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Dog Dominance Behavior - Do You Know It When You See It?
by Rena Murray
Many people in this day and age have heard the expressions: Dog Dominance, Leader of the Pack, Alpha Male plus others relating to matters of dominant dog behavior. Yet, few outside the professional obedience dog training world, and especially those unfamiliar with the dog whisper behavior trainer and similar behaviorist techniques, really know the meanings of these terms and how to recognize when a dog is behaving in a rude, crude, or controlling fashion.
So what is Dog Dominance Behavior? It is simply defined as a dog's controlling an owner or other person or animal through behavior intended for manipulation of the owner, person or animal. BEWARE: Such manipulative behavior can start off in a subtle fashion that seems quite benign at first. It is not!
We will focus here on a dog whose bad behavior is willful toward people and becomes a very real problem. Such problem dogs are ones who do not wish to submit to a master's leadership. In a pack, such dogs would use many guises to try to dominate the legitimate pack leader. The leader of the pack is a calm dominant dog, while these are the trouble-makers of the pack. They can also be the trouble-makers of YOUR "pack" -- your family and home!
For example, your dog might nudge you, or thrust a ball in your lap, paw your arm, mouth your hand, or similar action to command your attention. Do NOT pet him then! It sure seems cute, but it is giving over control. Instead, move him away from you. Only then should you call him to you and pet him or play with him.
For anyone who thinks this is too firm, tell me: Is this behavior you want when a friend comes over and is harassed by the dog? How about when the dog interrupts your serious discussion with your children or spouse? Or how about a slimed ball dropped in your lap, soiling your freshly cleaned silk dress as you prepare to go out to dinner?
If you give in to your pet instead of making him await your invitation to attention and petting, then his behavior, once appearing so cute or sweet, can become very obnoxious and demanding. If he does not learn to respect you, your space, your route, whether walkway or on the roadway, and your leadership position, then someone can get hurt. Accidents can be serious, as can bites from a petulant brat that started off with sweet mouthing or nibbles.
In addition, if you do not start touching your dog when YOU want to, over time he may become snappy if you touch him without his invitation. Someone could get hurt! That is also a completely backwards relationship from the correct, functional, pleasant one you want with your pet.
In the next article we will cover some dog training tips to address specific dog dominance behavior patterns -- such as what to make Fido do before receiving a treat or food, how he should walk on a heel, what to do when he lies in your walkway, the real skinny on rough-housing, and more. We will provide specifics about what you can do to assert your authority and gain your leadership position over this dog dominance behavior, to make you the true Leader of the Pack!
Want to stop Pooch's Wild Dog Behaviors? Ask Dog Obedience Trainer - Platinum Expert Author, Rena Murray, at Dog Dominance Behavior - your source for Dog Behavior & Dog Training help with practical, insightful Articles, free email Newsletter - PAW PERSUASION POINTERS, private consultations, and Paw Persuasion Blog to help you select, train, understand, communicate with, and control your dog. Turn Wild Willy, Biting Billy, or Rolling Rover into Faithful Fido for peace, safety, and joy in your home!
Contact the author, Rena Murray
, at rena@pawpersuasion.com
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