Comments on: Is my dog dominant? http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/ Tips and articles about training your dog from Training by Tara Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:14:44 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: tarastermer http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-70 tarastermer Sat, 17 Oct 2009 13:14:44 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-70 Chelsea At 4 months old, your puppy is just learning how to play with other dogs. It is very rare to see dominance younger then 6-7 months. They are basically learning what is allowed and what is not. I would recommend having controlled play, and controlled greetings with other dogs. Keep him on leash and do not allow him to "rush" up to other dogs. Have him sit first and then you need to tell him when it is ok to greet. If he jumps on them, growls or bites at their faces, say "enough" pull him back and make him relax for a minute. When he relaxes allow him to go and play again. You will have to keep at this as he is just learning. If you have continued problems with this, I would get him in to see a trainer who is experienced in turning off play. :) Good luck! Tara & the "pack" Chelsea
At 4 months old, your puppy is just learning how to play with other dogs. It is very rare to see dominance younger then 6-7 months. They are basically learning what is allowed and what is not.
I would recommend having controlled play, and controlled greetings with other dogs. Keep him on leash and do not allow him to “rush” up to other dogs. Have him sit first and then you need to tell him when it is ok to greet. If he jumps on them, growls or bites at their faces, say “enough” pull him back and make him relax for a minute. When he relaxes allow him to go and play again. You will have to keep at this as he is just learning.
If you have continued problems with this, I would get him in to see a trainer who is experienced in turning off play. :)
Good luck!
Tara & the “pack”

]]> By: Chelsea http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-68 Chelsea Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:20:17 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-68 Tara, We have a four month old corgi puppy (male) who was obviously the king of his litter. We chose him (too) young, at two weeks, so didn't really see his personality traits developed. We got him at 8 weeks old. He is definitely headstrong, but we work with him everyday. He gets at least 2 hours of walking exercise a day, and often goes to work with my boyfriend in the woods, walking. He is great around us, and at home. He has no food dominance, and has mastered a lot of commands. He never gets to leave first on a walk or to get into the car. He sleeps in his crate and is not allowed on furniture, though our house has plenty of dog beds and toys for him. here's the issue: he wants to be the dominant one when he's around other dogs. He is constantly jumping on top of them (even much larger dogs, like labs) and yesterday it got so bad with a boxer that he was full on growling, showing teeth and gnashing at him. We don't know what to do. We are trying to be the best dog parents that we can be, but just want a well-socialized, nice, dog. Tara,

We have a four month old corgi puppy (male) who was obviously the king of his litter. We chose him (too) young, at two weeks, so didn’t really see his personality traits developed. We got him at 8 weeks old. He is definitely headstrong, but we work with him everyday. He gets at least 2 hours of walking exercise a day, and often goes to work with my boyfriend in the woods, walking. He is great around us, and at home. He has no food dominance, and has mastered a lot of commands. He never gets to leave first on a walk or to get into the car. He sleeps in his crate and is not allowed on furniture, though our house has plenty of dog beds and toys for him.

here’s the issue: he wants to be the dominant one when he’s around other dogs. He is constantly jumping on top of them (even much larger dogs, like labs) and yesterday it got so bad with a boxer that he was full on growling, showing teeth and gnashing at him. We don’t know what to do. We are trying to be the best dog parents that we can be, but just want a well-socialized, nice, dog.

]]> By: tarastermer http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-63 tarastermer Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:28:45 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-63 Tammy It sounds like she is trying to assert her dominance to a younger pack member. It is important to have her understand that you are in in control of the entire pack and not her. I would suggest keeping her on leash while around the goats and controlling her actions. If you are using her for herding, I would contact a herding trainer to get some great tips about how to teach her to get along peacefully with your goats. It sounds like she has great bite inhibition if she is not breaking skin, but we have seen dogs with great bite inhibition lose it with the more "wins" they have under their belt. As I said earlier, you must control her actions and you can do this with her on a leash. Tammy
It sounds like she is trying to assert her dominance to a younger pack member. It is important to have her understand that you are in in control of the entire pack and not her. I would suggest keeping her on leash while around the goats and controlling her actions. If you are using her for herding, I would contact a herding trainer to get some great tips about how to teach her to get along peacefully with your goats.
It sounds like she has great bite inhibition if she is not breaking skin, but we have seen dogs with great bite inhibition lose it with the more “wins” they have under their belt. As I said earlier, you must control her actions and you can do this with her on a leash.

