THE DOMINANT DOG

by Debbie Cerda-Pavia

Philosophy

A dominant dog is generally one that thinks he or she is the leader of the pack. Sometimes he will accept that he is not the leader, but the second in charge. So instead of dominating the entire household he might behave for one person (generally the "man of the house" or person who trains him the most), but run riot for other family members and usually visitors as well. This type of behaviour is more likely to occur in dogs than bitches and happens less frequently in the breeds that are bred for their desire to work with man (i.e. Golden Retrievers). However that does not mean to say that bitches in general and Goldens in particular do not ever have the problem. Just that it is seen less often than in other categories of dogs.

Dominant dogs behave in a manner that we see as unacceptable, however from the dog's perspective he is only behaving as the pack leader should. What is required to turn your dog into an acceptable member of the household is for the dog to be relegated to the bottom of the pack and to behave according to his new status.

How do I know if my dog is dominant?

Have a look at the following list:

The dog will not allow physical handling; i.e. brushing, bathing and veterinary visits are difficult. The dog will either actively avoid the situation (not allow himself to be caught, or constantly wriggle) or will act aggressively when placed in the situation (baring teeth, growling, staring you down, etc.)
The dog constantly jumps on people
The dog growls when in possession of toys, food bowl or other items he wishes to defend. The dog acts aggressively when you approach his sleeping area
The dog acts aggressively when you approach him when he is sleeping anywhere.
There are times when you are scared of the dog (afraid to approach the dog, or remove a toy)
The dog growls (other than in play), stares you down, and bares its teeth, snaps (with or without contact). The dog constantly drags you along on the lead (other than a pup that hasn't learnt better).

You may recognise one or more of these items as applicable to your situation. It's conceivable that you are prepared to live with the behaviour, for instance if your dog only jumps, or only wriggles at bath time. However, if more than one item from this list is familiar or if you are ever scared to approach the dog, it's a fairly safe bet that you have a domination problem.

Resolution - Theory

Resolution revolves around the need to get the dog to accept his placement at the bottom of the household pack. Note that there is generally no need for what are perceived as "violent" measures, it's purely a matter of retraining the dog to behave in a desirable manner once the underlying cause of dominance is understood.

There is no "quick fix" for this problem, the dog will not instantly accept that he has a new, lower, status and behave accordingly.

Everyone in the household must be prepared to reassess the way they interact with the dog and ensure that any behaviour that is likely to be perceived by the dog as strengthening his position, is not indulged. Inconsistent behaviour from different household members will be detrimental to the long-term resolution of the problem.

Resolution - Practice

The following are some ways to get started with redefining your dog’s (bottom of the) pack status:

DO: -

Always feed the dog after all members of the family have eaten
Ensure that the dog has a designated area in the house (do not allow him the freedom to roam around all rooms). Ensure that he stays in the area. I recommend that a mat is supplied and the dog is required to stay upon it. If he won't stay there, isolate him, preferably outside. Eventually he will prefer to stay on the mat than be isolated.
Ignore the dog when he solicits attention, give him attention only when you choose to
Ensure that the dog is fed by the person that is most dominated by him.
Teach the dog to drop and command him into that position whenever he acts aggressively.
Ensure he drops before being fed. Break his meal into smaller portions and make him drop before allowing him to eat each portion. If he won't drop, don't feed him (don't physically force him to drop). Wait an hour and try again. A hungry dog is more likely to want to please, and getting the dog to assume the position of his own volition is more effective (and less dangerous!) than forcing him down.
Reward the dog for allowing his food to be removed by adding something extra nice to the removed bowl and immediately replacing it. The dog will learn that removing the bowl is not a threatening occurrence.
Teach the dog "give" and reward him "giving" with something better than the original item ... a nicer toy, food, a retrieve etc.
Leave a collar and long lead (say 12 feet) on the dog when he is supervised. If he misbehaves you are able to correct him without having to go too close and risking exacerbating the situation. For instance if the dog won't remain on his mat, you are able to grab the lead and drag the dog to the isolation area (preferably outside).
Ensure that the dog always waits for people to go through doorways first
Regularly touch your dog all over or groom him. Reward any progress towards compliance.

