Push her way to be first in or out of doorways. Claim the best sleeping area or nudge other dogs out of theirs. Not give much attention to the other dogs. Appear to be jealous when you give the other dogs attention.
So to answer “can a female dog be the alpha” you first have to ask “can a female dog be dominant?” or “can a bitch be the most dominant dog in any collective of two or more dogs?” The answer to this is yes – some female dogs are very dominant.
Dogs often mount other animals and even people to assert their social status or assume control. Both male and female dogs will mount to display dominance. But be careful not to let things get too out of control.
In neutered males and in females the sex does not necessarily make them prone to fight. All dogs have different dominancy levels within the same breed be they male or female. It's the level of dominancy which effects fighting, not the sex of the dog.
So, yes, a puppy can definitely think of you as his “mother” — that is, his provider and protector — and develop as strong an emotional bond with you as if you were blood-related. Your puppy will also quickly learn to pick you out among strangers, both by sight and through his powerful sense of smell.
Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
Are Male or Female Dogs More Protective? There is no significant difference between male or female dogs in terms of protective behaviors. Territorial or protective behaviors are more pronounced in unaltered dogs than in neutered dogs, and breed plays a role as well.
Males can be more dominant, territorial, and easily distracted than female dogs. On the other hand, males can also be more playful, active, and independent. Dominance and territorial behaviour can also be seen in unspayed females when they are in heat.
ARE MALE DOGS MORE AGGRESSIVE THAN FEMALE DOGS? Both male and female dogs have the ability to show aggression but the statistics show that “entire” (not neutered) male dogs are more likely to show aggression than female dogs or neutered males.
Dogs Show Their Respect
Since dogs got used to licking the alpha of the pack or the more dominant pack members to show their respect towards them, licking as a sign of respect and appreciation can be noticed nowadays as well.
Wild dogs exhibit similar behaviors, opting to sleep in small, confined areas with pack members they trust to protect against predators. When your dog sleeps right next to you, he is demonstrating trust in his “alpha” human.
But some dogs will hide their cherished things around the house and guard them from unsuspecting people or animals who have no idea that they're anywhere near a valued object. Male and female dogs are equally prone to possessive aggression, and this type of aggression is common in both puppies and adults.
Are Male or Female Dogs More Loyal? One long-standing myth about dogs, is that female dogs tend to be more loyal than their male counterparts. This myth has passed down generations of dog breeders and dog lovers. And can be traced back as far as when dogs were wild and living in packs.
Love and affection
Many dog people say male dogs are more affectionate, while female dogs tend not to want the constant attention and validation that the boys often seem to crave. They say female dogs can be "moody" and "independent," while male dogs can be "clingy" and "silly."
“This typically has to do with how they were socialized, who takes care of them and their past experiences,” Dr. Bonk told The Dodo. “If a dog is taken care of by a female, they're more likely to prefer females, [whereas] if they're primarily taken care of by a male, they may prefer males.”
Reed says, “When a dog respects you, they will respect your space, listen and respond when you ask them to do something.” This also means they aren't constantly pestering you for attention. Respectful behaviors include: Coming when called (and not jumping up on you) Relaxing when you are otherwise occupied.
Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap, or even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give up a toy, treat, or resting place.
Resistance to voice commands. Aggressive response to eye contact or verbal correction. Food guarding or other aggressive behavior while eating. Persistence about leading the way on walks or through entryways.
There's no way to know exactly what a dog is thinking or feeling—but when it comes to the question “does my dog think I'm a dog?” all evidence point to no.
Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.
And what the studies show is welcome news for all dog owners: Not only do dogs seem to love us back, they actually see us as their family. It turns out that dogs rely on humans more than they do their own kind for affection, protection and everything in between.
If you suspect your dog “hates” men or women, don't fret! This is highly unlikely, as your dog is probably just afraid of and unfamiliar with the other gender.
In some cases, two dogs of the same sex may get along fine, but some experts feel it is best to choose a new pup of the opposite sex. Same sex dogs may become rivals, and there is a greater chance of competition among the two. If you want to play it safe, team your female dog with a male counterpart and vice versa.