alpha female. Is there such a thing? - Page 2

Oh Lord, yes there is such a thing!! I am lucky enough to own one, LOL... She is something to say the least, I do not allow her to interact with any of my dogs, she is just too dang rough. Not in an agressive way at all but she is also very stout for a female and I worry about her hurting one of them and then there would be a dog fight to the bitter end. I love this dog, she is awesome to work with and will do anything I ask of her, when we are out together playing or working she only has eyes for me. At the same time, she spends her down time in a kennel. It is best for all involved... Best of luck with your girl, Darlene

ALPHAFEMALE -- haaaaaaa ... many on this forum -- experienced people or not .. canopot understand this statement that i will make :--- [ do not read books and take all as gospel ..] so .. : there is but simultaneously there is not --- sounds contradictory .. but that statement is not !! yes many of the previous comments hold validity -- there is a hierrachy in the animal world --- but realize that dominance /rank order/ alpha is a dynamic position .. not static -- that is .. a position exists but it is varying on a number of factors and changes constantly !! it is not an absolute -- for example .. one would think the strongest dog .. or perhaps the most intelligent dog .. would hold number one position -- that is not entirely correct -- those attributes play a determing role but a more important role is the social relations and ties / alliances that are mande that allows one tio assume for the moment the lead position !! for example .. the dog that can orchrestrate the hunt best in the pack is alpha at that particular time -- the dog that has the best stress level and can handle combat may be the one that directs the defense and protection of the pack -- and the dog that cannot form frienships cannot always be alpha -- for example -- the one that shares it's kill will have allies and be more supported by the other as opposed to the one that covets everything for itelf -- there is strength in numbers -- so with awkwardly giving a spiel -- alpha exist but it is dynamic state to be held by one at any particular time -- dogs do not do things for position .. [a dog does not sit on the couch because it wishes to be domaneering over you or dominant -- that is hogwash -- it sits there because it helps comfort it .. better on it's muscles and bone -- the dog cares nothing about where you go] -- dog[s] do things in order to obtain the resources that it needs in order to survive either on an individual level or within a group level .

I have one female that is very Alpha, She is dominant over all the other dogs but is very obedient, actually took to my 8 year old boy and follows him every where, will run right past me to greet him first. When I got my male (2yo) the first thing she did was atack him and put him in his place. She gets along with all males after she puts them in there place. As far as his performance, no effect. Yes she can take things away from him, but they can go in the same play run and play together, can when needed be put in the same kennel run and will sleep together. He still has plenty of confidence, just knows she is a female and lets her get away with stuff. As far as food goes, she has a hard time getting into his bowl unless he thinks she has something better in hers, then they just switch back and forth. As for breeding, no problem there, he is always very determined. Mike

Oh yes, there is a such thing as an Alpha female-I own one! She maintains this hierarchy over not just other females but any male who is on the property. A very intelligent working-line Fero granddaughter with a some civil drive who is still 100% obedient and pleasant with all persons she does not see to be a real threat. Bob-O

Puppies as a general rule... have a "proceed to go" card with most adult dogs until about 6 months old or so. After that watch out! The adults will try to put the pup in their place. Because of the size difference even at 6 months it may not be a winning situation for the prospective "Alpha". Be careful! Debby