DO NOT: -

Never allow the dog to jump on anyone.
Do not play "tug of war" games with the dog. The dominant dog sees this as a surreptitious way to gain supremacy. It's not a game, its warfare. If the dog wins he moves another rung up the pack hierarchy.
Do not attempt to physically dominate the dog (i.e. rolling it over, taking his toy, forcing him to be brushed) unless you are working under the supervision/instruction of an experienced problem dog instructor. There is every possibility that a dog that previously was content to warn you not to come closer, will decide that you are too much of a threat and launch a full blown attack. Never take the risk. If the dog behaves inappropriately, isolate him. As a pack animal isolation is one of the best tactics with dominant dogs. Do not allow the dog out of isolation until he is willing to drop on command.
Do not, under any circumstances, allow the dog in your sleeping area
Do not avoid his sleeping area, make an effort to regularly walk through his bedding. Even pick it up by day and put it somewhere out of reach
Do not allow the dog to pull on the lead when walking. Whenever the dog pulls on the lead, stop. Do not allow forward progress until the dog decides to walk at your pace.
Do not allow the dog to "own" property (i.e. toys). You may give him a toy when you choose and remove it when you consider that the play session has ended.
Many of these actions may seem draconian, however they are necessary for a truly dominant dog. Use your common sense and know your own dog. Such strict measures may not be necessary with a pup that is just "testing the limits". However always be aware that any dog, even a pup, can be slowly climbing the pack hierarchy without your being aware of it. It is an easier problem to nip in the bud than resolve afterwards.

Further Information?

Many dog training and behaviour books have advice on dealing with dominant dogs. If at any time you are overly concerned about your dog's behaviour particularly regarding aggressive behaviour, do not hesitate to contact a professional problem dog trainer.

