Dominant dog behaviour transforms a best friend into a major
issue. Learn to recognize dominant behaviour and how to correct it in a safe
manner.
What Is a Dominant Dog?
A dominant dog is a domestic dog that exhibits controlling
and aggressive behaviour toward dog owners, family members, and other dogs, also
known as dominance aggression. Dominant dog behaviour dates back to when dogs
were pack animals led by a pack leader, or alpha dog, who ruled over the other
pack members.
When a dog joins a family, the owner becomes the pack
leader, and they exercise dominance over the family dog through
counter-conditioning or obedience training methods. However, some dogs continue
to exhibit dominant behaviour after joining a family, posing a risk to others.
Dominance in Dogs
Dominance issues affect both male and female dogs, though
male dogs are more likely to experience them. Adult dogs between the ages of
eighteen months and three years show the first signs of aggression, though
puppies and older dogs can also be dominant. Dog dominance is frequently caused
by one or more of the following factors, according to behaviourists:
Breed: All dog breeds exhibit dominant behaviour, but some
breeds produce more aggressive behaviour issues than others. Beagles,
chihuahuas, Rottweilers, German shepherds, pit bulls, and Yorkie and Jack
Russell terriers are among them.
Medical: Aggression may be a symptom of one or more medical
conditions. Aggressive dogs frequently suffer from chronic pain or brain issues
that result in seizures or other traumas. Dominant behaviour is also caused by
hypothyroidism, a condition that slows metabolism, and low calcium levels.
Training: Pet owners are frequently the source of a dog's
dominance aggression. Consistent dog training often eliminates aggressive
behaviour at a young age, but a lack of socialization or failure to discipline
dogs when they act aggressively toward people or other animals, particularly
those showing signs of submission such as cowering, actually provides positive
reinforcement to those unwanted behaviours.
4 Signs of a Dominant Dog
A dog demonstrates dominance in a variety of ways. Dominance
manifests itself in the following ways:
1. Body language: Body language that is aggressive is a
common sign of dominance. Dominant canine body language includes a tense frame,
a raised head, and a high, stiff tail position. Piloerection, also known as
raised hackles, is a sign of stress and possible aggression in dogs. It occurs
when the hair on a dog's back or across its shoulders raises like goosebumps.
2. Facial expressions: Look for signs of aggression and
dominance on a dog's face. Tightness of the mouth or bared teeth are clear
indicators, as is eye contact with a hard stare and visible whites in the dog's
eyes, also known as "whale eye." Certain signs of an anxious dog,
such as lip licking, drooling, or the need to urinate indoors, may also be a
sign of fear, which leads to aggression.
3. Physical behaviour: Dogs show dominance through a
variety of physical behaviours. Some behaviours may appear nonthreatening, such
as obsessive licking or nudging your hand for petting, whereas others are more
aggressive, such as leash pulling, lunging at people, guarding their dog food,
or nipping at their owner's feet.
4. Vocalization: Understanding dog language (the sounds a
dog makes) is essential for understanding its emotional state. Snarling and
excessive barking are obvious signs of aggression in a dog, but whines or
high-pitched, scream-like yelps also indicate the dog's desire to control
attention.
How to Train a Dominant Dog
Once you've ruled out health issues as the cause, there are
a few options for training a dominant dog. Among them are the following:
1. Be consistent. Canine companions learn through
repetition and positive reinforcement, which means you must establish rules for
acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at home and in public places, such as on
walks or at a dog park. Maintain those rules and avoid changing them on a
regular basis.
2. Lead the pack. Because you are your dog's pack
leader, you must handle situations calmly and decisively. Remove your dog from
situations or stimuli that may cause aggressive behaviour. Anger or physically
aggressive training methods, such as the alpha roll, almost never, if ever,
correct dominant behaviour: A calm dog is more open to listening and learning
than a fearful dog.
3. Make the dog work. It's the top dog in your house,
according to a dominant dog. Through obedience training, you can change that
point of view. Be consistent in teaching them to obey your commands before
receiving rewards, praise, or affectionate gestures such as belly rubs.
4. Seek help. Some behavioural issues necessitate
additional intervention. Professional dog trainers can assist you in
understanding canine communication and using behaviour modification techniques
to correct the most difficult behavioural issues.
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