Many dogs have a tendency to jump up on people they meet. They pull on the leash and rush through doors ahead of us. If given the opportunity, they’d happily gobble down their meal before we’ve even sat down. A dominance play? We have no problem considering someone invading our personal space as rude, but with our dogs we see more sinister motives.
Laura Garber
Although not common, there is a behavior issue called dominance aggression, which is most often directed toward the dog’s family members. If your dog guards his food, possessions or space, such as the couch, and shows aggressive behavior with certain handling, such as collar grabs or when being restrained, enlist the assistance of a certified canine behavior counselor.
Whatever our reasons, the issue of asserting dominance is perhaps the single greatest obstacles to our relationship with our dogs. It can rend the loving fabric we have woven together with them.
The Wolf Hierarchical Model
The prevailing theory behind this theory is that wolves have strict, inflexible hierarchies with one alpha who controls all food sources and commands all pack movement and hunting. However, these theories are based on captive wolf packs. In wild packs, the responsibilities of the adult wolves of the pack are more evenly distributed and the relevance of rank has most to do with social interactions, promoting friendly relations and pack cohesion.
What's more, in wild packs, when food is scarce, the dominant pair allots food, and it usually goes to their pups first. When food is plentiful, all eat together, and each has rightful ownership of resources within his “space," beneath his head and between his feet. Though another can try to steal or use intimidation to take the food, every wolf, regardless of rank, can rightfully defend his “stuff.”
Misinterpretation of wolf-like behavior leads us to insist on eating first, going out the door first, and relegating our dogs to the floor rather than the bed. While there are plenty of reasons to decide one practice over another, let’s make sure we do it for the right reasons!
Being a Benevolent Leader to Your Dog
Mark Rashid, horse trainer and author of several books on the subject, observed two distinct types of leaders emerge in the social hierarchies and interactions of horse herds. There were those horses who controlled herd movement and behavior through fear and intimidation, and those who were chosen by other members of the herd as “passive leaders” because of their peaceful, cooperative practices. This second kind of leader was more liked and trusted by the rest of the herd.
Rashid teaches riders to emulate this same model of leadership when developing a bond with their horses. It's a style we'd do well to emulate in our relationships with our dogs. We need them to understand that all the things that they value in their lives are generously granted by us. We control everything and will share richly, provided we are shown polite, respectful behavior.
To do this, take stock of the things that your dog considers valuable: food, petting and affection, going for walks, playing with toys, being on the furniture, even chasing after a paper bag blowing in the wind or a squirrel scurrying up a tree.
Require polite behavior from your dog in order to earn these life rewards:
* Ask for a "wait" before putting down his food or going out the door for a walk, obliging him to hold it until you release him.
* Play games together with rules: When playing with a toy, don’t simply allow your dog to snatch it from your hands. Rather, ask for a "sit," then offer the toy with a "take it" and have your dog relinquish the toy with a "drop it."
* Incorporate obedience into your day. Ask for a "watch" while on a walk and then release him to chase a squirrel (just make sure he doesn’t get it!). Teach your pup a "leave it," which gives you control of the environment while also ensuring he can’t grab harmful things from the sidewalk. Grant belly rubs or let him up on the couch for a sit.
* Insist on four-on-the-floor at all times. Dogs establish leadership with one another by controlling the use of space. You can use your own body to control your dog’s space – leaning toward him even slightly applies pressure to his space that can prohibit him from breaking a "down" or a "stay." It may also deter his jumping up on you.
* Teach your dog to loose-leash walk and hold a solid "down/stay."
These become the difference in teaching respect and asserting dominance. In fact, we might do best to leave the word dominance out of our vocabulary entirely. Our relationships with our dogs would undoubtedly be the better for it.
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Catalina Perez
said:
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... Great tips I can use! I have a maltese poodle, and she tends to have a mind of her own (kind of like the owner, lol). Looking forward to reading more of your articles! |
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