BLOGGING A TO Z CHALLENGE
ALPHA
In the wild, dogs (and wolves) run in packs. Every pack has a leader, known as the alpha animal. The alpha makes decisions – they are the boss. Usually, the pack will have an alpha male and an alpha female. Each pack member has their role in the hierarchy; either dominant or submissive.
It is important to set boundaries and establish rules and routine for our companions. By teaching our dogs manners and socializing them, we are establishing ourselves as the leader of the pack.
To view more blogs in the challenge visit the Blogging From A to Z Challenge
Please visit us again tomorrow as we reveal ‘BRAVO.’
Thank you,
Nichole says
April 1, 2016 at 3:36 pmSounds like a fun blogging challenge!
Sadie says
April 2, 2016 at 10:05 amI love painting but haven’t had much time. This is making me get back in my studio. So yes, having fun.
Lauren Miller says
April 1, 2016 at 5:13 pmHi Sadie, while I love the a-z challenge, pack theory has been debunked by science. I have a bunch of helpful articles if you are ever interested in looking at them. It’s good to have rules for our pets but we don’t have to dominate them. Wolves raise their cubs much like we do. The “top” wolves are in charge because they are the parents. The man who came out with the alpha pack theory stuff with wolves was studying captive wolves. Captive wolves behave much differently than their wild cousins because most of them are thrown together without being family and he has since come out and apologized for creating the dominance and pack theories. Our dogs need teachers, not alpha leaders. With my dogs we have a partnership.
https://positively.com/dog-training/myths-truths/pack-theory-debunked/
Lauren Miller recently posted…The Sun Came Out!
Sadie says
April 2, 2016 at 9:59 amTo clarify: I do not suggest dominating our companions (in the post or otherwise). I provided a brief history of the term (Alpha) by referring to animals in the wild.
I feel strongly that our companions should respect rules and know who guides them. Manners are a must. My husband and I use POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING methods only.
Thank you for your comment and the opportunity to clarify.
Sarcastic Dog says
April 1, 2016 at 5:35 pmWhat a super fun and creative blogging challenge. I look forward to the rest of the alphabet 🙂
(The link to the Blogging From A to Z Challenge does not seem to be active)
Sarcastic Dog recently posted…Sports Bras and Dog Walks
Sadie says
April 1, 2016 at 7:50 pmThanks! Please do check back.
Andrea Casarsa says
April 1, 2016 at 7:02 pmHappy a-z! I have been interested in the concept of the alpha animal ever since we got our dog.
Sadie says
April 1, 2016 at 7:50 pmWe have a male and a female that BOTH think they’re the boss.
Sabina says
April 1, 2016 at 8:00 pmI’m new to your blog – but I love your watercolor! It’s gorgeous. I’ll be back to see more of your posts!!
Sadie says
April 2, 2016 at 10:03 amThank you Sabina. I appreciate it.
Pawesome Cats says
April 2, 2016 at 2:50 amThe alpha theory works in cat households too. Good luck with the A-Z Challenge.
Pawesome Cats recently posted…Pet First Aid Tips: What to Do in an Emergency
Sadie says
April 2, 2016 at 10:02 amThat makes sense. I have a bossy male cat and a bossy male dog – they wrestle!
Cathy Armato says
April 2, 2016 at 1:00 pmMy Husky definitely thinks she is the Alpha in our house, LOL! She’s always trying to be the boss of everyone, including me and my husband! That portrait is lovely!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:48 pmThank you Cathy.
Ruth and Layla says
April 2, 2016 at 2:56 pmThanks and will check back
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:47 pmThank you for visiting!
Christine Caplan says
April 2, 2016 at 9:44 pmI think this is such a cool challenge – I follow another blogger participating and it’s great to see how folks interpret each letter. Alpha for A is clever…
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:47 pmThanks Christine. Some of the other letters took a bit of brainstorming for my theme.
Lori says
April 2, 2016 at 9:49 pmWhat a gorgeous watercolor and great advice about training dogs 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Lori
My A2Zs @ As the Fates Would Have It & Promptly Written
Follow Me (Ravyne) Twitter|Facebook
Sadie says
April 7, 2016 at 12:32 pmThank you Lori – look forward to visiting your site too!
M. K. Clinton says
April 2, 2016 at 10:27 pmThis is such a great painting. It made me smile. ☺
M. K. Clinton recently posted…Treat ‘Em Right with Vita Bone
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:45 pmThank you. It is a HUGE compliment to an artist when their work connects somehow with the viewer.
