This article was written for dog owners who believe they have a problem with aggression or poor behavior with their family dog.
We get a lot of emails from people who believe they have dominant dogs. Very few dogs are truly dominant. We feel the vast majority of the people who email us dont have dominant dogs but rather they have dogs that have never learned rules. For lack of a better description, I call them dogs that have never learned “pack structure rules”.
With that said, a dog without rules bites his owner just as hard and does just as much damage as a dominant dog who bites his owner. The difference is that its easier to rehabilitate a dog without rules than it is to rehabilitate a truly dominant dog.
This article will talk about mistakes people make in living with dogs that lead to bad or aggressive behavior. I first wrote the article in the 1990s and have updated it several times since.
I will begin by saying, the internet is filled with well-meaning people who offer opinions on dog training. Those opinions are all based on that persons experience and that persons training with their dogs. Unfortunately, the advice that the vast majority of these people offer on dog aggression is at best, inaccurate and at worst, dangerous.
For that reason, I will mention a little of my background. While I have owned dogs since the 1950s, Ive trained my first German Shepherd in 1962. In 1974, I attended my first Schutzhund seminar and in 1978, my first police service dog training seminar. I also started breeding German Shepherds that were selection tested for police service work. From 1990 to 2000, I worked as a K9 handler in our local Sheriffs department. During all these years, it has been my passion to study the art of breeding and training working dogs.
When I ask people about their dog bite scars, I get the same answer: “I made a mistake with that dog.” The fact is, getting dog bit always comes down to misreading the signals a dog gives and/or making mistakes in how we handle our dogs.
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is failing to recognize signs, signals, or warnings that dogs offer before they bite. Pet owners dont understand how strong pack instinct is in their family dog. This lack of understanding is what gets them into trouble.
Dogs, by nature, are social animals. Their instinct makes them want to be part of a social group. This is the same for horses, chickens, and many other species. Each social group is a hierarchy of members.
There is a saying in the dog world that there are no equals within a group of dogs. Every social group will have its own pecking order. Lower-ranking members always defer to higher-ranking members. If the group doesnt have a clear leader, one member will always step forward to become the leader even if its not genetically predisposed to leadership. Whats interesting is that many times, a dog that finds itself at the top of the social group doesnt feel comfortable in that position.
Rank is almost always communicated through subtle behaviors that each member of the pack understands and respects. Over time leaders will always establish their own set of rules that all members of the pack are expected to live by. There are well-understood consequences for breaking rules.
Dog owners can and must learn to become leaders even if they are not predisposed to leadership. They need to think about establishing their own set of rules that their dog is expected to live by. These rules can be no biting the leader, no inappropriate aggression to visitors, no jumping up on people, stay away from small children, etc.
Owners must also learn to be 100% consistent in enforcing those rules. When a dog believes that every single time it breaks a rule there will be some form of consequence, that dog is less likely to break a rule. Once that threshold is reached (where the dog accepts and lives within the framework of the leaders rules), that dog becomes an easy dog to live with.
For that to happen, dog owners and their dogs must come to an understanding that every single time the dog breaks a rule, there will be some form of consequence. This doesnt necessarily mean the dog gets a strong physical correction every time. Some dogs, with soft temperaments, may only need a verbal warning while other dogs need a leash correction for the same infraction. Learning to evaluate temperaments falls under the category of “the art of dog training”.
Just as important, owners must be consistent. They cant pick and choose when to apply a consequence. If they do this, they end up with a dog that will pick and choose when to obey a rule. Inconsistency always leads to some level of behavioral issues.
Have you ever watched your furry friend suddenly transform during a playdate at the dog park? One minute they’re wagging their tail happily, and the next they’re standing tall with their chest puffed out, staring down another pooch. What you’re witnessing is a fascinating display of canine social dynamics – your dog is showing dominance behavior.
As a dog owner for many years, I’ve observed countless interactions between my pups and other dogs. These dominance displays are actually perfectly normal communication methods that dogs use to establish their place in the social hierarchy. Understanding these behaviors can help you better manage your dog’s interactions and prevent potential conflicts.
Common Ways Dogs Show Dominance Over Other Dogs
Dogs have developed a sophisticated language of body postures and behaviors to assert dominance. Here are the most common ways they display their authority:
1. Body Positioning and Posture
One of the most obvious ways dogs assert dominance is through their physical positioning:
- Standing over another dog: A dominant dog will literally place their body over a more submissive dog, sometimes placing their head or paws on the other dog’s back or shoulders
- Blocking pathways: They may position themselves in doorways or narrow passages to control another dog’s movement
- Maintaining higher ground: Dominant dogs often prefer elevated positions like furniture or stairs to establish their superior status
My Husky, Max, always tries to stand slightly above our smaller dog when they’re playing It’s his way of saying “I’m in charge here!”
