Dominance in dogs can be frightening for owners. Some dogs will attempt to assert their dominance over humans, including their owner, in addition to fighting other dogs in their pack. There will be specific behaviors to watch for regardless of the person the dog is attempting to dominate. You can stop your dog from trying to dominate you or your family by being aware of the behaviors to watch out for.
According to dog training author Lisa Giroux, a dog can assert dominance over other dogs and/or humans by growling, snapping, and biting. The risk to everyone involved is greatest when dogs attempt to assert their dominance in this way. If your dog exhibits this behavior, you must take action to stop it. If there are two dogs involved, you can try to avoid showing favoritism toward one over the other and feed them separately to prevent fights over food. The dominant dog may growl to shoo the other dogs away from the owner or the food when using growling to establish dominance over them. It’s best to consult a professional if your dog is attempting to dominate you. Keep in mind that growling can refer to a variety of emotions, including fear, anxiety, stress, pain, or playfulness.
Dogs attempting to assert their dominance will also attempt to prevail. The dog may try to stand taller or even try to pin the other dog under him in an effort to assert dominance over them. Even small dogs may attempt to dominate their owners by sleeping on top of them, standing on their feet, or climbing up the back of the couch.
Dogs Life Magazine claims that refusing to comply with your commands, being defiant, being demanding, and even nudging you to pet her are all examples of dominant behavior. It can be simple to brush off this behavior, but doing so can encourage it and encourage the dog to continue seeking out opportunities to dominate you.
A dog’s standing posture can reveal a lot about his place in the pack. Dogs who walk around other dogs with their heads down are submissive. However, a dog that is growling while lowering his head is aggressive. While dominant dogs will stand tall and stiff, submissive dogs will appear more relaxed and unassuming. They will try to appear as large as possible with their heads raised. The dog appears to be proud of himself, and he is, because he believes he is the alpha.
Environmental Causes of Dominant Dog Behavior
Some pet owners give their dogs too much freedom inside the home, which can lead to dominance aggression. Furthermore, dog owners who don’t correct their dogs when they act hostilely toward submissive animals risk unintentionally escalating dominant behaviors.
What Dogs Are the Most Dominant?
Even though young puppies can occasionally display dominant dog behavior, it typically appears once an animal reaches adulthood. Between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, a dog’s temperament will start to show signs of aggression, which is more prevalent in males than females. Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Pitbulls, Siberian Huskies, and Jack Russell Terriers are some of the most aggressive dog breeds.
Dogs will exhibit dominance around other animals, people, or both. However, many dogs will reserve their dominance aggression for other dogs. You might observe that your dog is acting impolitely, guarding food and toys, nipping at other dogs, or biting them.
It’s not uncommon for dominance aggression to appear in most dogs on occasion. This may occur while they are growing and maturing, but in most instances, it won’t develop into serious dominant dog behavior. However, certain circumstances can increase the chances of your pet developing ongoing dominance aggression.
Why Growling is NOT Always a Bad Thing
Dogs use growling to warn others that there is a problem that requires a solution. A dog growling at you might mean that they perceive you as the problem. They are trying to figure out how to act, and this is when people label growling behavior as bad behavior. If a dog is looking at something and growling simultaneously, you would appreciate the dog for alerting you.
FAQ
How do you tell if my dog is trying to dominate me?
Staring, excessive low-range barking, snarling, growling and snapping, standing tall, holding ears erect, and/or carrying tail high and moving it stiffly from side to side are all indications of a dominant and aggressive dog. Be cautious, though, as aggressive dominant dogs frequently don’t show any signs before biting.
How do dogs choose alpha human?
Based on previous positive interactions and socialization, dogs select their favorite people. Puppies up to 6 months old are in their crucial socialization period because, like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop.
Do dogs sit on you to assert dominance?
Dogs frequently use the act of sitting on people as a way to assert their dominance and feel higher up. Your dog may be trying to establish his dominance if you catch him growling or barking at other animals while he’s on your lap.
How do I show my dog I am the Alpha?
Several times a day, request that he move out of your way. If he’s lying down in a hallway, gently shuffling your feet through him will cause him to get up and move. The alpha never walks around his littermates. Be the parent and refuse to let your dog treat you like a sibling.