How to Tell Which Dog is Dominant

Dogs are definitely obvious about being dominant or their attempts at dominance by posturing and stance. Once you know what to look for, their exchange is a learning experience. As long as everyone is cooperating and show signs of being accepting to one another, I don’t intervene.

So, in the morning I put the dog bowls down — now five. And, I observe. I leave the room briefly and return to see that Moby, the 10 lb. yorkie mix is eating out of the extra large bowl intended for Violet, the Great Dane. I stood quietly and then realized that Violet was eating out of the ashtray-size food dish that is intended for Moby!

I couldn’t help but laugh but also be aware that since Violet is the newest member of this pack, she was following orders nicely. . .or was she? What may have looked like Moby took over could very well have been perfectly fine with Violet because there could be something in his food bowl that isn’t in hers.

I had a good laugh and then respectfully directed them back to their own bowls. They didn’t care, and I’m sure were quite satisfied at knowing that kibble was the entree for both of them (and the others).

Later that evening, I walk into the living room and guess what? Moby is lying in the middle of the largest dog bed while Violet looks at him in earnest silently looking for a sign or blessing from Moby that he’d either share the bed or perhaps consider an exchange for the bed that fits Moby.

Once again, I respectfully, intervene and make them move to their appropriate places. They listen and respond to me, but it sure is entertaining to watch the dynamic as they vie for the position of dominant dog. (Don’t tell them that will ALWAYS be me!)

How to Change a Timid Dog

I have had the loving experience lately of working with shy dogs and their new human families. During the first visit, we talk about the history of the dog and any possible trigger for their timid behavior.

A lot of the time there may be clues but no real “a-has!” Genetically, some dogs and breeds are more timid than others. Granted, prior abuse and/or the lack of socialization are more obvious reasons.

Usually, the behavior shows up as the dog tries to bolt or it backs off when someone approaches. It will only make it worse if the person is doing their best to convince the dog that they are not the enemy. It’s important that you remain calm and confident and that will transfer to the dog. You don’t want to coddle or encourage the dog’s response.

It gets frustrating and disappointing to the family when the newly adopted dog refuses to approach them. It can be something as simple as the tone of voice, the size of the person, a beard, a baseball hat – those are all things that can trigger an uncertain response. This dance may continue for awhile so be patient.

The best thing to do is to be less confrontational when approaching, don’t have eye contact, and give the dog a chance to approach you. Basic obedience training can help because it not only builds confidence in the dog but will help the dog respect and trust you.

Give your new dog a chance to settle into the home environment and then get them into training and socialization. Patience is the best reward!

Here’s some other insight into the benefit of early socialization

Dogs and Foreclosures

Dogs are also victims in the outrageous number of home foreclosures. I can’t begin to know what it would be like to lose my home. To lose it slowly – knowing that every month I couldn’t make a payment, I was closer to walking away from it.

Then, to look at my dogs and think that they couldn’t go with me. Well, that’s not a decision I could make. I’m not everyone, and I know that there are a lot of broken hearts out there from those who had to make that decision. I mean, how can you take three kids, two dogs, a cat, and all of your stuff in a car when you don’t have a place to go that will accept everyone? I don’t have an answer. I want one.

We have brought each dog into the world just as we have brought each child. They deserve proper attention. Those of us who can do ANYTHING to help, need to. A thoughtful prayer not only for the dogs, but for the sad families who felt forced to make this choice.

Dogs aren’t property. We never OWN them. We do, however, OWE them. Let’s stop useless breeding and work to find homes for these Beings so many of us know as family.

SUBMIT DOG!

I so appreciate Cesar Milan’s approach and instruction on being a calm, assertive leader. What I see a lot of are loud, anxious, demonstrative, wanna-be-leaders. And, I’m not talking about the dog. =)

In observing the introduction of dogs to one another, there is a posturing but not a lot of noise. Usually, the noisy one is attempting to demonstrate their authority. I’m not sure that the alpha/leader in the group isn’t amused by the interaction while appearing tolerant.

Remember that when you are demonstrating authority to one or more dogs, that you do it with intention and presence of mind rather than as a reaction and in fear. Think of something that you really KNOW and then bring that same level of knowing to BEING the authority with the dog. They WILL get it as soon as you do.

My Dog Bites

A call goes something like this – “Gayle, my dog has bitten someone. Can you help us?” I respond with a few questions along the lines of how long they’ve had the dog and has it done this before. I’m becoming less shocked when I hear that they have had the dog for four years. It has been “a little” aggressive since they got it as a puppy. It didn’t seem like an issue until now.

Let’s break this down. If your dog has been aggressive for four years, in dog years – that’s 28 years! I know it doesn’t calculate exactly like that. But, why wait? I’ll say it another way – if your dog shows any signs of aggression, stop it! It’s much easier to correct when they haven’t done it long enough for it to become a behavioral pattern.