Tenacious Little Terrier says
April 3, 2016 at 12:46 amThat’s a lovely painting. Are you showcasing art for the month too?
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:44 pmThank you. Yes, it will be ‘Animal Art’ for the month.
Three Chatty Cats says
April 3, 2016 at 11:04 amUndertaking the A-Z challenge sounds very daunting to a newbie like me. Love it, though! I think our dog THINKS he’s the Alpha… we’ll let him believe that. Ha!
Three Chatty Cats recently posted…The Older Brother
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:42 pmI have been contemplating doing the challenge for a while. The challenge is the excuse I need to prioritize time in the studio. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Dusty Desert Dogs says
April 3, 2016 at 12:23 pmSounds like a very interesting challenge I’ll be chekcing back to see how it is going 🙂 Also I love your painting.
Sadie says
April 7, 2016 at 12:30 pmThank you – please do!
Erin | Tossed Cookies says
April 3, 2016 at 12:26 pmThese A-z challenges are hard! I am still in the process of my A-Z toxins. I started trying to do them every day, but there’s just too much information to compile into a post once a day, so I started slowing them down. We’re through our K’s!
Congrats on the new challenge, and I feel your pain!
Erin | Tossed Cookies recently posted…Safety Saturday: Dolly the Doxie and Sandra
Sadie says
April 7, 2016 at 12:29 pmThanks Erin. Best of luck to you – I will be stopping by soon!
Golden Daily Scoop says
April 3, 2016 at 1:19 pmSounds like a fun challenge! Each of the Goldens think they are the alpha, we just let them think that! lol
Golden Daily Scoop recently posted…A #PetSmartGrooming Spring Makeover #Sponsored
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:40 pmIt’s all about believing!
MattieDog says
April 3, 2016 at 4:30 pmWe agree that positive training is the only way to go – and it’s good to have rules that everyone (including humans) abide by, otherwise it’s so very complicated and mixed messages for the pup!
MattieDog recently posted…Is Safe In Small Quantities Really Just Unsafe? BPA in Pet Food Cans
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:39 pm..and can also be embarrassing at social functions.
Laith Preston says
April 3, 2016 at 5:51 pmWonderful picture.
I love your handling of the concept of “Alpha” in this post.
Laith (apx #1712) visiting for April A-Z from Laith’s Ramblings (http://laith.wordpress.com)
Sadie says
April 7, 2016 at 12:28 pmI appreciate that. Thank you.
Beth says
April 3, 2016 at 7:55 pmI love this portrait! I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the A-Z challenge, there are some tricky letters, but I know you’re quite creative.
Beth recently posted…Fetching!
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:23 pmThanks Beth. I think I have it figured out. That’s BEFORE trying to create the images that are currently stored in my mind! We’ll see…
Sweet Purrfections says
April 3, 2016 at 8:18 pmWe think Truffle is the alpha female in our house. She even rules Mom Paula.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Sunday Selfie
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:22 pmA Princess perhaps? Mom Paula will do her bidding ; )
Talent Hounds says
April 3, 2016 at 10:29 pmBeautiful illustration. My husband is the Alpha- not in an aggressive way. He just makes Kilo feel safe on a walk.
Talent Hounds recently posted…Amazing Charity Is Helping Save Homeless Dogs
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:20 pmYour husband is the protector! Love it.
Robin says
April 4, 2016 at 1:04 amVery interesting fact! That is one of the huge differences between cats and dogs. Cats are not pack animals at all and, therefore, social ranking is a very different thing for cats than it is for dogs. Great start to the challenge!
Robin recently posted…Funny Cat Picture: Background Kitty
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:13 pmUnless you have a male cat named Richard and a male dog named Henry and they both want to be the King! Thanks Robin
Carol Bryant says
April 4, 2016 at 3:48 pmThis is beautiful. I love dog related artwork and am such a fan!
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:28 pmThank you Carol.
Spencer the Goldendoodle says
April 4, 2016 at 4:08 pmWonderful picture! I’m definitely a submissive dog! 🙂
Spencer the Goldendoodle recently posted…New Collar for Arizona
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:28 pmLaid back, easy-going Spencer!
Maureen says
April 4, 2016 at 8:22 pmGreat picture! I love dog art work!
Maureen recently posted…Are You Enough Of A Companion For Your Dog?
Sadie says
April 5, 2016 at 3:24 pmThank you Maureen.