Recognizing Dominant Behaviors in Dogs

List of dominant behaviors which can occur in dogs (This list is not yet complete)

Besides the obvious guarding, growling and biting many dogs display a variety of dominant behaviors that commonly go unrecognized by their humans. Dogs very rarely display the highest level of dominance overnight. There are usually signs leading up to it over the years and dominant alpha dogs do not always growl and bite. If the owners are giving the dog what they want there sometimes is no reason for the dog to growl or bite unless they are challenged. Dogs understand that they exist in a human world. After all, who gives them food and opens the door for them to go potty? When humans perform these tasks on demand from the dog though, why wouldn't the dog think they're the leader? It is easy for dogs to get the impression they are alpha in their pack. Since many canine alpha behaviors are not acceptable in human society, for example biting being one of the alpha communication tactics it is important for humans to remain the leaders over their dogs.

Below are some common behaviors dogs display when they believe they are above humans. Keep in mind that a dog does not have to display all of these behaviors to be in a dominant frame of mind. Sometimes an alpha dog will only display a few of the behaviors and at random times, depending on what the dog decides they feel like doing at any given moment. Smarter dogs tend to challenge the pack order more than dogs of average or below average intelligence.

Stubbornness

Headstrong and willful

Demanding

Pushiness

Begging

Pushing a toy into you or pawing in order to get you to play with them.

Nudging to be pet.

Sitting in high places looking down on everything.

Guarding a human from others approaching. People like to call it 'protecting' but it's actually 'claiming'. Dog owns you.

Barking or whining at humans which many owners consider "talking" (without a command to do so).

High pitched screams in protest of something dog does not wish to do.

Jumping or putting their paws on humans (without a command to do so).

Persistence about being on a particular piece of furniture when you ask them to stay off (dog owns it).

Persistence about going in and out doorways before humans.

Persistence about walking in front of humans while on a lead.

Persistence about getting through the doorway first.

Refusing to walk on a lead. (excluding untrained puppies, dogs with injuries or illnesses)

Nipping at people's heels when they are leaving. (dog did not give permission to leave).

Not listening to known commands.

Dislikes people touching their food.

Standing proud on a human lap.

Persistence about being on top, be it a lap or stepping on your foot.

Persistence about where they sleep, i.e. on your pillow.

Annoyance if disturbed while sleeping.

Likes to sleep on top of their humans.

Licking (giving kisses) in a determined and focused manner.

Caring themselves with a proud gait, head held high.

Not liking to be left alone and getting overly excited upon the humans return. (See Separation Anxiety in Dogs)

Dominant Stance

Just looking at a dog and the way he carries himself can tell you what frame of mind the dog is in. For example a dominant dog will walk high and proud, puffing themselfs out as much as they can. He carries himself with what looks like dignity to the untrained human eye. The body is carried stiffly, tail is up and rigid, ears are on alert.

Submissive Stance

Submissive dogs on the other hand carry themselves in quite the opposite way. They hold their heads low, shoulders are down, tails down, slinking themselves smaller. To the untrained human eye it looks like a submissive dog is a sad dog. Not so, the posture of these submissive dogs is telling all around them that they do not wish to challenge anyone. They come in peace. Dogs are fight animals, which means their natural defense mechanism is to fight when they are threatened. That is why they make it so obvious that they do not wish to fight or that they do.

Since dominant dogs look so proud and we all have to admit, cute if you don't know what the dog is really saying, and submissive dogs kind of look sad since they hold their heads low and slink themselves down, it's no wonder so many people have dominant dogs. When their dog acts submissive they mistake that for a sad dog. When their dog acts dominant they mistake it for a happy proud dog. Dominance tends to get rewarded.

Eight year old Emiliano "mastering the walk" with Darley the Beagle mix. Dogs have an instinct to migrate and an instinct to have the leader lead the way. Teaching a dog to heel on a lead is the single most effective way to communicate to them who is the leader of your pack. Dogs are happiest when they can be secure about the order. Humans are happiest when their dogs are relaxed, and respectful of their surroundings. When dogs are allowed to walk in front of the humans while on a lead it is communicating to them that they are above the human in the order. When the pack order is not made clear it causes dogs a lot of stress and anxiety. Have you mastered the walk with your dog?

To learn more about dog psychology and what makes a dog tick, we strongly suggest Cesar Millan DVD's and or Cesar Millan Books to every dog owner, from Chihuahua to Pit Bull. An excellent guide to communicating with, understanding,  and controlling your dog.

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