[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by Ashley V

I think in a lot of ways humans try to humanize dogs. Dogs have their own way of communicating and deciding who does what in the "pack" Yes, us humans have to be the "pack leaders" but as long as the dogs aren't killing each other, let them be dogs. For example, Smokey usually is the one to initiate play time. He'll take a toy and usually bring it to me or DH. Chip sees it and suddenly wants THAT toy out of all the toys we have in the house. Chip will go over and tug of war will start between Chip and Smokey or Smokey will just let him have it. Chip is alpha. Smokey will just go grab another toy, no big deal. If Smokey really still wanted that toy Chip just stole, he'll go after it and get it himself. As long as they aren't fighting or killing each other, they can do what they want. I intervene when they both get territorial, like the other day when Chip was sleeping with his bully stick under the bed and Smokey tried to steal it from him... created a HUGE fight. I intervened. When Chip and Smokey play with their "squirrel" I have to watch them closely, because they did get in a gigantic fight over it once. I only give it to them when I can supervise.

IMO, dogs are not children. If this were a situation regarding a child, obviously you'd handle the situation totally differently, but these are dogs. They know what they are doing.

Sheesh, I turn my back and you get smart all of the sudden! I would have guessed Smoke was alpha. But you make me count my blessings, in a way. In my house, there's no debate about who's top dog. Jillie doesn't fight back.