The Dominant Dog

 

The Canine Society is a caste system - undemocratic, unequal and with a rigidly enforced "pecking order". The pack is dominated by one or two individuals, which with a pet dog must be a human. Dominant dogs will quite literally bite the hand that feeds them.

It is possible to turn the tables on a dominant dog and enforce authority by using several methods.

1.Keep a height advantage - never allow the dog on chairs, beds or laps since this brings him up to your level, reinforcing social rank. Ideally exclude from bedrooms or even upstairs.

2.Don't be pushed around - if the dog initiates any activity, even friendship, ignore him. Later, YOU, command "come and sit", then stroke the dog when it suits you.

3.Enforce every command - orders must be obeyed, otherwise remain silent.

4.Handle the dog, especially round the head, shoulders and paws. Encourage the dog to roll over to expose its vulnerable underside.

5.Play games that are controlled and enforce your authority such as "fetch". Playing "tug-of-war" or rolling on the floor with the dog on top encourages the dog to feel equal. Chase games are fine so long as you are the one doing the chasing.

6.Basic obedience - the basic "sit-stay-come-sit" sequence is easily trained with an extending lead. Joining a training class can be very helpful. Walk ahead or with the dog at heel - a pulling dog is in control. If you have difficulty enforcing this use a "Halti" rather than a choke chain.

7.Diet - provide a basic diet of dog food, not indulgent "human-type" food. Do not give table scraps or reward begging. Feed dominant dogs after family meals, not before or during.

8.Males are more likely to dominate than bitches and castration reliably reduces (but not completely eliminates) dominance. There are short-term alternatives in the form of pills or injections.

The main points to remember are:

-do not seek unnecessary confrontation - muzzle the dog if necessary for grooming, nail-clipping, etc.

-be consistent in your attitude to the dog.

-the dominant dog must be made to realise it is at the bottom of the family "pecking order".

PROBLEM AVOIDANCE
1.Choose a less dominant breed, for example terriers are more likely to be dominant than spaniels.

2.Bitches are usually less dominant than males.

3.Establish clear rules of management right from the start. Puppies expect to be bottom of the "pecking-order" and avoiding dominance is easier than re-training.