Dominance

A PETS PART OF THE FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
A dominant dog isn't necessarily an aggressive dog. Dominance is related to the fact that dogs are pack animals. A dominant dog strives to be the leader of the pack, and you and your family are the pack. How can you tell if your dog has dominant tendencies? If he displays the following four behaviors, he wants to be in charge.

• First, a dominant dog will often stare at you in a direct or hostile way in response to a command.
• Second, with his body stiff and tense, he'll lean on you or push you.
• Third, the animal will try to stay out in front of you at all times.
• Finally, a dominant dog tends to be possessive. If you approach or try to take a bone or toy away from him, he will react by becoming stiff or still and growling or snarling. Keep in mind that your dog might not display these behaviors with strangers. After all, they're not his pack. But if your pet consistently tries to dominate you and your family, it's important for you to deal with the problem. Your dog needs to know that you are in charge.

FOR DOGS ONLY

Oh Baby, No Baby
If you know your dog has a tendency toward dominance, don't talk baby talk to her or speak in a cooling voice. To the dog, such an approach sounds as though you're being submissive.

COMMAND HIS ATTENTION
If your dog consistently leaps ahead of you and pulls on the leash when you take him for a walk and if he displays other signs of dominance, here's a way you can send him a signal about who is in charge. Before you take your dog out for a walk, give him a command such as "Sit" or "Down". After he obeys, and only after he obeys, put a leash on him and take him out. The message is that to get what he wants; he must comply with a directive from the pack leader (you). Then make him sit at curbs, doorways, and gate entries. As a leader you must always control the direction and the pace.

SHOW HER WHO'S BOSS
Before giving her any treat or toy, or before releasing her to play, give her a directive, such as "Sit", "Down" or "Stay". Reward her only after she has responded appropriately.

DEMANDING DOGGY
One way dominant dogs exert control over their owners is the demand attention from them. You've finished playing a game of fetch, but the dog wants to continue, so he brings the ball back, leans on you, and continually nudges your hand and whines or paws you. You can put an end to that pushiness by ending the game. Or you can give the dog a command "Sit" etc. before you continue the game so that he knows you are in charge.

BEDDY-BYE
One way dogs exhibit dominance is by being possessive of objects such as furniture. An animal may growl, for example, if you try to get her off a bed or chair. To eliminate such a problem before it starts, don't allow your pup on the furniture without permission.