Dominant alpha dogs

Fifth in a series

Is she stressed, fearful. Or just a bully?

Maybe you’ve heard of dogs dominating people. In reality it’s actually quite rare. Man’s and woman’s best friends are genetically programmed to be deferential to us, earning pretty much everything they need from their human leaders. There is a dominance hierarchy within groups of them but we don’t call the head honcho alpha. This label came from early studies on wolves – wild animals.

Among the longest serving researchers on lupine (wolf) behavior is L. David Meck of the University of Minnesota. Over the years he and his group have adjusted their position. “One of the outdated pieces of information is the concept of the alpha wolf. “Alpha” implies competing with others and becoming top dog by winning a contest or battle. However, most wolves who lead packs achieved their position simply by mating and producing pups, which then became their pack.” Thank you, Dave, for your good work.

We don’t use the Greek alphabet on wolves anymore; it’s never been correctly applied to dogs. Calling your pets alpha and beta would make you a dinosaur. Maybe you would be an alpha stegosaurus.

There can be internal influences on aggression, like hormones. Mother dos with maternal aggression are known to menace or bite people who come near their babies. It’s a normal behavior that should not be corrected. It’ll pass after the kiddos get their drivers licenses. Their mama isn’t trying to dominate anybody.

Not all dogs who fight among themselves are vying for food, a toy, or proximity to their person. Play-related aggression occurs when one participant gets so highly agitated that he loses impulse control and snaps. The playmate on the receiving end may then get scared and become defensive-aggressive. What started as good fun can turn dangerous. Dogs who fight with their friends only during play need medication and careful management.

Less common is predatory aggression. Dogs are programmed to survive in the wild by eating rodents and rabbits but it is not acceptable for them to stalk and hunt Chihuahuas and cats. Worst of all is predation toward human infants, the elderly, or infirm. We see very few domestic dogs who stalk humans and other pets but we watch for them. They are not treatable. Strict avoidance of potential victims is the only responsible course.

Next week: The dog you love can mistake you for her target.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.