Editor’s note: Susan Jakobs is a professional dog trainer. She will submit a series of articles designed to “build” a better dog. She offers six-week training classes in Rock Falls, IL, and is currently training therapy dogs for CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL. Contact Jakobs about classes or with questions at Dog Builders, 815-590-8008 or www.dogbuilders.com. This is her first essay: Dealing with a Dominant Dog.
A dog is naturally inclined to compete for food, objects, space, and pack position, but a dominant dog is more prone to bite and fight over these issues. This personality type will challenge and manipulate anyone who is a pushover. A dominant dog will not “outgrow” this trait, and behaviors escalate over time.
Fortunately, most dogs are easily rehabilitated, when the owner understands how they contribute to the problem and makes the necessary changes.
The dominate dog:
demands petting or playtime
barks incessantly
bites when groomed
protects space or objects
ignore commands
steals or hoards objects
does not release a toy
growls for control
urinates on you or your personal items
pulls on the leash
jumps on people
owns the furniture
counter surfs.
Pet owners reinforce dominance by
allowing him to push past you in doorways or on stairs
allowing him to pull on the leash
allowing him on the furniture
treating him like a baby or carrying him everywhere
not socializing
not training and/or inconsistent training
bribing with too many treats
ignoring the growls, bites, and barking
rewarding him for doing nothing
overall lack of structure, management, and supervision.
Steps toward rehabilitation
First, accept that you and your family need to change your habits. Then, create a training plan for everyone to follow. Learn how to teach your dog how to make a better choice. For example, do you want to stop your dog from jumping on company? Then train him to “go to [his] bed” when company comes over.
Simple strategies
Make him sit and wait for his meal.
Ignore him when he pushes your hand for attention.
Make him do something before you pet him–don’t just pet him to pet him.
Give him structured exercise like a 30-minute “training” walk.
Keep him off the couch/bed or teach him an “off” command.
Make him sit to put on the leash, to wipe paws, or for grooming.
Do not tell him, “It’s okay.” when he whines.
More advanced methods
Redirect him when he barks or growls.
Put the leash on when you have company to control his jumping.
Teach him to sit at doorways.
Practice “controlled” stairs while on leash.
Teach a “wait” command.
Learn how to walk your dog with a loose leash.
Teach commands like “leave it,” “quiet,” “no bite.”
Expose him to new places.
Practice obedience skills with distractions.
Teach your dog how to be alone.
Teach him some tricks to increase trust and strengthen your bond.
The owner that understands how to “outthink their dog” will eventually change a dominant dog into a dog that is more pleasant to be around. Work with a trainer privately or enroll in a group obedience class if you need guidance.