How to control dominance?

Question

My dog is 3 months old and he chooses sometimes to listen to my older siblings and I but sometimes he chooses not to obey us. We are in the training class but he still seems to think he's the dominant one when it comes to playing with him or when we try to pick him up. We are using the techniques learned in the class but he still growls and snaps at us when we try teaching him his commands.

Answer 1

Hi Sheela. I understand your problem with a dominant dog. It must have happened since he was spoiled or unattended to while growing, so now he thinks he's the alpha male. No problem, he should grow out of this stage eventually as he gets older. He probably growls and snaps because you may be doing something that may "threaten" him-- like taking away his food or lurking nearby while he eats or sleeps. Like when you're trying to pick him up, he probably doesn't want to be picked up, so he growls.

Best thing to do is pet him, reassure him that he can trust you and continue your business (like picking him up) even if he growls. If you stop when he growls or show any fear, he will think he can get what he wants by growling. So the best thing to do is reassure him and say "No!" while he growls. If he bites you or snaps at you, grab him by the scruff of his neck, growl back "No!" and pin him down on the ground (without hurting him) until he subsides his anger. Good luck!

Answer 2

If your dog is showing signs of aggression (that would be the growling and snapping) you don't want to use alpha rolls and "submission holds" or anything similar. Please talk to your trainer asap about the problems. Arrange to come early or stay late at the next class. Any trainer who's good enough to teach a class will take a bit of extra time to help. Do not get into an "alpha contest" with this dog unless you're looking to get bitten.
Positive training is not permissive training. You are not a Pez dispenser, mindlessly handing over treats. You're interacting with your dog and showing him what you want, and you're also purposely not rewarding what you don't want. Keep this in mind!

Answer 3

Growling and snapping at you is unacceptable. Just to let him know that, buy a soft muzzle and put it on him every time he snaps or growls at any people. When you put it on, don't act angry - just matter of fact. And leave it on first 5 minutes, then 10, etc., - but no longer than an hour.

He will learn the word "muzzle" pretty quickly, and will probably outgrow needing it once he knows you are dominant and he is pack follower. A muzzle takes all power away from a dog and gives it to you. You need to establish this right away.

Answer 4

You should watch the Dog Whisperer. His name is Cesar Millan. He has a show on the discovery channel, and he also wrote a book, and i think he would really help you with your dominance problem. At the clinic where i work we also put puppies into a submisive hold, we hold them down on their side until they stop fighting, then you let them up. You don't hurt them by doing this, you just hold their two bottom legs and use your arms to hold him down. And everyone in the household should know how to do this, ESPECIALLY the kids. They need to know that you are all above him in the 'pack order.' But it is good that you are noticing that it is a problem. A lot of people don't even notice that their dog is trying to be dominant. Good Luck, i hope Cesar helps you.

Answer 5

Get control Now or Never. Dogs Are Pack Animals. It is important for You To let your dog know that you are the "alpha" Dog. This is not difficult. first, get down on your hands and knees and play with your dog for a few minutes. Next, GENTLY pull the dogs legs out from under it and cover its body with yours and hold the dog firmly. The pup will wiggle and try to get loose. Do Not let the pup go until it stops trying to get loose, "submits" then let the pup go. Be careful not to hurt the pup this must be done daily for 1 or 2 weeks the pup will learn that you are the boss
You May also need to grrrrr....... at the pup while holding the pup down to get your point across. This is how i got my Dogs to Be the Great Pets they are today. Be Patient and good luck

Answer 6

Think of your self as the leader of the pack, even one dog still has the instinct of packs. what would a leader dog do: they do a stance give unmoving eye contact higher then the dog there trying to dominate, stair, and raise there lip until eather the other dog backs down or they fight. now there is a human way to be a leader without lifting the lip or fighting with the dog. grab the dog by the scruff of the neck lift him up to your eye level give him the eye. 9 times out of ten they weaken quickly. after a time he will know who is boss and why... oh dont put him close enough for him to bit the face just in case, but really I bleieve he will back down..Ive done this for years to show I'm the leader and dont mess with me and I just saw the same thing on dog whispers. "with the master of dogs". always try to use a low tone and the same tone when you want him to know he better not challange you and soon he will be tought with just a hand comand even with the kids, have pations it will work but persistance pervals.... hang in there its worth it leader....

Answer 7

you need to take your concerns to the trainer doing the class. since i have no idea what her methods are anyone giving you advice could make the situation worse. stay with the trainer you chose. and if you don't think it's working for you then try another one. if you start trying all these different techniques and then take your dog to class to learn another set the dog is going to become confused as what to expect and what is expected of him and it could make matters worse. talk to the trainer, that is what your parents are paying them for. good luck. and never put yourself in harms way. your safety is way more important than this dog.

Answer 8

he's trying to show that he's the alpha male, and best thing to do is to show him that youre boss.... vets will tell you that if you prove that you're the alpha dog to them, that this type of behavior will stop. when he does it, turn him over onto his side, and hold him down on the floor by the neck,,, don't hurt him, of course, just hold him down until he stops fighting back, and tell him NO very sternly. it mimics what the alpha in the pack would do to another dog.

Also, don't feed them until you and your family are done eating. first to eat is the alpha. keep that in mind.

good luck!!! most dog behavior is status related... the humping the leg thing, the mean about food behavior, growling at men,,,,,, everything is part of it. try that for a week or two, and see what happens.

our shitzu used to do that too, now, shes just to old to care....
my dauschund used to hump legs, till i tried this, and it worked sooooo well, it only took one day and it broke her of it.

and if he starts barking, don't yell at him, just go and hold him down. yelling at him, mimics barking in his language, so, he'll just continue doing it, even louder.

good luck!!!

Answer 9

if your in a training class with petsmart...stop going...they reward your dog for no absolute reason...the thing is dogs can be stubbern so you have to show them what is good and what is bad so when he does something good...reward him however you like...treats or w/e ...when he dosnt do what you want ...dont reward him...and as far as like walking or w/e...train him to stay at your side always ..dont let him wonder off and sniff things with out your promision....leting him do that is a treat..so you can do that and the snaping thing is just something you have to disaplen him for...let him know its not good for him to do that...but dont lose your temper b/c if you do hes going to pick up on it and hes going to start actin crazy like so yea.......that also depends on what breed of dog you have too lol

Answer 10

I recommend keeping w/the obedience lessons and using "Nothing In Life Is Free"...

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/nothingfree.htm

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103217&highlight=fearful

http://www.greyhoundlist.org/nothing_is_free.htm

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/basic_training_techniques.html

EDIT: Children, especially, should not attempt scruff shakes, rolls and the like...that's asking for trouble. Please, continue w/the lessons and begin NILF...safe ways to get the dog under control.