Experienced puppy owners: HELP!

Amanda · 08-04-2008, 02:24 PM

Last week, my boyfriend and I were informed by the breeder that our puppy is the "alpha" of the litter. She's the most outgoing of the bunch and whatnot...

Has anyone purchased the alpha puppy from the litter before?

I'd like to know if these puppies are more difficult to train or keep under control.

Are they more aggressive?

The last thing we need is a disobedient dobie!

Travis · 08-04-2008, 02:28 PM

Don't worry babe.

I'm going to buy this shirt just to make sure she knows who the boss it.

Amanda · 08-04-2008, 02:29 PM

Lol. Only if I can have one, too.

**KatTess** · 08-04-2008, 02:32 PM

That is great! No worries now! Just kidding, I'm actually very interested to see what all the experienced people here will tell you. And congrats on the new puppy!

Andrea

**dobermansrule** · 08-04-2008, 02:34 PM

it means you will have your hands full

do some reading. There are some basic things you can do from the start to establish your dominance. Just be prepared for the challenges to your position. some basic training and behavior things - you'll be fine. Just do your homework now while you have the downtime.

Amanda · 08-04-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobermansrule

it means you will have your hands full

do some reading. There are some basic things you can do from the start to establish your dominance. Just be prepared for the challenges to your position. some basic training and behavior things - you'll be fine. Just do your homework now while you have the downtime.

Oh gosh, that scares the crap out of me.

Lol, we've been doing a lot of online and book research on the breed and training puppies in general... I'm just scared it's not going to be enough to tame this little beast!

Murreydobe · 08-04-2008, 02:38 PM

I think pack status is highly dependent on all the animals involved. An alpha puppy in one litter might not be a particularly dominant or high ranking individual in another social group.

DobeGirl07 · 08-04-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanda

Last week, my boyfriend and I were informed by the breeder that our puppy is the "alpha" of the litter. She's the most outgoing of the bunch and whatnot...

Has anyone purchased the alpha puppy from the litter before?

I'd like to know if these puppies are more difficult to train or keep under control.

Are they more aggressive?

The last thing we need is a disobedient dobie!

I don't think there is anything to possibly worry about. Being Alpha with the litter has nothing to do with being aggressive.

Temperment of the parent's have lots to do with how your girl will be. I don't know the bloodline so there's no telling.

Travis · 08-04-2008, 02:42 PM

I've been practicing my "Shh" :fingersnap:, so we should be okay.

My last puppy was like that, always growling and never wanting to get on her back. Whenever she would growl I would just put her on her side until she calmed down and soon enough she stopped.

Too bad she couldn't stop stealing my socks and running away with them.

StarlessSkye · 08-04-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murreydobe

I think pack status is highly dependent on all the animals involved. An alpha puppy in one litter might not be a particularly dominant or high ranking individual in another social group.

^ Agree, 100%

Logan was the one of the lower puppies of his litter and when we got him home he was incredibly meek and mellow... Then three days later the demon was unleashed and I wondered what happened to my sweet, quiet little boy!

You'll have your hands full but it'll be the most rewarding and amazing experience you can imagine. Stick with it, and when you form a plan (feeding schedules, walk schedules, discipline schedules, etc.) things will become a lot easier. The key is repetition and dedication to the house rules - straying will cause confusion which will make your and her life hell. I cannot begin to stress this enough. STICK with your plan, even when she bats those cute little doe eyes for that food scrap on the counter.

Consistency is key!