Dog Dominance Behavior - Are You Kidding Me?

Can you believe it? Someone who claimed to be an expert on Dog Dominance wrote this in an article. He said that if your dog is dominant over another dog, you should feed, pet, and walk your dog first. The claim was that it would reassure your dog if you give him extra attention and make him first! Then he would be at ease with the other dog.

Rongo, Bongo! This will only reinforce his dog dominance behavior, not change it. It's the same as with children - Preferential treatment will only cause jealousy! Your dog needs to know right away that if you bring the other dog in, it's because you want to. And you have the authority to.

It doesn't mean you don't still love your dog. You can pet WHO you want, WHEN you want. You can take a walk with one when you want to, and you can feed or treat one when you want. YOU are the leader. That's the way it is in the wild.

Your life doesn't suddenly get rearranged so that you are walking on eggshells around this dog. He may not be happy with the new dog at first, but he needs to deal with it. Your attitude is not mean, but more matter-of-fact: "This is how it is, because this is how I want it to be."

The dogs must become a pack for things to work out. Equal treatment and affection are critical items in the matter.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

Response To Your Dog Humping Problem

This is directly for the poor person who left the comment on my blog today, but it is a message which others of you need to heed, also.

Your dog humping anything is not a "normal behavior" or a sexual behavior. It is a dog dominance behavior. The fact that she is spayed has nothing to do with this situation.

She rules the house, and is making it clear by barging in and asserting herself in even the most intimate of times.

What should you do?

Contact me or someone else with my qualifications ASAP. Rest assured, the problem can be fixed. But you cannot do it by yourself.

However, if left unattended, this kind of dog dominance problem will get worse... and often leads to aggression.

You wonder, "How should I ask the vet to deal with this?"

You don't. A vet is not going to be able to give you answers to a problem like this. This is a psychological problem that cannot be corrected with drugs or any kind of homeopathic remedies that a vet can offer.

Nor can a "dog trainer" with reward-based and collar-training approaches bring out what you need.

Rena Murray
DogWhisperWoman

P.S. To reach me, go to the CONSULTATIONS page on my website, www.PawPersuasion.com . In any event, let me know that you got help.

Going to the Dogs! - No More Dog Fights

So what are you supposed to do if your dogs don't get along?

Separating the dogs all the time only creates several different "dog packs" and keeps tension building.

You need to start bringing the dogs together and letting them smell each other. Any dog who growls or snaps (new dog or old dog) should be correctly promptly. It's not allowed.

Obviously, you have to use common sense and do it in stages ...

Sure, there will be some spats. That's normal, and to a reasonable extent, you let them work it out. They will decide who is going to be the dominant dog. But if your dogs get into severe dog fights, you need the help of a professional dog behavior trainer.

Face it. Living on a knife's edge to make sure you don't open the wrong door at the wrong time is no way to live. Not only is your house going to the dogs, but so are you!

Dog fights among two dogs of the same sex are very common. So the best thing to do is try to get a second dog that's the opposite sex.

If you insist on having more than one dog of the same sex, be sure that he or she is lower energy than your present dog. A higher level of energy can create a struggle for dog dominance.

Until next time, work with your dogs to become a "dog pack."

Rena

Male Dog and Female Dog - Can there be a Dog Fight?

Ever hear the old myth that a female dog will never fight a male dog? What's the truth?

If she is a dominant female dog and you bring a dominant male dog onto her territory, there can be a dog fight. It doesn't have to be just different sexes for two dogs to get along. They have to be different personalities, too.

A second instance in which a female dog will fight with a male is when a female-male pair are mates and an intruding male comes on the scene. If the intruder combats the mated male for dog dominance, that is normal in the wild and the female dog will stay out of it.

However, if the intruder grabs her mate in a death struggle, then she will grab the attacking intruder by the jugular vein and will not let go until he is dead. Her mate will slash the intruder's belly open as she holds him. Quite savage but effective.

Learn more about Dog Dominance Behavior - Dog Articles by Rena Murray .

Dog Humping and Dog Mounting Behavior - Which is which?

Some people believe that a dog humping or dog mounting you is the same thing. In truth, it is not.

Dog humping is when a dog places himself under one's leg and lifts it in the air.

Dog mounting is when a dog places himself on the back or leg of another and continues to ride on it.

Although both are dog dominance issues that require professional help, dog mounting is the more serious dog behavior problem.

Dog humping is an attempt to embarrass and ridicule, while dog mounting is actually a challenge of one's position, a threat and claim of leadership. The dog is saying: "I am going to be the dominant one!"

For more information about dog humping and dog mounting behavior, see the Dog Dominance Behavior Articles by Rena Murray.

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