2. Facial Expressions and Vocalizations
Dogs use their faces and voices to communicate dominance clearly
- Direct eye contact/staring: Prolonged, unwavering eye contact is a clear dominance signal
- Baring teeth: Showing teeth, often accompanied by snarling or growling
- Growling and barking: Vocalizations that warn other dogs to back down
- Raised hackles: The fur along their back and neck stands up to make them appear larger
3. Resource Guarding
Dominant dogs often control access to valued resources:
- Food protection: Growling when another dog approaches their food bowl
- Toy possession: Refusing to share toys or taking toys from other dogs
- Owner guarding: Preventing other dogs from approaching their human
4. Physical Interactions
Some dominance behaviors involve direct physical contact:
- Mounting behavior: This isn’t always sexual – it’s often a display of dominance
- Placing head or paws on another dog’s body: A clear signal of rank
- Pushing or shouldering: Using their body to physically move another dog out of the way
The Difference Between Normal Dominance and Problematic Behavior
It’s super important to understand that dominance behaviors aren’t inherently bad. Dogs naturally establish hierarchies when they interact with each other. However, there’s a clear line between normal social communication and problematic aggression.
Normal Dominance Behaviors:
- Brief and situational
- Don’t cause injury
- The other dog typically responds with appropriate submissive signals
- Tension resolves quickly
Problematic Dominance Aggression:
- Excessive or intense displays
- Results in fights or injuries
- Occurs frequently and unpredictably
- Causes stress or fear in other dogs
- Escalates rather than resolves
Why Dogs Show Dominance: Understanding the Root Causes
Several factors influence how likely your dog is to display dominant behaviors:
1. Age and Developmental Stage
Puppies rarely display true dominance behaviors. These typically emerge as dogs mature, often becoming more pronounced during adolescence (6-18 months). Older, more confident dogs tend to be more assertive in multi-dog households.
2. Breed Tendencies
While any dog can show dominance, certain breeds were historically selected for leadership traits:
- Guardian breeds like Rottweilers and German Shepherds
- Working breeds like Siberian Huskies and Malamutes
- Some terriers like Jack Russell Terriers
These dogs often have stronger natural tendencies toward assertive behaviors.
3. Past Experiences and Socialization
A dog’s history significantly impacts their dominance style
- Limited early socialization often leads to poor communication skills
- Dogs who have “won” confrontations may become more confident in displaying dominance
- Dogs who’ve been attacked might overcompensate with dominance displays
4. Environmental Factors
The context matters enormously:
- Resource availability (limited toys, food, attention)
- Overcrowded spaces
- Stressful environments
- Inconsistent household rules
Managing Dominance Behaviors in Your Dog
If your dog is showing excessive dominance toward other dogs, there are effective ways to manage this behavior:
1. Proper Training and Leadership
Dogs need clear boundaries and consistent guidance:
- Establish yourself as a calm, confident leader
- Use positive reinforcement training methods
- Reward calm, non-dominant behaviors
- Practice basic obedience daily
2. Controlled Socialization
Carefully manage your dog’s interactions:
- Choose playmates wisely – start with relaxed, well-socialized dogs
- Monitor play sessions closely
- Interrupt mounting, excessive staring, or other dominance displays
- Create positive associations with other dogs
3. Environmental Management
Set your dog up for success:
- Provide separate feeding areas if you have multiple dogs
- Ensure each dog has their own resting space
- Remove high-value toys when dogs are together initially
- Give equal attention to all dogs in the household
4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is less likely to engage in problematic dominance:
- Provide regular physical exercise appropriate for your dog’s breed and age
- Offer mental enrichment through puzzle toys, training, and nose work
- Establish regular routines that create predictability
When to Seek Professional Help
Some dominance issues require professional guidance:
- When dominance escalates to aggression
- If your dog injures another dog
- When you can’t safely interrupt dominance displays
- If dominance behaviors are increasing despite your interventions
Consult with a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist who uses positive, science-based methods.
Common Myths About Canine Dominance
There are many outdated ideas about dog dominance that need correction:
Myth 1: You must physically dominate your dog to stop dominance behaviors
Reality: Physical intimidation usually increases aggression and fear, not obedience.
Myth 2: Dominant dogs are always aggressive
Reality: Many confident, socially savvy dogs can assert dominance subtly without aggression.
Myth 3: Small dogs can’t be dominant
Reality: Even tiny dogs can display dominance behaviors toward larger dogs or people.
Myth 4: Letting your dog “fight it out” helps establish hierarchy
Reality: This dangerous approach risks injury and teaches dogs that aggression works.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach
Understanding dominance behaviors in dogs gives us valuable insight into their social world. By recognizing the natural ways dogs communicate status and hierarchy, we can better manage their interactions and prevent problems before they start.
Most importantly, remember that your relationship with your dog shouldn’t be based on domination but rather on mutual respect, clear communication, and positive guidance. With consistent leadership and proper training, even the most dominant-natured dog can learn to interact harmoniously with other canines.
