What is the definition of a dominating dog?

Question

Does it mean they are hard to handle and stubborn? Or does it simply mean they need firm training?

Answer 1

A dominant dog is both hard to handle, stubborn and needs firm training. A dominant dog is one who constantly vies with you (and other dogs and people) for the alpha position in the social hierarchy of their "pack". They are pushy, bossy, stubborn and aggressive towards others and always attempt to establish themselves as leader of the pack. A dominant dog begs for your food and may even growl if you dont give them some, they respond with aggression or indifference to simple commands such as "get down" (off the couch,bed etc) sit, no, laydown etc, they always resist your authority and often do not obey those they consider below them in the social hierarchy. A dominant dog wants to be the boss over everyone and everything, they demand the most attention, the best spots to sit, the best food and the right to eat first, and take others food and most of all they demand others submit to their authority.. a dominant dog never asks for anything they take what they want and they do what they want.. Thats why it is so important to understand the social hierarchy of dogs so you can learn how to be the Alpha dog.. it is essential that a dominant dog have an owner who understands how to fulfill the role of alpha so that the dog doesnt feel the need to take that place himself. If you have a dominant dog, you need to know how to fulfill your role as the even more dominant individual. You dont have to be cruel or abusive you just have to know how to walk the walk and talk the talk of the one and only master of everything... you have to learn how to be domineering, demanding, immovable and completely unquestionable in your authority.. you need to be a merciless tyrant in your demands you need to BE the alpha otherwise a dominant dog will do it for you..

Answer 2

A dominant dog has an independent character. It can make decisions for itself and will if left to it's own devices. Most submissive dogs will take instruction and leave all the decisions to there owners even if the owners are incompetant.
Dominant dogs want to be pack leaders and will take charge if they see weakness in the owner. If they feel they are pack leader this is when trouble can happen. Firstly, they will see it as there responsibility to protect the pack. This means over aggression and a willingness to attack. Secondly, they expect all other pack members (inc. humans) to submit to there demands and will attack the owners if it has too, to get it's own way. Thirdly, a dominant dog that has fear issues - Like is a small dog that is scared of other dogs (but not it's human owners) will literaly go mad and behave strange when threatened.
Anyway - YOU MUST BE PACK LEADER.

Answer 3

NO it is dominant with other dogs. It wants to be alpha in the pack. All of my dogs are dominant with other dogs but do what ever I say. Putting two dominant dogs together can often be a bad mix for someone that doesn't have much experience with them but if it is going to be your only dog it will be fine. Often you will find that having another submissive dog is very entertaining. They will play together and have a great time exercising while you watch.

Answer 4

Dominance in dogs is frequently misunderstood - fearful behavior and behavior that is a result of simple confusion are often misinterpreted as dominant behavior, with the result that when they are addressed as 'dominance' issues and physical corrections are used, the problem often worsens, and your bond with your dog is damaged.

If you think your dog is having dominance issues (or even if it's not), using the "Nothing In Life Is Free" training method is the best way to establish yourself as the true Alpha dog in your home.
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/nilif.pdf

It's effective, humane, and more closely mimics the real way that Alpha dogs relate to their pack mates, by having you control the resources and be a good leader.

Answer 5

It means they are strong willed and have big attitude..
A dominant dog knows what he wants and sets out to get it any way he can.
Dominant dogs have problems with position in the family/pack
and they can be especially insistent and pushy.

Yes they can be very difficult to handle.

Answer 6

A dominating dog is one who wants to control instead of being controlled. You can tell if a dog is dominate or submissive, by turning the dog on his back. If he/she allows you to do this, they are submissive. If not they are dominate.

Dominate dogs are good companions and watch dogs, however they need training.

Answer 7

ok, my dog,... is very dominating. they will try to lay on you, hump you, be very aggressive. they are going to be very stubborn but you have to show them who is boss. start out when they are puppies. dont let them get their way, if you play a game with them you HAVE TO WIN! they need good training yes, but they also need love. d

dont give up on a dominate dog. mine is the best dog in the world and he is the most dominate i have ever seen.

Answer 8

yes they can be stubbon and do often need firm training.
a dominant dog thinks its the leader and is in charge and acts accordinly..

Answer 9

pretty much - it means they want to be the "leader of the pack"
and - yes - they need to be trained VERY firmly - depending on the breed, sometimes they won't lose that sense of dominance, and will always try to get away w/ "stuff"

I had a female malamute that thought she was the boss
good luck!!!

Answer 10

all the above