I think that there is probably some good truth in what Cat Cuddler is saying about animals respecting the alpha person in their home/pack. My little Chipperseems to do this as well.
I have had Chipper since he was a small puppy, and he is SO totally MY dog. He slept bedise me, and when I am in my recliner, he has alittle bed right beside it; so he is either in my lap, or beside me in his bed. Now that he is getting older, he has a harder time getting into the chair and usually prefers his soft little bed.
Now, here is where this gets interesting.......
When it is time to get ready for bed, we let the dogs out for one last trip around the yard to do the necessary bathroom chores before going to bed. Chipper will be sleepingin his little bed beside my chair, and does NOT want to have to wake up and go outside.
When I call him, or even try to pick him up, he will start this little muttering and low growling because he doen't want to get up and go outside. He will not budge out of his bed, no matter what I say to him.
However, when he won't get up, then my husband will command Chipper to get up, in his big deep voice, and Chipper will then get out of his bed and go outside like he is supposed to do.
So, even though Chipper loves me best, he still recognises the voice of authority when my husband speaks to him, and that is who he minds the best.
