Quote:
Originally Posted by SWHouston  Teresa,
There are many very well informed people on this Forum, but, when you speak... I listen ! So having said that, I have a question for you, and it's "sorta" in line with the Topic here. I've owned many Breeds and even more Dogs in my life, and as I've said before, Yorkies stand out SO far above the rest, I'm just amazed by it. But, I've noticed something, which it will take someone with considerable experience to comment on.
So here goes...
I think, IF you Spay a Female Yorkie, before she has her first heat, that the probability of her being "aggressively" dominant is very likely.
Conversely, if you wait and Spay after she heats, she will be MUCH more passive in the Pack, and allow another Female to be Alpha with no or few problems.
I know this sounds reversed, but, I think that a Female recognizes the loss of being able to reproduce, and it sets her back psychologically, causing a more passive nature.
Whereas, the one who never knows, isn't effected by having had that ability taken away, and steps up and is much more likely to want the Alpha Roll.
Your opinion ?
PS:
This has nothing to do with the abilities/desires of an intact Female.
I've been accused of "over thinking" things by the best !  |
I realize that this post was not directed at me, but I found it very interesting and wanted to add 2 cents worth, lol.
I have a 15 yo nm, a 5yo if, a 3yo if Biewer, and a 5 yo sf.
The Alpha is the 5yo sf, then the 5yo if, then the 3yo if, then the 15yo nm. The 15yo nm does challenge the Alpha sf on occasion (who is first out the door, or to get my attention) as do I to remind her I am the Pack Leader. If he's not starting something, he ignores the girls.
One thing funny (I was shocked) I noticed the other day... the Alpha sf is a bit over the top (off her rocker). I was walking her with the 3yo if Biewer, and the Biewer started correcting the Alpha sf whenever she needed it (like when she barked and tried to run after a passing car), and then the Biewer backed off until the next time the Alpha went 'off'.
Also, these dogs were super passive, or more like 'lost' when the Alpha went away for a week to have surgery, and were very happy when she came home.
The only other behavior I've seen that really bothers me is when somebody gets hurt, like taking a bad step that makes them yelp.... all the others rush over and I don't trust it... I always intervene... it just does not appear friendly.
Maybe they let her be Alpha bc she is a bit crazed, lol! IDK. I had the male since he was 5yo, then in April 2009 I added the now Alpha sf, and in June 2009 we got the 5yo if, and in January 2010 the Biewer. I thought it would be easier that way rather than letting any of them become 'established' and then adding on. This way, it all came about as they were still settling into the new home. (The Alpha thought the Biewer was a big squeaky toy in the beginning, lol, so I really had to watch them closely. My first clue was when I saw the Alpha dragging the Biewer across the floor by the ear... no blood or fighting, she just wanted to play.
They get along most of the time, just an occassional skirmish and a less occassional fight here and there. The two IFs just went through a trying period, they never fought till a few weeks ago, and I had to quickly separate them. I believe it was all my fault though. One wanted to play, the other was protecting me.
I do give them each special attention, but they will wait in line for their 'turn' to be picked up and cuddled. They do the same for treats, and new toys or bows from the store.
I see after writing all this down, that their personalities play a big role in it all, and I do constantly pay attention to what is going on: I'm always listening and watching them interact. Most days they are all very well behaved....