Training Tips and Tricks
I wish the idea of dominance would die out already. There’s so much misunderstanding between dogs and their humans. Since we have the ability, let’s be the ones to end the cycle and figure out what’s really behind what our dogs are doing with gentle loving kindness.
#ysdlearnDominance – Is it real? 🤔
Not in the way you think…
When your dog growls at you from the sofa, or when they are eating their dinner, they are not being ‘dominant’ over you, they are simply guarding something valuable to them. These items (food bowls, toys, sofas etc.) are guarded because the dog is afraid of losing them, and this is because they are insecure around that item when in the presence of people they don’t trust. The growling is a clear and definitive sign that the dog is uncomfortable with someone being too close to their valuable item. 🥩⚽️
The problem GETS WORSE when the owner thinks the dog is being dominant and therefore steps in to ‘show the dog who is boss’. They then remove the item that the dog was guarding and may even remove the dog to another room or crate by way of ‘telling them off’. This display of ‘dominance’ by the human only goes to make the dog more insecure around items, when in the presence of the human. So, the 'dominance theory' goes around in circles, with the dog growling more frequently, bolting food down, becoming anxious and stressed when the owner walks into the same room etc. The dog will also start to escalate the guarding, which may lead to snarling, air snapping and lunging. The dog will not direct this behaviour solely at the person who has taken things away - they direct it at anyone who comes near….
If your dog is displaying these behaviours, don’t put the dog into situations where they feel the need to guard, and speak to a qualified behaviourist first before trying to solve it yourself. 👍
If you have a “reactive” dog, you will not be able to just pick up your dog’s leash and go. You need to have a solid plan for working at your dog’s level to minimize outbursts! Check with force-free trainers who run reactive dog classes such as the Maryland SPCA for professional guidance. And never, ever use intimidation, force or pain!
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Reactive Dog Behavior - Whole Dog Journal
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Take heart: Reactive dog behavior can be modified and improved.If you haven’t previously taught your dog a strong “leave it” and your dog eating cicadas is truly an issue, you might reduce your frustration by minimizing outdoor time, luring and treating your dog with high value food for keeping his head up, encouraging him to carry a special/novel/new toy, having your dog wear a basket or mesh muzzle (the kind where he can keep his mouth open to pant) or try walking your dog in a dog friendly store such as a pet supply store, Ace Hardware, Home Depot or Lowe’s (bonus: air conditioning)!
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Great advice if you are thinking about adding a puppy to your family along with your existing dog(s). The older your current family dog is, the slower the transition with the puppy should be.
Please note, this article assumes that your dog may already be dog friendly. If your dog has an unknown history, or is aggressive or reactive to puppies or dogs, seek help from a force-free trainer.
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5 Tips for Introducing a New Puppy to your Dog - Whole Dog Journal
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Don’t worry! When introducing a new puppy to your dog, there will likely be incremental progress every day.Be sure to enrich your yard with appropriate toys and activities, otherwise your dog may create his own fun by digging, chewing and eating inappropriate things, and trying to escape.
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Five Ways to Make Your Dog's Yard Safe and Fun - Whole Dog Journal
www.whole-dog-journal.com
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