]]> By: Tammy http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-62 Tammy Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:04:28 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-62 I have a female mutt dog slightly smaller than a lab (not sure of her mix). She is an outside dog and shares our large yard with 2 small goats. For the past 3 weeks she has been allowed access to them since I have not seen aggression and they seemed to enjoy each other's company and I thought would be good protection. About a week and a half ago I brought home our 2nd goat...she is 7 to 8 weeks old and up until today the dog has been totally fine with her. However twice today I have caught her displaying odd or disturbing behavior toward the new goat. First I heard some barking and goat wailing...went running and found my dog pinning the goat down and nipping on her. She didn't break skin or anything...just goobered all over her but totally freaked both me and the goat out. Then later again the same thing....pushing the goat down on her side with her front paws and trying to hold her there while the goat is screaming. If she was able to get up she'd knock her down again and paw on her side and grab at her back with her teeth..again not breaking skin...just scaring the tar out of her. I have seperated them now but wondered if this seems more like a show of dominance rather than aggression since she didn't actually "hurt" her? I'm assuming if she meant to do harm the goat would have been torn up. I was really hoping they'd be able to be together for both protection & socializing but am re-thinking that option. I have a female mutt dog slightly smaller than a lab (not sure of her mix). She is an outside dog and shares our large yard with 2 small goats. For the past 3 weeks she has been allowed access to them since I have not seen aggression and they seemed to enjoy each other’s company and I thought would be good protection. About a week and a half ago I brought home our 2nd goat…she is 7 to 8 weeks old and up until today the dog has been totally fine with her. However twice today I have caught her displaying odd or disturbing behavior toward the new goat. First I heard some barking and goat wailing…went running and found my dog pinning the goat down and nipping on her. She didn’t break skin or anything…just goobered all over her but totally freaked both me and the goat out. Then later again the same thing….pushing the goat down on her side with her front paws and trying to hold her there while the goat is screaming. If she was able to get up she’d knock her down again and paw on her side and grab at her back with her teeth..again not breaking skin…just scaring the tar out of her. I have seperated them now but wondered if this seems more like a show of dominance rather than aggression since she didn’t actually “hurt” her? I’m assuming if she meant to do harm the goat would have been torn up. I was really hoping they’d be able to be together for both protection & socializing but am re-thinking that option.

