I'm getting a puppy from a breeder and there are only 2 males so I will not get to choose my pup. I am afraid I will get the alpha male. Can an alpha dog be a good family dog?

Dear Mr. Frawley,

I hope it's not too bold to bother you but I don't know anybody else to ask. A lot of people claim be dog experts but don?t know much. I have been a follower of your podcasts and website and hope you can give me some advise.

I was waiting for a puppy from a breeder whom I chose carefully. Today the puppies were born - unfortunately just three, 1 female, 2 males.

I had decided to take a male and I'm in second place to choose on the breeder's list, with just two male puppies that means I cannot choose at all. Now I am concerned that I will get the alpha male and I just don't know... A lot of people told me always to be careful to avoid the alpha male of a litter, but I would like to hear your opinion.

Both father and mother of the puppies are very kind dogs, neither aggressive or dominant. But one of the 2 male puppies will definitely be an alpha dog. My first (and only) dog was extremely soft and it was rather a problem to give her more confidence than constituting my position.

Mostly I will be the only person living with the dog, I don't see a problem at all in conducting a consistent education or constituting my position, but my goal is to achieve an easy and relaxed relationship between me and my dog, not an eternal struggle for keeping the predominance.

To cut the long story shorter: Can an alpha dog - in the hand of the right owner - become a nice and uncomplicated family dog and travel companion, nice and friendly with people and other dogs? Or will he all the time try to subordinate me in order to become the pack leader finally?

I hope it's okay to ask you for your opinion and it would be great if you could find the time to answer my question.