Dominant dog behavior is very common and can lead to serious problems if untreated. Many owners do not realize when their dog is actually being dominant. Dogs are pack animals and higher ranking dogs assert dominance on lower ranking pack members. If your dog growls at the kids its because he sees himself as a higher pack member. This can lead to aggressive behaviors like biting if not treated properly. Many times it is the owners that enable this behavior with out knowing it. Here is some examples: Leaving dog chained for long periods with no human interaction, over punishing or praising with out reason, poor socialization as a puppy, frequent teasing by children. The problem is these dogs catch the blame when they bite or act out. Many dogs are put to sleep or taken to shelters when in most cases it could have been avoided.
Here is some dominant dog behaviors.
Excessive barking
Growling, snapping with food, toys, bones.
Chasing moving objects
Mounting
Showing teeth
Ignoring commands
Escaping and roaming free
Jumping on people
Demands attention
Dog goes through doors first
Extremely dog aggressive
If your dog shows signs of these he is a dominant dog. How dominate depends. Every dog is different. You should research on it and talk to trainers. This is important if you have kids.
Here is some tips you can do to assert dominance and rank higher with your dog. You want to be the leader because this will cause your dog to respect you. Everyone should practice in the family as the dog views and ranks everyone individually!
Don't allow dog in bed or on furniture. This makes them feel equal to you. Many people do this as I do as well, however with a dominant dog it will reinforce this behavior.
Don't allow your dog to go through doors first or down stairs first. You lead they follow.
Make dog sit or do something before you decide to give attention. They don't get to bully you and demand it.
Don't allow dog to walk ahead of you when going out for a stroll.
Always keep on leash so they know you are in control.
Don't allow in kids bedrooms! Put up a gate. Dogs do not get to sleep with pack leader. Establish this with your kids by not allowing them in their rooms.
Ignore dog for 48 hours. No Attention at all, no talking, or eye contact. Be aloof. They understand that pack leaders are this way. They respect it. It does NOT hurt their feelings. Yes you still feed them.
Don't kiss dog on mouth or chin.
Don't pet, instead massage firmly.
Stay calm. They don't follow unstable leaders.
Play on your terms and times.
Walk and exercise dog
Eat First Dog eats after family.
This may sound like alot of things to do. You will get in the habit of it and your family and dog will be happier and safer. Make sure to be consistent and don't over punish by hitting or flying off the handle, it does not help.