]]> By: tarastermer http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-36 tarastermer Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:50:19 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-36 Hi Jason Thank you for reading my post! You had made a comment that your dog sees you as the pack leader but challenges it. If your dog sees you as pack leader it will not challenge that position, it may challenge others in your pack (humans or animals) but not you. You sound like you have some very good boundaries going, food control & door control but there is other areas that may need fine tuning; like the outside world. Many people have control in the house but when the dog gets out, all bets are off. This tells me that there is a lack of respect to you as the leader. Your dog needs to understand YOU control his daily routine. You have to be consistant and follow through on your commands (the bed issue). If you can not keep your dog out of your bed get a crate! A true leader does not waver in thier rules, if you say no bed then no bed. You can not say "well ok this time" and not confuse your dog, or give him mixed signals as to who runs the pack. The leader always gets the best sleeping spot, and would never "move" for a pack member. When we take a dog in it stays in the crate 24/7 with only time out ON LEASH for feeding, exercise, and potty breaks. This may take 2-4 weeks for the dog to understand you control his daily actions, but we also do not hesitate in our commands. There is no question what we want; respect, and obedience. Many dogs are labeled dominant due to breed but the unfortunate truth is that our inconsistancy makes them this way. I would recommend getting a crate and <strong>while you are home with him</strong> leave him on leash. If he goes outside you walk him, on leash. Right now the yard is his, not yours. You need to establish leadership outside as well by controlling his actions there. Off leash is an earned privilege, that should not be rushed. Letting a dog off leash that 70% of the time respects you, will strengthen their desire to gain the leadership. Afterall, as you said, you can't catch him so with each failed attempt you get more frustrated and he gets more leader points. I would also recommend finding a trainer/behaviorist to help you regain control and start an obedience program, teach him the commands and use them. Too many owners get angry at their dog for not listening, but have never "formally" taught the commands they give. If you have taught them formally, and it is a solid command without distractions, then amp it up and practice with distractions (outside) on leash. Hi Jason
Thank you for reading my post!
You had made a comment that your dog sees you as the pack leader but challenges it. If your dog sees you as pack leader it will not challenge that position, it may challenge others in your pack (humans or animals) but not you. You sound like you have some very good boundaries going, food control & door control but there is other areas that may need fine tuning; like the outside world.
Many people have control in the house but when the dog gets out, all bets are off. This tells me that there is a lack of respect to you as the leader. Your dog needs to understand YOU control his daily routine. You have to be consistant and follow through on your commands (the bed issue). If you can not keep your dog out of your bed get a crate! A true leader does not waver in thier rules, if you say no bed then no bed. You can not say “well ok this time” and not confuse your dog, or give him mixed signals as to who runs the pack.
The leader always gets the best sleeping spot, and would never “move” for a pack member.
When we take a dog in it stays in the crate 24/7 with only time out ON LEASH for feeding, exercise, and potty breaks. This may take 2-4 weeks for the dog to understand you control his daily actions, but we also do not hesitate in our commands. There is no question what we want; respect, and obedience. Many dogs are labeled dominant due to breed but the unfortunate truth is that our inconsistancy makes them this way. I would recommend getting a crate and while you are home with him leave him on leash. If he goes outside you walk him, on leash. Right now the yard is his, not yours. You need to establish leadership outside as well by controlling his actions there. Off leash is an earned privilege, that should not be rushed. Letting a dog off leash that 70% of the time respects you, will strengthen their desire to gain the leadership. Afterall, as you said, you can’t catch him so with each failed attempt you get more frustrated and he gets more leader points.
I would also recommend finding a trainer/behaviorist to help you regain control and start an obedience program, teach him the commands and use them. Too many owners get angry at their dog for not listening, but have never “formally” taught the commands they give. If you have taught them formally, and it is a solid command without distractions, then amp it up and practice with distractions (outside) on leash.

]]> By: Jason Vitala http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-35 Jason Vitala Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:14:55 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-35 Ran across this article while trying to determine the opiions of my dog sleeping with me. When it's time for bed, I tell him to get in his bed, whivh hedoes. But sometimes during the night, he hops into bed with me and sleeps right up against me, or as close to the center near th bottom of the bed. Sometimes I kick him him out and other times I let him stay. Its actually annoying because it causes me to sleep in a different position than I'm accustomed to. I feel that he's a very dominate, confident dog. He never shows aggresion towards people or dogs. he will bark and become attentive at certain dogs, but once, when allowed, he gets to the other dogs all he wants to do is play. However, if the other dog doesnt submit to him, he will get a bit upset, but not violently aggresive. He knows I'm the pack leader, but it seems he constantly challenges it. he obeys me when I enter a door and i go first while he waits, he sits patiently while I prepare his food and doesnt eat until i OK it. But, if I opened the gate and allowed him to go outside, he would go do whatever he felt like doing and would pay me know mind. If I get close to him, he runs away just out of reach as if its a game or his way of saying nope, I'm in contorl, not you. As stated in your list of 10 above, he gives the impression that he's slow or stupid. He's not attentive when you talk to him. He's a Bull-Terrier/Pyranees mix. When I tell him to do something he shouldnt do, he shows signs of submission, but immediately goes right back to doing what i told him to do, as if he's challenging me. (70% of the time. sometimes he does what I say without question). Whats something additional or different that i can do with such a defiant. stubborn dog? Thanx Ran across this article while trying to determine the opiions of my dog sleeping with me. When it’s time for bed, I tell him to get in his bed, whivh hedoes. But sometimes during the night, he hops into bed with me and sleeps right up against me, or as close to the center near th bottom of the bed. Sometimes I kick him him out and other times I let him stay. Its actually annoying because it causes me to sleep in a different position than I’m accustomed to. I feel that he’s a very dominate, confident dog. He never shows aggresion towards people or dogs. he will bark and become attentive at certain dogs, but once, when allowed, he gets to the other dogs all he wants to do is play. However, if the other dog doesnt submit to him, he will get a bit upset, but not violently aggresive. He knows I’m the pack leader, but it seems he constantly challenges it. he obeys me when I enter a door and i go first while he waits, he sits patiently while I prepare his food and doesnt eat until i OK it. But, if I opened the gate and allowed him to go outside, he would go do whatever he felt like doing and would pay me know mind. If I get close to him, he runs away just out of reach as if its a game or his way of saying nope, I’m in contorl, not you. As stated in your list of 10 above, he gives the impression that he’s slow or stupid. He’s not attentive when you talk to him. He’s a Bull-Terrier/Pyranees mix. When I tell him to do something he shouldnt do, he shows signs of submission, but immediately goes right back to doing what i told him to do, as if he’s challenging me. (70% of the time. sometimes he does what I say without question). Whats something additional or different that i can do with such a defiant. stubborn dog? Thanx

