Alpha / Dominance

Question
QUESTION: I have an 11 month old golden retriever and ever since we had her spade she wants to snap at our other dog (14 years old) and our cats.  She has snapped at my kids and wife after being startled.  She growls at our animals as they walk by.  She has even growled at me while in bed.  If you pet her while she is in my bed she growls.  Any thoughts??

ANSWER: That is unusual behavior for after being spayed.  Perhaps something went wrong and she is in pain.  Get back with the vet.

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QUESTION: Maybe having her spade and the increase "alpha" attitude is a coincidence.  I don't think she is in any pain based on how active she is.  What can be done to decrease the "alpha" attitude in her?

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm