The Alpha role - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ladylavender · 03-02-2005, 08:21 AM

I have been reading alot lately on setting up your relationship with your yorkie for success. The 1st thing they say is you must establish yourself as the alpha in your "pack" (includes family and puppy). However I have not read anything that makes it clear on how to go about doing this.

If I can get some clear cut information on this I would appreciate it. Referring me to a website or thread that addresses this issue will be great or I welcome any advise.

Ringo · 03-02-2005, 09:41 AM

LadyLavender...

Here is the closest thing I have found to the things that I have learned:
http://www.bcrescue.org/dominancetest.html

Also, I read the other day that it's good to hand feed your dog for a few days when you first get him so that he realizes that YOU control his food and that a hand is a good thing. If that makes sense.

debi_s · 03-02-2005, 10:00 AM

Ringo,
That was a great reference......it seems so cruel to want to be "in charge" of such a tiny and adorable little puppy, but the alpha thing must be settled quickly and firmly.
When I got my chihuahua 6 months ago she was showered with attention and sat, walked, played with whatever she wanted. It did not take long before the growling and snapping started and the final straw was when she BIT (!!!!!) me when I attempted to put a t-shirt on her...(I'm not one to dress up my dogs....it was sooo cold and she is nearly hairless on her belly)....
Well, I was so discouraged and thinking I had a typical chihuahua...snappy and mean!
Fortunately, I found a show on TV called "The Dog Whisperer" with Cesear Millan.....and the first show I watched was that horrible chihuahua....in MINUTES he had shown that dog who was the boss and it was remarkable!!!!! My hubby was even imrpessed!!! Now, Apple CANNOT jump into anyone's lap unless she is invited. She lays on the couch...(under a heating pad)...but she automatically moves from MY PLACE if she sees me coming....I can put on the collar or harness with no problems....She NEVER SNAPS at anyone!!! Even the grandkids ...who can get out of hand at times...I can sit and cut her toenails and give her a bath easily...she does not like it but she allows it. I never did try any more clothes...I had bought the cutest coat but just because she gets soooooo cold!
I take her to the outlet mall (when the weather is warm) and she walks well on a leash/harness....does not do as well with the collar.

All that said to say this....be firm and CONSISTANT...EVERY TIME....they are just like kids....and will try and try to win! Then everybody loses!

Ladylavender · 03-02-2005, 10:12 AM

Thanks so much for your replies. I am begining to get the picture! Ringo, that was a great site and debi s, thanks for your sharing of your experiences, but exactly how did you turn the tables in your situation?

lickthestar · 03-02-2005, 04:45 PM

I love Cesar Milan! My boyfriend makes fun of him but I'm trying to become the Alpha but Archie thinks that my boyfriend is the Alpha. Archie does everything for him, but not me!

schatzie · 03-02-2005, 05:30 PM

I too have previously over the years read over so many details to "show who is the alpha" in the family. I think the pet is happier when he/she knows the role it plays in the household.

It can be as simple as who walks into the door first, of course it must be you and not your pet.

Or feeding him/her and placing the bowl of food down then pick it back up again, then down again.

Or giving them a command even the simplest of one before a treat.

The cuteness in the Yorkie is much better when they know their roll for sure I think...Any breed of dog for that matter.

artie merlino · 03-06-2005, 02:00 PM

When I first received my Artie, it was a Birthday gift! I had to have a very long talk with my Husband to discuss the House rules and Discipline, what kind of behaviour I would and would not accept, after that was clear...We both enforced them. You have to be consistent! I have no problems with him, everything is a catch-22, he is well traveled both in the car and plane/airports.
He has been to Parties, malls, swimming & surfing @ the Beach. He goes everywhere with me, he is well socialized with other dogs and humans too!
But the flip side is, he loves to see/greet others. If he's off the leash he will run to any person or dog, in the street this is dangerous, but in the enclosed Dog Park it's OK. His attitude is fearless, but he can't back-up his bark. My point is, as long as I'm "Alpha" to him that's what matters, my Husbands on his own, I told him to fight his own battles! I am the one that feeds him, grooms him daily; brushing his coat and teeth, washing his eyes and dressing him. I also try to teach him a lot of words, I speak clearly to him. In general males bond to the females and the females to the Men. Good Luck!

