*sigh* Dang... is this dominance or playing...?

Question

Okies... So, I have a 15-wk-old husky/chow puppy... It's so hard for me to deal with him b/c often times I don't know whether he's being dominant or just wants to play. I watch The Dog Whisperer, and I've read his book. I apply the techniques he uses when Steele gets out of control. It works... sometimes... -_- I know a hell of a lot about dogs, and I'm 15 yrs old. I've been learning for almost 3 years since I got my first dog who died March 29th. =( But lately, I've been a bit lost...

Steele's pretty much a lil' s***. In fact, I call him Lil' Shitlin more than Steele. XD Well, one example is when I look him in the eye. I know that a more submissive dog would look away. But he'll keep staring and after a lil' while, he'll bark at me. I mean, he'll bark like there's no tomorrow. But what confuses me is that when he does this, if I move forward or go after him or something, he'll run around (still barking) and sort of jump at me and do a play bow. So, he's playing, right? ...Maybe...

But then, it seems he'd be dominant with the whole eye thing... sooo, playing or dominance? Another example is when I go into the kitchen where he stays and if he's feeling really hyper, he'll want to come (play?) with me... But what he does is he likes to run around my ankles or between my legs and he'll nip at my ankles or sort of lean/push on me, or even step on my feet... Sooo, dominance or play? I would think it is dominance, and I can easily stop him from it with a sharp "shhh" or by snapping my fingers, but he still does it. I mean, I can stop him from doing it when he's doing it, but he's always gonna do it again, if you know what I mean. And also, when I pin him to the ground, he won't give in for anything. I'd probably have to hold him down for a good half hour or more before he'd give in. Only a very few times before did he give in within seconds and layed there and I could move around 'n everything, and he didn't move.

But most of the time, he'll struggle or try to playfully nip or turn over and won't give in at all. It seems he ALWAYS thinks I'm playing. He also messes with my mom's dog, Sweetie. Sweetie's a chihuahua/poodle mix and smaller than he is. Steele will pick on her and bite and chew on her and even stand over her, not letting her go. Btw, what does it mean when a dog backs up in front of you and sorta looks back. Like he puts his butt all up on you. XD Is that playing or dominance? Wow, I've never noticed how playing and dominance can seem so alike.

Anyway, I also use the "bite" method on him often. Like Cesar does... It works... but somtimes (seldomly) he'll try to bite back at my hand, but he notices he's not supposed to and as he opens his mouth justa hair, he'll quickly stop. It can be hard to see sometimes since it happens so quickly. He's never bitten me out of aggressivness or from me "biting" him or pining him down.

But some things, even if they aren't dominance issues, it still REALLY annoys me, b/c it makes me feel like he thinks he's the leader, and I don't like that. XD

So, for some last info: I can't got to a trainer/puppy class/etc b/c no money, I'm 15, and mum wouldn't want to anyway... I don't do anything I'm aware of that would make Steele think he's dominant. I used to play tug-of-war with him until I found he seemed too dominant, so I don't do that anymore. He doesn't go on furniture, and he's not allowed in my room b/c he would pee on my carpet right away when he'd come in. Although, I constantly have to tell him to get out b/c he pretty much runs in here anyway. I'm constantly trying to show him I'm the Alpha, but it's hard. He just won't listen. He's smart, yeah. I've taught him to wait for his food. He can only eat when I say "Okay". I don't even have to tell him anymore. He knows to wait 'til "Okay".

I'm terribly sorry for the EXTREMELY long post, but I thought I'd give you a nice detailed description of what he's like, in hopes you can help me out. =P
Thanks so much- Laura

Dude, if you don't know anything, don't post. Simple as that. *cough*angel*cough*

Answer 1

At 15 weeks old your puppy is a baby. This is playing now but these are the beginings of dominant behavior.
You are dealing with a husky which is a very active breed and they need lots of running and lots of exercise to burn off some of the energy. Get him running lots.
The chow is an assertive dominant dog who will never excell at obdience. They are hard headed and do not take direction well at all. This is part of the breed. They sort of feel you are there to service them.
You will have to be firm and consistant with him.
As for the submissive thing pick a time whne you have all afternood and hold him down until he submits. It make take 20 mintues or more the first time. Once he learns that you will not give up he will. But you have not not give up if you do give in first it teaches him to be patient and you will gove up and he will learn that fast.
They can get your number and take advantage of the owner faster than you can blink.
I work with many dogs who know the owner will give in and boy do they learn to take advantage.
Watching the Dog Whisperer is good and more people should invest the time to watch and learn something. It would make my job easier.
Good luck with your puppy. Take your time and keep working on him it will pay off in the end.

