Animals and Alpha

[Darkmist]

I've noticed something odd recently. My husband, son and I are all Alpha while my daughter is Delta. Our beagle has always clung to me and been competitive in different ways with my husband and son. He loves my daughter but there is absolutely no competition.

For instance, when my son is around, he makes sure I am in sight always. My husband, he 'tells off' for any little infraction. I can get away with almost anything. With regards to my daughter, he is loving but otherwise indifferent.

I know dog pack mentality gravitates towards Alpha. This is interesting and seems to have a basis in fact. (He's very stressed when we three Alphas are at home together). My question is this: Have any of you found that animals react differenly to you than to others, particularly pack animals, including horses. I know that I have always fit with horses and dogs. You?

Oddly though, cats flock to me also. Alpha or weird?

[DeadSpace]

Always been good with animals, dogs listen...even ones i don't own. Prefer cats, less slavish. but have had pets of all kinds birds, raccons, skunks, squirrels, mice, and ferrets. heh...always get the 'he/she (pet) usually never likes anyone' alot. Dunno if it has anything to do with alpha...could be an aura of confidence/competence though...would come across as the same thing as an alpha to an animal.

[Darkmist]

What we Alpha project though, is confidence, an ability to lead. (INTJ and ENTJ above the other two I'd say IMHO). Pack animals flock to this as they always want to be nearest the pack leader. I find it interesting that it happens in actuality. Our dog is very f'd up with the three of us home at once, and he makes sure he is the second in command under me. And yeah, animals and I have had an understanding from day one. I grew up on a farm with lots of them. With dogs, I don't get bitten and can take food dishes (full) away when they are eating. No one else can. Horses have just congregated around me, then again, I am female and horses are matriarchical. (sp)

[DeadSpace]

Makes sense...and intj/entj would be 'wise pack leader' something preferred over just a strong one...if animals could pick that up. >.>
poor confused doggy, heh

[Darkmist]

He's sadly confused, and old. What a stressful life the poor beggar has led.

It's strange though until I recently had my son take the test for second time (INTJ) and I explained the differences to him between the quadras, I never thought about this aspect before. But it is so true. I have always been, and never thought I wouldn't be, the boss with critters. I understand them as much or more as I understand people. And they seem to understand and not fear, but respect me.

[vaguely dissatisfied]

He's sadly confused, and old. What a stressful life the poor beggar has led.

It's strange though until I recently had my son take the test for second time (INTJ) and I explained the differences to him between the quadras, I never thought about this aspect before. But it is so true. I have always been, and never thought I wouldn't be, the boss with critters. I understand them as much or more as I understand people. And they seem to understand and not fear, but respect me.
Your dog could also be responding to the fact that your husband and son are males and your daughter is female. He may see the other males of the pack as a threat. Dogs also respond to changes in daily routine so if you're all home now and wern't before......this may be distressing to him especially if you are not giving him the time you usually give him, but paying more attention to the other pack members.

[Wandering Fool]

This is very interesting. It would be enlightening to know how others here are percieved by animals in general and pack animals in particular. I have always said I get along with children and animals better than adult humans. I've a particular ease with dogs and horses, I seem to be able to approach and interact with animals that many others can't. I always attributed it to the fact that I can easily communicate calmness and confidence to animals, they pick up on it immediately, and respond accordingly.

[jamescwade2]

Dogs, especially the large, supposedly "dangerous" breeds have always been attracted to me.

I was raised with Shepherds and Sheepdogs from birth, bred Rotties (before they became over bred in this country), and love large breeds.

I was once at a junk yard looking for parts and noticed a GI-NORM-OUS Akita in the corner of the office. As I walked over to him to introduce myself where he lay, the Manager warned me with "You might not want to get too close because (at this point I was already petting him and we were bonding) ... he bites." All of the employees, several of whom had been bitten by this dog, were amazed.

This has happened on a number of occasions in my life. I think we (INTJ's) understand the language of the pack. When you speak someone's/something's language there is less room for misunderstanding. thus less room for impending, inevitable altercation.

In addition INTJ's, in general, most often do not succumb to irrational, unfounded fear; and dogs can smell it. It is unlikely that we would be afraid of a dog that has never harmed us in the past.

[vaguely dissatisfied]

Rapport with animals also depends alot on the animals predisposition. For instance, if they are a prey animal (like horses) they will respond to different stimuli than a predator like dogs.

[AliciaS2R]

I have always had a special bond with animals. Most of the time I prefer their company over that of humans ;)

Yesterday I woke from my nap to find 6 of our 8 animal companions in bed with me (2 dogs, 4 cats). All of them were touching me to some degree, one of the cats was even sleeping on my legs.