Been unplugging for a couple months now. Lifting for first time in life, looking better, feeling great - very happy I found the TRP/MRP community.

I would like to share an observation about my dogs - both standard poodles (the big ones). They are kickass dogs - smart, athletic, loving, and they don't bark all the time. One is a 45 lbs female, about 4 years old that we've owned since she was a pup (12 weeks old). The other is a 65 lbs male, about 6 years old who is a retired show-dog and we got when he was about 3-4. Both of them have always maintained a tight bond with me over the wife and two kids, even though the others play with them more than I do.

I sort of accepted this when the wife was working because we all spent about the same time with them everyday, and I do most of the walking / training. But last year my wife stopped working and is now in Doctoral School which means she spends a lot more time at home. Funny thing though, a year has passed and still when given a choice, those dogs are waiting on me.

I've been blue pill for so long that I don't always see the leadership in myself and have trouble leading the family at times. I can see glimmers of the right stuff here and there but I struggle with getting too angry which makes me not look in control. My wife is very strong willed and we often fight for alpha position which makes my transformation more difficult. But I'm making progress and I see signs that she wants to be a good first mate, whether she knows it or not! This is my shit to own and I am working on it.

It makes me wonder though if the dogs see something I don't that from their perspective, I'm the alpha, no question. Or is it something else, my physical appearance, or the fact I do their do training - why so they still prefer me?

I'm curious if anyone else has observed this phenomenon in their home and how it relates to MRP/TRP thinking.