panda would be alpha over Blue but the ole guy would keep resisting. In four years with all three I have never seen either Panda or Blue attempt to go up the back stairs unless Merlin went up first. They always sit down and wait for him. Once he goes, both Panda and Blue will jockey for positions and each tries to get up before the other. There are numerous other indicators as well in my house. However many books do acknowlege that the top position can shift frequently or is fluid in many households. Think it' all depends on each dogs individual personality, gender and ages. Marianne |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|