I have an interesting situation -- I have two "bottom of the pack" little boys.
A Bichon and a Yorkie. I say "bottom of the pack" --- because they are both shy and submissive..... very much so.
But - at the same time, they are both extremely affectionate, happy, and playful. They just play play play constantly.
Neither of these dogs has a mean bone in its body. My Bichon is 5 years old and my Yorkie is about a year. I have never heard either one of them growl -never - not once.... And neither of them has even bitten anyone or anything in its life.
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I think the "Alpha dog theory" is a little overrated also. Mostly because our dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years - and because during this time there has been no reason for them to exhibit the type of dominance and behavior that we associate with wild wolf packs. If most of this behavior hasn't been bred out by now - it certainly should be more tempered.
Nevertheless - dogs like all animals come with different personalities - much like people - some are more shy and passive and others are more outgoing and more difficult to handle.
Regardless of whatever type personalities our dogs have - we certainly do need to be in charge. It's important that our dogs are happy, well adjusted members of our family and not a threat or danger to others.
As as far as training and working with dogs goes --- whatever works - works!
There are a lot of different training methods that many people have had success with.
Carol Jean |