We get it, your pup is adorable! His antics keep you and the family in stitches for hours, even when they are the result of indulgent behavior. However, such antics can soon become problematic and even dangerous as spoiled pups grow into alpha dogs. Even small dogs who present Napoleon Complexes, or Small Dog Syndrome, can wreak havoc on a home.
Perhaps your modern indulgent sensibilities may lead you to believe that asserting dominance over your pup is cruel or at the very least unnecessary. However, no matter how domesticated dogs are today, do not forget that all of them are descended from wolves and establishing a pack order is instinctual to them. Lesser members of a pack are submissive to the Alpha out of respect and out of love. This is how you should want your dog to feel about you, and, indeed, it is more comfortable for them to have a recognized pack order with you in charge.
Signs of Alpha Behavior
Ideally, dog parents will recognize the symptoms of a pup establishing dominance earlier rather than later, but at any stage of development the problem can and should be addressed. There are many signs of dominance, some subtle and many not so subtle:
- Food: In the wild the Alpha eats first, so in your home you should always eat first and be able to do so without Fido trying to snatch food. He should wait for you to put him food after you finish.
- Eye Contact: Does your dog avert his eyes when you make eye contact? He should as a sign of submission. Although your dog may maintain some eye contact with you if you have a strong bond, he should be the first to look away.
- Entering & Exiting: Your dog should not walk in or out of a door before you but should follow you.
- Best Spot in the House: The most comfortable chair or blanket belongs to the Alpha. Your dog may sit in your spot, when you are not there, if you choose to allow him on the furniture, but when you come to sit, he should move away from your spot.
- Waking Up: Do you wake your dog and tell him it’s time to go out or is it the other way around? You should be in charge of when he goes out.
- Jumping: Your dog should not jump on you; lesser pack members do not jump on the Alpha.
- Demand Barking: Fido should not “yell” demands at you, and you should not respond to these demands.
Prevention and Correction
Of course, establishing good habits and training pups to respect you from the beginning is easier than correcting unwanted behavior later. When training your new pup always let him follow your lead, and don’t let him walk in and out in front of you. Refrain from feeding Fido from your plate as you eat. Wait until you are finished, tell him to sit, and then put his food. When taking your pup on walks control where he is permitted to relive himself with the leash. These strategies let your pup know that you are in charge and not the other way around. Of course, never use physical punishment when training your pup; positive reinforcement will get you the results you want. Finally, remain calm when dealing with little Fido. In the wild, only the lesser pack members panic, while the Alpha retains control over herself and her environment.
The above training methods are perfect for prevention, but what about an older dog whose established some worrisome habits? It’s never too late to reinstate your alpha status and is indeed necessary for the peace and safety of your home. First, it is vital to remain calm and confident when dealing with alpha Fido; dominant dogs will not follow an unstable leader. Secondly, use meal and play times to your advantage by establishing your Alpha position at every chance. For example, at mealtimes give your dog a command to follow, such as sit or lay down, before getting his food and never feed him before you are finished eating. This shows him that you are in charge of when and how he eats. During playtime train your dog to do certain tasks or exercises. Dominant dogs appreciate having a job or purpose. These dogs will benefit from specialty or agility training. This gives them the chance to expend extra energy while learning to follow a certain order and method, as they learn to jump over and duck under obstacles, for example. Be firm and make sure you are not rewarding unwanted behavior with extra attention and unwarranted treats. This is especially a problem for pet parents of smaller breeds. Often the bad behavior of smaller dogs is tolerated or even encouraged because it seems cute. However, this could lead to “Small Dog Syndrome,” where the dog becomes bullyish and snaps and barks at his owners, until they submit to his every whim. Many of these dogs also become antisocial, as they are too indulged to interact normally with other dogs. This is not cute behavior and will create an unhappy, temperamental dog and a chaotic household.
Conclusion
Confusion in the pack order leads to a frustrated pup or dog, who constantly exhibits unwanted behavior. Let him/her know that you are the Alpha in your home, and he/she will happily give you the respect this position deserves. Establishing clear boundaries will give Fido the structure he craves and will make for a happier dog and a better companion and family member. Of course, if you find that you are unable to correct your pup’s or dog’s behavior, then contact a professional trainer sooner rather than later. This is especially important if your dog becomes aggressive or unpredictable. Aggression in a dominant dog is not a joke and poses a risk to you, your family, and the community.
