The Higher Mind of Dogs

Use psychology to control a dominant dog

 

Dogs are programmed to compete for food, objects, space, and pack position.  A dog with a docile personality will fit into a household without a problem, but a dog with a dominant personality will challenge, and manipulate the humans that do not demonstrate leadership qualities.  The owner that doesn't recognize this may inadvertently create or reinforce dominant behaviors.  A dominant dog will not 'outgrow' a dominant personality and their bad behaviors tend to escalate over time.

 

If your dog exhibits any of the following BOSSY behaviors, you need to make a change.  Nudge for attention, bark to manipulate, bite when groomed, protect space with a bite or growl, ignore commands, not come when called, steal or hoard objects, protect items or food, not release a toy, growl for control, urinate on you or personal items, and pulls on the leash. 

 

Common mistakes:  letting your dog push past you in doorways or on stairs, treating your dog like a baby, carrying your dog like a purse, not socializing, not training, bribing with too many treats, not fixing the growls, bites, and barks, letting them drag you on a walk, allowing them on the furniture, giving too much attention for doing nothing, inconsistent training, trying to train without a leash, overall lack of structure, management and supervision. 

 

What can I do to change?

           

Adopt the rule that your dog has to EARN attention and food.  Train your dog earn his meal by having him sit and wait for it.  Ignore him when he pushes your hand for attention.  Reward your dog ONLY WHEN you get what you want. 

 

Over time, this method changes your dog from the bossy one to the willing one.  Your dog will learn that he will have to obey you to get what he wants!  You gain control by setting the rules and by controlling each situation.  

 

Methods that increase your leadership role:  teach your dog to sit at (not blast through) the door and allow YOU walk through first, learn how to lead the walk, make his sit to put on the leash, wipe paws, or for grooming, make the entire family participate with training, teach commands like "leave it," "quiet," "no bite," expose them to new places, enroll in a group class to practice your obedience skills with distractions, teach your dog how to be alone, train tricks and have fun with tour dog to increase trust and strengthen the bond.

 

The owner that understands how to 'out think their dog' will build a dog that adjusts to our social expectations more willingly.  If your dog is territorial, dog aggressive, possession aggressive, or food aggressive an additional behavior plan may need to be implemented.  Consult  a professional to work with you regarding these issues.  

 

 

2008 Written by Susan Jakobs:  Owner of Midwest Canine Academy, Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  Visit www.dogbuilders.com or www.midwestcanineacademy.com  or call 815-590-8008