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,
Sounds like a fun blogging challenge!
I love painting but haven’t had much time. This is making me get back in my studio. So yes, having fun.
Hi 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!
To 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.
What 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
Thanks! Please do check back.
Happy a-z! I have been interested in the concept of the alpha animal ever since we got our dog.
We have a male and a female that BOTH think they’re the boss.
I’m new to your blog – but I love your watercolor! It’s gorgeous. I’ll be back to see more of your posts!!
Thank you Sabina. I appreciate it.
The 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
That makes sense. I have a bossy male cat and a bossy male dog – they wrestle!
My 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
Thank you Cathy.
Thanks and will check back
Thank you for visiting!
I 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…
Thanks Christine. Some of the other letters took a bit of brainstorming for my theme.
What 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
Thank you Lori – look forward to visiting your site too!
This is such a great painting. It made me smile. ☺
M. K. Clinton recently posted…Treat ‘Em Right with Vita Bone
Thank you. It is a HUGE compliment to an artist when their work connects somehow with the viewer.
That’s a lovely painting. Are you showcasing art for the month too?
Thank you. Yes, it will be ‘Animal Art’ for the month.
Undertaking 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
I 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!
Sounds like a very interesting challenge I’ll be chekcing back to see how it is going 🙂 Also I love your painting.
Thank you – please do!
These 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
Thanks Erin. Best of luck to you – I will be stopping by soon!
Sounds like a fun challenge! Each of the Goldens think they are the alpha, we just let them think that! lol
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It’s all about believing!
We 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
..and can also be embarrassing at social functions.
Wonderful 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)
I appreciate that. Thank you.
I 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!
Thanks 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…
We think Truffle is the alpha female in our house. She even rules Mom Paula.
Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Sunday Selfie
A Princess perhaps? Mom Paula will do her bidding ; )
Beautiful 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
Your husband is the protector! Love it.
Very 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
Unless you have a male cat named Richard and a male dog named Henry and they both want to be the King! Thanks Robin
This is beautiful. I love dog related artwork and am such a fan!
Thank you Carol.
Wonderful picture! I’m definitely a submissive dog! 🙂
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Laid back, easy-going Spencer!
Great picture! I love dog art work!
Maureen recently posted…Are You Enough Of A Companion For Your Dog?
Thank you Maureen.