Behavioral issues can be dealt with and corrected; however, if it has escalated as they matured, it may not be an instantaneous transition. Chances are the dog now has a triggered response. A trainer will be able to work with you and your dog to change the behavior and give them a new response.

Don’t give up on the dog. If you are reading this and are wondering if it applies to that little aggression issue with your dog, do something about it. Call for a consultation or hire a trainer to show you what to do. Fewer dogs in shelters may be the result!

Democracy and Dogs

Since it’s an election year and all I was thinking about democracy in my home. I realized that there is a form of democracy at work. One description notes that in a democracy all members of the society have equal access to power (equal rights) and the second that all members enjoy universally recognized freedoms and liberties. The majority rule is another key aspect of a democracy.

So? Well, my relationship in the pack is democratic in that I treat everyone equally. Affection, in particular, is given to each the same. Appropriately, of course! They are all fed the same diet and at the same time. And, that’s where it ends because there is no equal access to power. They don’t all have the same freedoms and definitely the majority couldn’t rule, because I’d be odd-man-out for sure!

I never wanted to be a part of a dictatorship; however, like it or not, I think I have one. I’m a kind, loving dictator, but I am one, none the less. It sounds so much better to say Pack Leader, doesn’t it?

Don’t tell the dogs that this November, they don’t get to vote! =)

In A Word

What’s in a word to a dog? It’s not a lot different than what’s in a word to us. Words are powerful – however, what’s even more powerful is the intention and the thought behind the word. On more than one occasion, most of us have experienced a “look” from someone that put us in our place. It could also have been something as simple as a smile that allowed us to shift our thoughts in that second.

Some times I have to intervene with the interaction of dogs and have found that the word “chill” works nicely. The word chill in itself, may not hold value to the dogs, but given in a calm, firm voice, with the sincerity of my thought of “knock it off NOW.” and as my Dad used to say with an added – “and I don’t mean maybe” gets across quite well. Dogs don’t need all of the extra words and even just making a sound works. It’s your presence, state of mind, and intention when using it that matters.

This also applies to human communication, but somehow I think that at the end of the day, we’d all feel like there were so many important, valuable words left unsaid. Maybe we should give it a try – it might come in handy at times.

Respect of a Dog

It’s one thing to be taught about pack behavior and how dogs show respect and it’s another to really observe the dynamic.

In being with my own ever-changing pack, I have watched as they demonstrate to each other who’s who and where they belong. With a little guidance from me, boundaries are clear.

From a local rescue, I brought home a little terrier mix. Breed isn’t important. He is about 4 or 5 years old. He’s timid but so wanted to be a part of what the other dogs were doing. Well, the only female at this point is herself only 10 months old. She is large for a puppy, and It’s already obvious that she is proud of her position in the family.

I introduce the new guy to everyone. There was a lot of showing of teeth by him as he cowered hoping that they’d have mercy on him. (Maybe that’s not his exact thought!) It took about two days before I noticed an obvious shift. The female was never aggressive with him but was certainly fascinated by his little size and looked as if to question why he was showing his teeth and snarling at her. I’m not sure if she was responding with “are you crazy, man?” or “hey, lighten up, I’m harmless.” She would try to engage him in play but that just scared him more.

As I sat and watched their interaction, the trust between them was shifting. After running around in the yard for awhile, the little guy walked over to the female and licked her lips. The sweet signs of a peaceful submission. I had to remember if they had had peanut butter that morning, because that will also cause a licking of the lips for an entirely different reason.

He licked her lips and she let him. Then, the other pup followed. What is this, a mutual admiration society? It’s peace in the kingdom is what it is.

Dogs and Our Emotions

There is more and more information being published regarding the positive effect of dogs (pets) on our lives. For us animal lovers, this isn’t a surprise but we seldom see it written as a statement of fact or based on scientific data.

As I mentioned in a previous post, they do give us a purpose outside of ourselves. Since they don’t grow up, become independent, and move away to college or a life on their own, they are a family member that is with us until passing.

We can learn so much from them and many know the wonder of benefiting from their tremendous impact on our lives. I came across an ezine, The Healing Power of Pets, which I’d like to share.

Contributing to Dog Aggression

I have had several calls from clients who say that their dog growls and tries to bite people who reach to pet them. Then I find out that they are carrying their dogs because they are little. Stop that!

If you are concerned about the safety of your pup because someone unstable (be it dog or human) is approaching, then do what you feel is best. Otherwise, you are contributing to the very behavior that you are trying to correct.

By giving affection (holding) your dog as someone reaches toward them, you can be giving the message that if the dog responds aggressively, it’s okay or even good. They may also be attempting to protect you and again, you are letting them know that growling and snapping is acceptable.

Little dogs, fragile though they may seem, are still dogs. You knew I was going to say that. IT IS TRUE. It’s as important to instill confidence and to expect appropriate behavior from small dogs as it is from larger breeds.

Of course it’s okay to give affection, but only when the dog is in a calm state of mind.