Will I still be the Alpha?

Question

I'm having a guilty conscience and an uneasy feeling as if I'll still be the Alpha. I've recently started up surfing again (which I hadn't done in years), but my fear is that while I'm gone for 1 - 1 1/2 hours and our dog is at home with my partner that he won't see me as the Alpha any longer.

I still feed him, take him on walks and play with him.

Am I putting too much pressure on myself, or giving myself too much credit?

Also, am I a bad parent for coming home, letting him out to go potty, then putting him back in his crate while I go surfing? My partner would be home in about an hour after I leave again.

Please help... my mind needs to be eased.

Thanks.

Answer 1

as long as you feed your dog water him and walk him your still the boss

Answer 2

You are putting way to much pressure on yourself. As long as you still care and play with him he will see you as the boss. That extra 1 hour isn't going to make a difference.

Answer 3

Um yeah I think a little overboard on credit is right. and yeah leaving your buddy in a CRATE? really... train him right and lead him well. Can't see you sitting at home though. Can't you find another way?  

Answer 4

i think that your dog is fine. it would be good to get your dog used to your partner. you cant spend all of your time with your dog. you have a life.

Answer 5

i get your question and yes you still will be, it is extremely cool to be an alpha(i am) and you wouldnt want to lose it,

edit

crates are fine and he probably would like to come, when we swim at mdog beach my dog just plays in the shallows

Answer 6

He will be fine....why don't you take him with you? most beaches allow dogs on a leash and that way he can have fun with you and you remain top dog to him....otherwise if you have to leave him alone for that little time he will still think you are #1 in his book....just make it up to him when you get home.