Dominant Dog

... regain your home with dog training

While many pet owners want to treat their dogs as equal, it is actually healthier for your dog to know its place in the hierarchy so that it can respond accordingly. Your dog is a member of your family, but, like a child, they should be listening to the adults or parents in the household. Think about it, there are some things that you would never let a child do, so why would you accept a similar behavior from your pet?

Ways to Tell if You Have a Dominant Dog

If you see any of the following behaviors, chances are that you have a dog that thinks it is the leader of your family:

1) Shows aggression towards you or your family.

2) Does not listen to simple commands.

3) Sleeps on your bed without your permission.

4) Puts its paw on your foot (canine sign of dominance).

5) Tries to stand higher than you or push you down.

6) Expects to be fed first and openly tries to steal food from you or family members.

7) Tries to mount your leg or body.

8) Growls or barks at you when it wants something or does not get its way.

9) Has “tantrums” where the dog makes waste in your shoes or destroys something of yours when it is not happy.

Any of these may be signs that you have a dominant dog, and if you want to curb your dog’s behaviors, you must make sure that you turn your pet's behavior into a positive one.

Dog Training Tips

The first thing you need to do is train your dog on tricks and commands. Training your dog to sit, stay, lay down and more is a way of communicating with your dog and showing your dog what you expect of them. The dog will start to realize that you are in control of their treats, and food, which will help them realize that you are the leader.

Other ways to reduce dominance in your dog include:

* Eat something in front of your dog before you feed it – alpha dogs always eat first.

* Put your dog on some type of feeding schedule so that it knows your are in control of its eating.

* Have them to sit or lay down before giving them anything, including food, toys, and treats.

* Never let your dog push you or your spouse out of the bed. The "top dog" gets its choice of sleeping arrangements.

* Ignore demands, barking, etc. Reward the "good behavior". Pets play and get affection only when you decide to give it. Another sign that YOU are the leader.

It will take a little while, but over time when you do these behaviors, your dog will start to learn its place. A submissive dog is not only more well behaved, it is healthier and more affectionate as well.

Helpful Resources:

Mastering Leadership Series Vol. 5: Common Canine Misbehaviors (DVD) is only $29.98 use the link below to order now:

Return from Dominant Dog To Dog Training Assistant Home