- Won't come when called?
- Won't sit or down or roll over when commanded? (these are submissive behaviors)
- Lies on Floor in your path, forcing you to walk around him, instead of moving out of your way when required.
- Muzzles your hand, insisting that you pet him. (a canine signal ordering you to obey him).
- Defends food Bowl or other objects from you.
- Growls at you under any circumstance.
- Will not let you give medications, catch fleas, groom or otherwise handle him.
- Gets up on furniture without permission or will not get down when ordered to.
- Snaps at you and has not connected his teeth with your skin or clothing.
- Grabs your hand when agitated , then releases it without causing pain.
What to do: First step is to alter (spay or neuter) either sex who is displaying this aggression. Many Dominance issues are brought on by hormonal issues. The dog should also be evaluated for medical issues. A complete physical exam will reveal pain induced causes. Lab work can rule out thyroid, or other metabolical causes of aggression.
After all medical causes have been eliminated, we can conclude that it is a dominance aggression problem. Usually stemmed from an imbalance in the household. The dog mistakenly thinks he is in charge (the leader of the pack).
Time to take charge!
Identify when and where your pet acts anxious and aggressive. Use these strategies:
- Resrict their freedom. (this lowers their status thus making you the dominate one).
- Time out : Isolate (crate) the dog for 10-15 minutes.
- Tie down: Tie the dog to a solid object for 10-15 minutes.
- Reward every submissive gesture with praise and treats.
- Trade up: find something that the dominant dog desires more, (treat et)and make him work for it. Remove the dominant dogs toy and while he is in the submissive state, praise and reward with the treat.
- Learn to Earn: This was developed by behaviorist William Campbell. He says the dog must learn to earn what it wants rather than to demand it. For example: a dog earns dinner by performing a submissive sit, and eventually a long down stay. If the dog does not respond, instead of trying to force the issue. merely withhold the food for 30 minutes and then try again. after 3 tries. do not feed the dog until the next day. (don't worry, they will not starve). Only feed when the dog is motivated enough to follow the command. Normally dogs can go without food for 3 days as long as water is provided. Do not provide food for free. Make them earn it and in the process, you will earn their respect for you.
- Calm Behavior: In tense moments, remain calm. try to act "jolly to reduce tension".
- Obedience school: Frequent commands and period collar corrections reinforce who the leader is.
Make sure that your pet receives daily, vigorous exercise, this prevents many stress-related behaviors.
Food, petting, and praise, Key to establishing your leadership.
Always assert leash control.
Teach your pet to sit and wait before entering or exiting any doorway. Hold dog back by the collar if necessary.
YOU enter first, you are the leader.
Do not walk around your dog, make him or her move on command.
Teach quiet indoor behavior by the umbilical cord technique. (tie their leash to your chair or belt when you at are home.)
Give calm verbal praise and a small treat rather than showing extreme excitement over good behavior. This is much more effective.
Avoid loosing your temper. Dogs respond the best to kind and consistent leadership.
Do not expect too much to fast. Learning is a continuous process. Be patient and keep all sessions short. Always end on a positive.