03-02-2005, 08:21 AM	#1
Ladylavender YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Soddy Daisy, TN Posts: 733	The Alpha role I have been reading alot lately on setting up your relationship with your yorkie for success. The 1st thing they say is you must establish yourself as the alpha in your "pack" (includes family and puppy). However I have not read anything that makes it clear on how to go about doing this. If I can get some clear cut information on this I would appreciate it. Referring me to a website or thread that addresses this issue will be great or I welcome any advise.

03-02-2005, 05:30 PM	#6
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	I too have previously over the years read over so many details to "show who is the alpha" in the family. I think the pet is happier when he/she knows the role it plays in the household. It can be as simple as who walks into the door first, of course it must be you and not your pet. Or feeding him/her and placing the bowl of food down then pick it back up again, then down again. Or giving them a command even the simplest of one before a treat. The cuteness in the Yorkie is much better when they know their roll for sure I think...Any breed of dog for that matter. __________________ ~~~~ Schatzie and Ransom ~~~~

03-06-2005, 02:00 PM	#7
artie merlino YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Myrtle Beach,SC Posts: 697	Alpha When I first received my Artie, it was a Birthday gift! I had to have a very long talk with my Husband to discuss the House rules and Discipline, what kind of behaviour I would and would not accept, after that was clear...We both enforced them. You have to be consistent! I have no problems with him, everything is a catch-22, he is well traveled both in the car and plane/airports. He has been to Parties, malls, swimming & surfing @ the Beach. He goes everywhere with me, he is well socialized with other dogs and humans too! But the flip side is, he loves to see/greet others. If he's off the leash he will run to any person or dog, in the street this is dangerous, but in the enclosed Dog Park it's OK. His attitude is fearless, but he can't back-up his bark. My point is, as long as I'm "Alpha" to him that's what matters, my Husbands on his own, I told him to fight his own battles! I am the one that feeds him, grooms him daily; brushing his coat and teeth, washing his eyes and dressing him. I also try to teach him a lot of words, I speak clearly to him. In general males bond to the females and the females to the Men. Good Luck!

03-02-2005, 09:41 AM	#2
Ringo Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 193	LadyLavender... Here is the closest thing I have found to the things that I have learned: http://www.bcrescue.org/dominancetest.html Also, I read the other day that it's good to hand feed your dog for a few days when you first get him so that he realizes that YOU control his food and that a hand is a good thing. If that makes sense.

03-02-2005, 10:00 AM	#3
debi_s YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 309	Ringo, That was a great reference......it seems so cruel to want to be "in charge" of such a tiny and adorable little puppy, but the alpha thing must be settled quickly and firmly. When I got my chihuahua 6 months ago she was showered with attention and sat, walked, played with whatever she wanted. It did not take long before the growling and snapping started and the final straw was when she BIT (!!!!!) me when I attempted to put a t-shirt on her...(I'm not one to dress up my dogs....it was sooo cold and she is nearly hairless on her belly).... Well, I was so discouraged and thinking I had a typical chihuahua...snappy and mean! Fortunately, I found a show on TV called "The Dog Whisperer" with Cesear Millan.....and the first show I watched was that horrible chihuahua....in MINUTES he had shown that dog who was the boss and it was remarkable!!!!! My hubby was even imrpessed!!! Now, Apple CANNOT jump into anyone's lap unless she is invited. She lays on the couch...(under a heating pad)...but she automatically moves from MY PLACE if she sees me coming....I can put on the collar or harness with no problems....She NEVER SNAPS at anyone!!! Even the grandkids ...who can get out of hand at times...I can sit and cut her toenails and give her a bath easily...she does not like it but she allows it. I never did try any more clothes...I had bought the cutest coat but just because she gets soooooo cold! I take her to the outlet mall (when the weather is warm) and she walks well on a leash/harness....does not do as well with the collar. All that said to say this....be firm and CONSISTANT...EVERY TIME....they are just like kids....and will try and try to win! Then everybody loses!

03-02-2005, 10:12 AM	#4
Ladylavender YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Soddy Daisy, TN Posts: 733	Thanks so much for your replies. I am begining to get the picture! Ringo, that was a great site and debi s, thanks for your sharing of your experiences, but exactly how did you turn the tables in your situation?

03-02-2005, 04:45 PM	#5
lickthestar YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NY Posts: 360	I love Cesar Milan! My boyfriend makes fun of him but I'm trying to become the Alpha but Archie thinks that my boyfriend is the Alpha. Archie does everything for him, but not me!