Dog Dominance Behavior - Dominant Dog in the House

There are some who say that it's wrong to allow one dog to be dominant over another in a household. The ones who say this need to consider something.

Yes, you the Owner need to be Pack Leader over your dogs.

However, one of your dogs will become dominant over the other(s) when you are gone - in order to keep structure in the dog pack.

There's nothing wrong with having a dog who calmly asserts himself and helps you, the Alpha Leader, keep the others in line... Especially handy when you have puppies!

You definitely want to exercise your dogs at least 45 minutes before leaving them alone throughout the day. Otherwise, they may choose to fight it out to see who's the dominant dog while you are gone.

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