Posted by muffled on September 5, 2007, at 15:58:01
In reply to Re: alpha isn't mean, it's responsible and FOREVER » zenhussy, posted by Dinah on September 5, 2007, at 11:21:54
Dominant is necc esp w/some dogs, they NEED it to feel safer themselves, it makes them calmer and more secure.
My dog that I adopted used to bite vets, now she doesn't.
She tried to nip my daughter when she first came here and I totally took her down. She is much happier now that she knows wassup. If she showed any aggression to my kids, bam, down she'd go. I only did it 3-4x and not since. Now my kids can clamber on her, and put clothes on her etc etc. She puts up with a TREMENDOUS amt of 'loving' abuse by one of my kids. But now I finally pretty much trust her with my kids and she's a really nice dog.
The only downside is I fear that she would show aggression to other kids etc. She has looked a little dismayed a time or two....its in her nature I'm afraid. She DOES warn however, she does this funny lip curl thing!
Anyhow, I'm sure you'll settle in with your pup, and YES it IS hard having anew little one, but you guys will all settle down and be fine.
Take good care,
Muffled
poster:muffled
thread:780952
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20070827/msgs/780990.html