]]> By: tarastermer http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-34 tarastermer Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:19:14 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-34 Hi Lauren Yes their are "dog psychologists" but you must be very careful in who you hire. Chows and chow mixes are a special case and they should have experience working with them. Chows hate to be restrained, most of the chows that come to me do better with less restraint, but again this takes patience and experience to perform it without getting hurt. I usually refrain from saying it is a breed thing, because any dog can act the same way. Most dogs are horrible about thier paws being touched because they learn their fighting stops humans from doing what they don't like. Our normal reaction is to get frustrated, angry or add more restraint with touch. This would never work on any breed. If someone tried to wrestle you down and do something you didn't like I am sure you too would fight back. It is normal defense drive that dogs go into, some run some fight back. The best thing to do is to find an experienced behaviorist and work on touch desensitization program. Chows are usually very reserved when it comes to strangers, most will grumble a little and walk away, some will full out charge to get strangers to back off, the fearful ones go into flight drive. I would recommend you find a local behaviorist and work with these issues before they get too out of control. :) Hi Lauren
Yes their are “dog psychologists” but you must be very careful in who you hire. Chows and chow mixes are a special case and they should have experience working with them. Chows hate to be restrained, most of the chows that come to me do better with less restraint, but again this takes patience and experience to perform it without getting hurt. I usually refrain from saying it is a breed thing, because any dog can act the same way. Most dogs are horrible about thier paws being touched because they learn their fighting stops humans from doing what they don’t like. Our normal reaction is to get frustrated, angry or add more restraint with touch. This would never work on any breed. If someone tried to wrestle you down and do something you didn’t like I am sure you too would fight back. It is normal defense drive that dogs go into, some run some fight back.
The best thing to do is to find an experienced behaviorist and work on touch desensitization program. Chows are usually very reserved when it comes to strangers, most will grumble a little and walk away, some will full out charge to get strangers to back off, the fearful ones go into flight drive. I would recommend you find a local behaviorist and work with these issues before they get too out of control. :)

]]> By: lauren http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/is-my-dog-dominant/#comment-33 lauren Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:10:45 +0000 http://tarastermer.wordpress.com/?p=28#comment-33 I ran into this because I can't decide it my dog is dominant or not, i think most of her stubbornness her breed (we don't really know the mix but she's definitely a lot of chow chow), or if it's her shady past that makes her seem tough. She's very skittish and she doesn't know sit, and mostly runs away from strangers. At the vet's office, however, she turns into some kind of spawn of satan mad as hell dog that acts like her life is in danger when getting her nails clipped. Scariest dog display I have ever seen. My vet thinks it's because she's a chow and they know how to get what they want, but I have a feeling that she's really scared to death. She had a lot of neglect early in life and I think it's a mechanism of those experiences. Are there seriously like, dog psychologists? I want to meet one. I ran into this because I can’t decide it my dog is dominant or not, i think most of her stubbornness her breed (we don’t really know the mix but she’s definitely a lot of chow chow), or if it’s her shady past that makes her seem tough.

She’s very skittish and she doesn’t know sit, and mostly runs away from strangers. At the vet’s office, however, she turns into some kind of spawn of satan mad as hell dog that acts like her life is in danger when getting her nails clipped. Scariest dog display I have ever seen. My vet thinks it’s because she’s a chow and they know how to get what they want, but I have a feeling that she’s really scared to death.

She had a lot of neglect early in life and I think it’s a mechanism of those experiences. Are there seriously like, dog psychologists? I want to meet one.

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