Who's the Alpha Dog?

As strong-willed as Emme is, I often think she believes that she is the alpha dog in the household. She likes to be in charge. She doesn't like to be rolled over on her back unless she says so. She will often eat out of Rudy's food dish as he is trying to eat a meal. She thinks nothing of stealing a toy from him. She knows when we should nap and if I tarry at the lunch table, she jumps on the family room couch, pushes around the pillows and barks for someone to come join her. If she wants attention and Ken is busy at his computer, she will whine and then jump up into his lap to be petted.

But recently Emme has begun to wait to eat until Rudy is completely finished his meal. She will usually lie down on the waiting rug in the kitchen until Rudy has eaten his entire meal and he has had his after dinner medicine. Only then, will she go to her dish to eat her kibble. I have read that the alpha dog always eats first and the other dogs in the pack instinctively know to wait to eat until he/she is done. I wonder if Emme considers Rudy the alpha dog because of his size and age.

Ken and I both think we are the alpha dogs. When Emme and I are having a battle of the wills, I tell her, "I am bigger than you and more stubborn than you and you are going to do it my way." I wonder who really is the alpha dog of this household.