Dominant Dogs Training - How to Train a Dominant Dog

Having descended from wolves, dogs use a hierarchy, lead by an alpha (dominant), who is followed by the others in the pack. While dogs are now domesticated, as pups as young as three weeks instinctively struggle to find their place in the pack.

Undomesticated, or wild dogs, will fight - occasionally to the death - to reach or maintain alpha status. Once a fight has been decided, losers are sometimes exempted from the pack.

The human must take the alpha role in any human-dog pair. When this doesn’t happen, it leads to an unhappy dog, property destruction and human frustration. However, taking the alpha role is often easier said than done.

As with humans, all dogs are individuals, and some want to lead while others are happy to follow. Several methods can be used to help curb a dog’s behavior if they persist in trying to maintain the alpha role.

To check for dominant behavior, place the pup on its back with a firm hand placed in the middle of the chest. Use just enough pressure to keep the dog from wiggling away. Judge the strength and length of time the dog takes to submit, indicated by pulled back paws, averted eyes, and general relaxing.

In the beginning, most individuals will struggle at the unfamiliar position and submissive role. It will vary from breed to breed how long the dog struggles. Many Golden Retrievers will submit fairly quickly, while terriers may never stop struggling.

To help correct excessive dominance, put your face close to the dog’s and growl, bark or shout when needed. Don't expect instant results the first few times, but dogs learn through repetition, so gradually most will learn to accept their secondary role.

A variation of this method requires a person to stand or kneel in front of the dog, then lift it at the chest using one or two hands. Dogs, especially dominant ones, dislike being in this position, but quickly learn who's boss. Alternatively, grasp both front paws and lift up but be careful not to be too aggressive. You don’t want to punish, the idea is to encourage acceptance of their submissive role.

There are several useful methods that can be used for dogs inclined to jump up on people.

It’s important to try and differentiate between dominance and the desire for affection. Eye contact and face rubbing is used by dogs to encourage bonding and establish social roles so they like to have eye contact. Many instances of jumping are to get closer to the human face to communicate. Kneel down and allow non-biters to get close to the face.

Establish dominance by maintaining non blinking eye contact and waiting for them to look away. Once the dog accepts its role, praise excessively with ear rubs and leaning your forehead into the dog's head. Until your alpha status is well established make sure to keep your head higher than the dogs.

Try the following method for those who need extra discouragement.

Pay attention to the dog's face and body watching for tell-tale signs indicating an imminent jump. Use voice commands ('stay' or 'down') and a palm thrust out and down into the dog's face to deter the behavior. Slightly push on the dog’s chest with your knee if they're already in mid-flight. Only use this to put them off-balance, NOT to pummel the dog or throw it backwards, except in emergencies.

As alpha to a dominant dog, you need to be prepared to constantly defend your position. Establishing your status as alpha requires patience, dedication and repetition, and these must be maintained consistently.

         

More Specific Dog Training Articles: