*~Who's Who?~*

[Guest Anonymous]

Hi there!
I am a new owner and this is all new to me so please forgive my naivety. I've had many people tell me to become the "alpha". How do we decied who's who in our house (my roommate, myself and our 2 dogs) ? I've heard this is very important in a dogs life that they know their rank. How do I tell which dog is which? :n00b:

[Malamum]

Humans are always alpha. There are various ways to enforce this and a few are these are as follows:

1. The alpha always eats first. We have set up our feeding schedule so that Indy eats his meal after we have finished ours. If this is not always possible at least get something to nibble on so they can see you eating and once you have finished feed them.

2. Alpha's always have the highest position. Our dog is not allowed on the bed or on the lounge. Also do not lie on the floor and allow your dog to stand over you etc.... easiest way to remember is your head is to always be in a higher position than the dogs.

3. Alpha's always get clear passage, if your dog is lying in your path make it move - don't step over it.

4. No free rides. Make your dog do something before it gets ANYTHING. Even if just to sit and behave. So ask them to sit before giving treats, before feeding, before giving attention and before you let them through a door etc.....

These are just a few of the basics and are very important in a large, pack orientated, dominate breed. From your picture it looks like you have small dogs so the head being higher point may not be so relevant.

When you have multiple dogs - especially ones from a pack oriented, dominate breed you the alpha need to confirm what is the ranking between the dogs is and maintain the order. I only have one dog so am not experienced with this but from my understanding the highest ranking dog gets everything first, fed first, attention first etc.... This doesn't mean you love the lower ranking dog any less you are just maintaining harmony within your pack.

[RiLeYsMoMmY]

To answer all your questions about being the "alpha" dog, and the really get into your dog's head...definitely pick up this book, The Leader of the Pack.

Here's a link for it on Amazon: [url]http://www.amazon.com/Leader-Pack-Nancy-Baer/dp/0061010197[/url]

It will tell you everything you could ever need to know about how to assert your dominance and maintain your status as the "leader" and the "alpha" in your household.