Have you noticed dominance behaviors in your dog? What approaches have worked best for you in managing these behaviors? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Adult Dogs and Toys
Years ago, when I first wrote this article, it contained a number of ways to get a toy away from a dominant dog. That was a mistake. Dominant dogs dont need any toys. If the dog is truly dominant and the owner thinks he needs to work with tug toys, then he needs to find a local professional who really understands the application of force on a dangerous dog.
A dog with dominance issues is never allowed to be in the kitchen or dining room while the family eats. If the dog is a house dog, put the dog away during dinner hours. Again, its a simple solution to control the dogs environment.
The worst thing that can happen is to feed a dominant dog from the table. Again, the pack leader always eats first and gets the best pieces of food. If your dog is a house dog, put him in the dog crate or another room at mealtime.
Feeding the dog from the table will only worsen your problems.
Showing Aggression Towards Family Friends
A dog that shows aggression toward certain visitors to the house is asserting a form of dominance. People with small dogs think this may be cute while others are pleased that their dog is being protective. Both are wrong. This behavior needs to be controlled. The dog needs to be taught that this behavior is unacceptable.
The best solution is to put the dog in his crate or put him in a different room when guests come over. When you show him that you control his environment all the time, you are establishing yourself as the leader. In a pack, the pack leader is the one that determines who fights and when. If we allow our dogs to determine who to attack on their own, we are allowing his dominance to take hold.
People that protection train dogs (in Schutzhund or police work) may be thinking that this is bogus because these dogs go out and work on their own. The fact is that Schutzhund dogs, personal protection dogs, and/or police service dogs do not work on their own. Through training, the handler establishes the rules of engagement. The dog learns when it is and is not acceptable to bite. Protection training helps establish pack order as long as everything else in the dogs life related to dominance is done properly.
We get a lot of emails from people asking how they can teach their dog that their child can be their dogs pack leader. The answer is YOU CAN”T. There is no way on earth to teach a dominant adult male dog that a 4 or 5-year-old child is the dogs pack leader.
What your goal should be is to teach the dog that one of your pack leader rules is to not show aggression to children and if need be, to stay away from the children. This becomes an obedience issue. With this said, the children must also learn to stay away from the dog. I find it interesting how often I see people who have dominant dogs and children that I would consider out of control.
Dog Aggression Towards Other Dogs Put a Stop to Dominant Behavior & Dog Aggression NOW!
FAQ
How do dogs assert dominance over other dogs?
Dogs assert dominance over other dogs through various behaviors, such as mounting, standing over another dog, or placing their head or paw on the other dog’s body. Dominance can also be displayed through aggressive body language, like raised hackles, direct eye contact, or baring teeth.
How do dogs show dominance?
1. Baring of teeth, snarling, and growling Dogs will show their dominance in a plethora of varying ways. However, most commonly, they will bare their teeth, snarl, growl, or bark at other canines that venture too close to their food, favorite toy, or territory.
What is dominance in dogs?
Understanding this behavior can provide crucial insights into effectively managing and maintaining harmonious relationships between dogs, pets and their owners. Dominance in dogs refers to a hierarchical relationship, often observed within a social group, where one dog asserts its control or influence over another.
How do you deal with a dominant dog?
Recognizing and addressing dominant behaviors in dogs is crucial for establishing a healthy relationship and maintaining an orderly household. Jumping: Dogs often jump up on their owners or visitors as a way of asserting dominance. To discourage this behavior, consistently turn your back and ignore your dog when it jumps.
What causes dominant behavior in dogs?
Here are some causes of dominant behavior in dogs. Insufficient exposure to other animals during a dog’s critical socialization period can result in behavioral issues, including dominance. Proper socialization helps dogs learn appropriate social skills and reduces the likelihood of developing dominant behaviors.
Why do dogs seek dominance?
Dogs seeking dominance may exhibit attention-seeking behaviors to divert attention away from other dogs. This can involve nudging or pushing their way in between their parent and another dog to receive exclusive attention. A dominant dog may claim furniture as their own territory and refuse to relinquish it when prompted.
How can I tell if my dog is dominant over other dogs?
A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap, or even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give up a toy, treat, or resting place.
How to stop a dog from asserting dominance over other dogs?
To discourage dominant behavior in your dog, focus on positive reinforcement training techniques that promote respectful behavior and reinforce your role as the leader. Consistency, clear communication, and setting boundaries are key to addressing dominance issues effectively.
How do you tell which of your dogs is alpha?
The best way to identify the alpha pup amongst a litter is by spending time watching a litters behavior. Identifying who is alpha female and male is established during the few months that the pups are nursing, well up to the introduction of solid food. Who is more aggressive and wants to eat first is what to look for.
How do dogs try to establish dominance?
- Growling, and snapping at you; biting you; being food and toy possessive. Pulling on the leash during walks…they’re walking you, they’re leading you, deciding where y’all gonna go.
- Mounting you or your leg and humping is a very clear sign.
- These are the clearest, most obvious expressions of dominance.