Answer 2

Huskies and Chows are both very dominant dogs - a cross can be expected to be a challenge! It sounds like you're doing the right things....keep doing it. Some dogs WILL stare you down.
You say you can't do puppy classes because of cost. Look around for a 4-H club. There is a project you can take for dog training - there is usually no cost for these (at least in IL). A plus for this - socialization and a chance to compete and see how Steele really is. He's young but hasn't hit the REALLY stubborn stage yet. ;-) It's good that you have put time into learning and reading and your posts were very descriptive. You obviously have a good observation of him and insight into his behavior. We never stop learning. When he runs around you he's playing - that is submission. He doesn't look away but expresses it other ways. Check into 4-H though - it may be a way to get help and support without having to pay for classes.

Answer 3

Hey,
I'm srry to hear about all the trouble with your dog but in reality there's not much u can do. To answer your question, yes your dog is just playing. See, if your dog is part husky he will automatically have a crazy amount of energy because of the breed. On the other hand, chow's can be very nervous dogs. It's all in the breed. here's a story to help back the info. I babysit for a woman who has a chow and a chihuahua. they are both hyper but the chow will always bark at me for attention, so I walk towards him and then he runs away while barking at me still. So as you can tell, it's just that those dogs can be nervous sometimes and are hyper at the same time. I hope this helps! good luck, bye.

Answer 4

this is not a "dominant" issue,is your moms dog allowed to go in your room? that would explain the issuse of your dog peeing in your room he is trying to tell the little one to stay away from you,the backing up to you is him wanting you to scratch the top of his butt,right above his tail,me rottweiler does that too. the stare down thing,I do not know one dog that will look away from you in a stare down unless they are feeling the shame of doing something wrong or are the victim of abuse. I never read the dog whisperer but I have had big dogs me whole life(36 years) and the whole note you just wrote sounds like maybe the dog is a little on the bored side and does not get outside to play and run like big dogs should,one GREAT thing you could do is take him swimming at the local lake or something,that is great for building musscle and maybe it would be good if you and your dog could spend quality time together and he would enjoy it to as long as your moms dog was not with,it would also strengthen the bond between you and him therefore improving his behavior.

Answer 5

well your description is WAY TOO LONG...heres the deal, dogs are pets.... if you are listening to some quack off of TV on how to "train your dog" then you need help, not the dog! Try an obidience training course. Looking your dog in the eye? thats crap! Your dog is probably just playing because hes a puppy and that what puppies do. If you want a trained dog, get one that 2yrs or over, not 15 wks old...
If you have a problem with my answer and getting advice on a PUBLIC forum then dont post a public question, do the research yourself. If the fact that I insulted your precious "dog whisperer" bothers you then send me a private message and say so.....Good luck with your dog...*cough*b itch*cough*

Answer 6

Don't worry too much. He is only 15 weeks old. He is playing, but playing is also a kind of "testing the waters" to see what works and what does not work in his life. The important thing is for you to be consistant.

He could be a difficult breed and really really needs dog training to help teach both him and you. You should do anything you can to save up the money for a group dog training class that you take along with your dog. Ask the local animal shelter, dog boarding kennels, or even Petsmart or Petco to recommend a course.

Answer 7

"But he'll keep staring and after a lil' while, he'll bark at me. I mean, he'll bark like there's no tomorrow..."

Your puppy is exhibiting a combination of play and dominance attempts. Just like a human child, he is growing and learning behavior; he isn't fully formed yet. When you stare him in the eye, he is trying to decide just what it is that you want. And being a baby, he is likely to decide that you want to play! When you are doing things around him, such as in the kitchen where you say he stays, he will try to get your attention, or try to get you to do what he wants (dominance) just like a child. I don't know about chows, but I do know that huskies are rather pushy. The best thing to do is to be patient with him, as he is very young. And above all, BE CONSISTENT! One thing that causes a lot of problems with children, pups and even adults is confusion and frustration caused by inconsistency. Kids and pups are learning the rules of life, so we have to be patient and consistent in order to help them learn, and for them to grow up sound and stable.
Good luck!

Answer 8

You should enroll in a dog obedience class wher they will teach you first hand how to train your dog Visit the akc web sight click on clubs then search for a dog club near you that offers dog obed. training. avoid pet store classes

Answer 9

that was a long question but playing.

Answer 10

playing ..... holy shi.t that is long