THE DOMINANT DOG by Debbie Cerda-Pavia Philosophy A dominant dog is generally one that thinks he or she is the leader of the pack. Sometimes he will accept that he is not the leader, but the second in charge. So instead of dominating the entire household he might behave for one person (generally the "man of the house" or person who trains him the most), but run riot for other family members and usually visitors as well. This type of behaviour is more likely to occur in dogs than bitches and happens less frequently in the breeds that are bred for their desire to work with man (i.e. Golden Retrievers). However that does not mean to say that bitches in general and Goldens in particular do not ever have the problem. Just that it is seen less often than in other categories of dogs. Dominant dogs behave in a manner that we see as unacceptable, however from the dog's perspective he is only behaving as the pack leader should. What is required to turn your dog into an acceptable member of the household is for the dog to be relegated to the bottom of the pack and to behave according to his new status. How do I know if my dog is dominant? Have a look at the following list: The dog will not allow physical handling; i.e. brushing, bathing and veterinary visits are difficult. The dog will either actively avoid the situation (not allow himself to be caught, or constantly wriggle) or will act aggressively when placed in the situation (baring teeth, growling, staring you down, etc.) The dog constantly jumps on people The dog growls when in possession of toys, food bowl or other items he wishes to defend. The dog acts aggressively when you approach his sleeping area The dog acts aggressively when you approach him when he is sleeping anywhere. There are times when you are scared of the dog (afraid to approach the dog, or remove a toy) The dog growls (other than in play), stares you down, and bares its teeth, snaps (with or without contact). The dog constantly drags you along on the lead (other than a pup that hasn't learnt better). You may recognise one or more of these items as applicable to your situation. It's conceivable that you are prepared to live with the behaviour, for instance if your dog only jumps, or only wriggles at bath time. However, if more than one item from this list is familiar or if you are ever scared to approach the dog, it's a fairly safe bet that you have a domination problem. Resolution - Theory Resolution revolves around the need to get the dog to accept his placement at the bottom of the household pack. Note that there is generally no need for what are perceived as "violent" measures, it's purely a matter of retraining the dog to behave in a desirable manner once the underlying cause of dominance is understood. There is no "quick fix" for this problem, the dog will not instantly accept that he has a new, lower, status and behave accordingly. Everyone in the household must be prepared to reassess the way they interact with the dog and ensure that any behaviour that is likely to be perceived by the dog as strengthening his position, is not indulged. Inconsistent behaviour from different household members will be detrimental to the long-term resolution of the problem. Resolution - Practice The following are some ways to get started with redefining your dog’s (bottom of the) pack status: DO: - Always feed the dog after all members of the family have eaten Ensure that the dog has a designated area in the house (do not allow him the freedom to roam around all rooms). Ensure that he stays in the area. I recommend that a mat is supplied and the dog is required to stay upon it. If he won't stay there, isolate him, preferably outside. Eventually he will prefer to stay on the mat than be isolated. Ignore the dog when he solicits attention, give him attention only when you choose to Ensure that the dog is fed by the person that is most dominated by him. Teach the dog to drop and command him into that position whenever he acts aggressively. Ensure he drops before being fed. Break his meal into smaller portions and make him drop before allowing him to eat each portion. If he won't drop, don't feed him (don't physically force him to drop). Wait an hour and try again. A hungry dog is more likely to want to please, and getting the dog to assume the position of his own volition is more effective (and less dangerous!) than forcing him down. Reward the dog for allowing his food to be removed by adding something extra nice to the removed bowl and immediately replacing it. The dog will learn that removing the bowl is not a threatening occurrence. Teach the dog "give" and reward him "giving" with something better than the original item ... a nicer toy, food, a retrieve etc. Leave a collar and long lead (say 12 feet) on the dog when he is supervised. If he misbehaves you are able to correct him without having to go too close and risking exacerbating the situation. For instance if the dog won't remain on his mat, you are able to grab the lead and drag the dog to the isolation area (preferably outside). Ensure that the dog always waits for people to go through doorways first Regularly touch your dog all over or groom him. Reward any progress towards compliance. DO NOT: - Never allow the dog to jump on anyone. Do not play "tug of war" games with the dog. The dominant dog sees this as a surreptitious way to gain supremacy. It's not a game, its warfare. If the dog wins he moves another rung up the pack hierarchy. Do not attempt to physically dominate the dog (i.e. rolling it over, taking his toy, forcing him to be brushed) unless you are working under the supervision/instruction of an experienced problem dog instructor. There is every possibility that a dog that previously was content to warn you not to come closer, will decide that you are too much of a threat and launch a full blown attack. Never take the risk. If the dog behaves inappropriately, isolate him. As a pack animal isolation is one of the best tactics with dominant dogs. Do not allow the dog out of isolation until he is willing to drop on command. Do not, under any circumstances, allow the dog in your sleeping area Do not avoid his sleeping area, make an effort to regularly walk through his bedding. Even pick it up by day and put it somewhere out of reach Do not allow the dog to pull on the lead when walking. Whenever the dog pulls on the lead, stop. Do not allow forward progress until the dog decides to walk at your pace. Do not allow the dog to "own" property (i.e. toys). You may give him a toy when you choose and remove it when you consider that the play session has ended. Many of these actions may seem draconian, however they are necessary for a truly dominant dog. Use your common sense and know your own dog. Such strict measures may not be necessary with a pup that is just "testing the limits". However always be aware that any dog, even a pup, can be slowly climbing the pack hierarchy without your being aware of it. It is an easier problem to nip in the bud than resolve afterwards. Further Information? Many dog training and behaviour books have advice on dealing with dominant dogs. If at any time you are overly concerned about your dog's behaviour particularly regarding aggressive behaviour, do not hesitate to contact a professional problem dog trainer.