Ten years ago Gavin wanted the position of Alpha Dog but after a year of dealing with Mr. Determined, I knocked him out of that position. Yes, it took a full year.  He was the most dominant pup I’ve ever had to deal with in my life.  We locked horns on a daily basis.  I celebrated when he finally got it.   What a great day that was when he came to the realization I wasn’t going to let him be the boss. 

     The Curmudgeon sometimes thinks he is the Alpha Dog but we all know better. You can almost see the dogs roll their eyes when he tries to act the part.  The ‘get a grip’ expression is priceless.

     Patty hasn’t applied for the position as Alpha, she’s content to be part of the pack.  Though Gavin thinks he ranks higher in the pack than she does, she and I know better.  It’s fun to watch her snatch his bone away, dance around victorious, Gavin sighs, and looks at me as if to say, “Can’t you control her?”