Semantics - words words words

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Nettle
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Semantics - words words words

Post by Nettle »

I need a word that conveys the concept of the very quietly confident dog to which other dogs offer respect, without resorting to poisoned terms like alpha, dominant, top dog, leader etc.

Any ideas?
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Sarah83
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Sarah83 »

The Grand Poobah? :lol:

Sorry, I've been trying to think of one for ages but nothing really seems to sum it up in one word :? All the words that would otherwise fit seem to have been poisoned.
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Erica »

Peacekeeper? Diplomatic?
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by JudyN »

A prince among dogs... ummm, the Clint Eastwood of the dog world? Big Kahuna? Natural leader? Cool?

All bit one longer than one word, though. I shall ponder on.
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Suzette »

Composed was the first word that sprung to mind. But I'm also going to give it some more thought . . .
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by WufWuf »

Mr. Wuf suggests Presidential or Kingly.

I've always been at a loss to find a word for these dogs but I do like the description you've used
Nettle wrote:very quietly confident dog to which other dogs offer respect
- Really like the "offer" part, I shall use that if I may. :D
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by gwd »

confident, authoritative?
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Ari_RR »

Sensei
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emmabeth
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by emmabeth »

I've been thinking all night and I actually do think jacksdad is right (not that thats a rare occurrence or anything!)...

These dogs are.. The Fonz.
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Nettle
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Nettle »

WufWuf wrote:Really like the "offer" part, I shall use that if I may. :D


Certainly :D it isn't mine - I think I got it from Emmabeth after she had been to an Ian Dunbar seminar.


It was a lightbulb moment for me :idea: . After endlessly trying to convey the concept to others that this kind of dog didn't do anything to be the way it was, up comes the perfect explanation I was searching for. They don't 'take' or 'demand' respect - the others offer it.

I think most of remember one or two teachers who had that 'presence'.
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by JudyN »

Nettle wrote:I think most of remember one or two teachers who had that 'presence'.
You've now got me thinking about all my old teachers in terms of dog-dog relationships. I just thought about my chemistry teacher and have submissively peed myself :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol:

It's a very good analogy though - the teachers we all respected and worked best for were definitely not the ones who would shout and threaten detention every few minutes.

Oddly, when I think of the sort of person you have in mind, 'alpha male/female' seems to fit. They're the ones who don't have to try too hard. It's the beta males who have to act hard to try to make up for their deficiencies. It's a shame that the term has been poisoned.
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Flyby
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Flyby »

'Primary' or 'Principal' male/'female.

Or there's 'Capital' dog.

There's matriarch / patriarch too.

Or just 'Boss'.
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Nettle
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Nettle »

Thanks all for your suggestions. It isn't until you try to define a being like this you realise how hopped-up we humans are on rank and command. There doesn't seem to be any term for the dog that just IS.

Suzette, I think you got the nearest.
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Re: Semantics - words words words

Post by Flyby »

Self assured or canny?
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