More of a discussion than a question...

Angelina-M

I've read a number of books on how important it is to be alpha to your dogs and for me it seems to be going really well. My little girl comes through doors after me, sits nicely whilst I eat dinner as she knows she gets hers straight after etc.

I enjoy our relationship and in all the time i've had her she's never even needed a telling off. I see people all the time yanking their poor dogs back on choker chains and im so glad I found a way to teach my dog without giving her (or me) any stress.

She's is a submissive dog and if another dog comes up to her and is agressive she immediately crouches or hides behind me. She does however go mad if anyone rings the doorbell.

But I was wondering, as my dog feels comfortable knowing that I will look after her, what would happen if I was in danger? I take her out for nightly walks and wondered what would happen if someone attacked me, would she sit and watch as im alpha and I should deal with it?

Its something i've been thinking about for a while, and its not covered in the books.

Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts?

tieg3

I think she would protect you, it good that she barks at the door as its her way of warning others. does she bark if anyone walks past the garden?
this is how my dog behaves, she is a very gentle softie and is so friendly. However wen i heard footsteps out by the back door at 1.30am one night i opened the door quick she ran up the garden barking, stopped at the gate and when i called her back, much to my surprise she had his jean pocket in her mouth! then she came back up the garden while i locked the gate not leaving my side.
like you i didn't think she had it in her because of how completely stupid she is ordinarily

Angelina-M

Thanks thats really good to know. Yes mine is a real softie and she doesnt like men very much, quite often cowers down if one tries to stroke her in the street or anything.

I watched a program on wolf packs and it said that the others will look after the alpha if it is sick, but then another one will fight for top spot and poor old alpha will be put to the bottom of the pile. I dont know how this compares to dogs.

Yes she barks when people walk past the bottom of the gate and if they knock at the door she goes mad but as soon as I let them in she goes submissive and stands behind me.

I kind of got the feeling that if I was under threat she may jump in to save me.... or she'll flee and leave me stranded :rolleyes:

gremlin

Angelina-M wrote: »

Yes she barks when people walk past the bottom of the gate and if they knock at the door she goes mad but as soon as I let them in she goes submissive and stands behind me.

I think you've found out how she will react. She barks to warn people that she's there and is protective toward you, but as soo as you show her that these people are accepted by you she follows your lead (no pun intended :rolleyes: ) and accepts them because the alpha accepts them.

Seems you've got a good dog trained well. Well done.

tieg3

Nix is exactly the same if another dog or person comes over if we're in the park she hides behind me. She's the same at the vets, she's knocked me over b4 now trying to get behind me (scaredy cat:rotfl:)

Kimberley

You look after them and they will look after you. Depending on the breed as well i think, but even a Yorkie could give a nasty bite

Angelina-M

Thanks all. The compliment was nice gremlin but I cant take the credit, she was a lovely girl when I got her, im very lucky.

I'm reading the dog whisperer at the moment and I read reviews about it on websites that said her way is a load of tosh. Other people say she is spot on with the 'wolf pack' view. I suppose its down to the individual or maybe a dog is like a person, either its nice or its not and you wont change it.

When I was young, people were of the opinion that if you were forceful and shouted commands at a puppy it would grow up into a fine dog.

My personal opinion is that treating a dog mean will not make it do as you say, or if it does its out of fear.. and who wants a relationship like that.

Eels100

I'm afraid when it comes to Jan Fennel I've not got much patience. Anyone can analyse what dogs do when left to their own devices in the wild - but I really think it's unfair on the dog to apply the same principles to a situation where food is put out on plates for them, exercise and play is dictated by a human (note: human does not = dog!) and we expect them to live by 'our rules'.

Dogs appreciate consistency, predictability and security. You don't need to dominate a dog to give them these things (nor do you need to eat cream crackers before they get their dinner!). You need to be firm, calm, and to earn their trust by being predictable and consistent in your behaviour and reactions to them.

In terms of how a dog would react to a situation in which their owner was threatened, that depends hugely on the dog. When my OH and I play fight one of our dogs rolls her eyes and leaves the room while the other one joins in and starts barking at whoever's making the most noise ... good to know that if I was getting mugged and I screamed, he'd probably bite me instead of the attacker ...

tieg3

Eels100 wrote: »

In terms of how a dog would react to a situation in which their owner was threatened, that depends hugely on the dog. When my OH and I play fight one of our dogs rolls her eyes and leaves the room while the other one joins in and starts barking at whoever's making the most noise ... good to know that if I was getting mugged and I screamed, he'd probably bite me instead of the attacker ...

Thats difference, your dog knows your oh. I would be almost certain that if it were a stranger attacking you he would protect you. Also he would know the difference in your voice and dogs sense fear a mile off.
When i walk mine in the day she'll wonder off but if its at night (I don't like going out in the dark on my own) she stays right by the side of me without any prompting to do so.

JennyW_2

I think it largely depends on the breed of dog.

I have 2. A collie and a greyhound. Now everyone knows that if you want a good guard dog, you don't buy a greyhound They don't even bark!

So god forbid anything would happen to me whilst out with my dogs, I know my grey wouldn't do anything, HOWEVER my collie is very protective. Barks when someone is at the door or garden gate and also very protective if he is outside on the front drive. When men walk past on the pavement I have to keep an eye out as he will bark at them given the chance (it's only men funnily enough), so I safe that he would protect me.

ixwood

gremlin wrote: »

I think you've found out how she will react. She barks to warn people that she's there and is protective toward you, but as soo as you show her that these people are accepted by you she follows your lead (no pun intended :rolleyes: ) and accepts them because the alpha accepts them.

Seems you've got a good dog trained well. Well done.

SPot on. Dogs tajke the lead from you. Although, I'd say she might have a confidence/socialisation problem by the sounds of it. She should feel at ease when you've allowed people into the home.

Don't accidently reward/encourage the fears. She doesn't need sympathy/fuss, just a good lead. Tell her not to be silly and both ignore her completely (incuding not looking, staring is a dog threat).

In terms of the actual question, wolves and most dogs would/do protect the pack leader and infact any pack member. They even take it in turns to watch/guard/babysit the pack leaders pups.