Can a force-driven young Rottweiler learn self-control without confrontation? Diesel is a 16 months old Rottie and onto his third home already. His new owners have had him for just five days and are determined to turn his life around. Force and dominance It is evident that people previously have Read more
Charlie’s is another clear case of a dog much more likely to be guarding – or protecting – when he’s already stirred up. This is evident by how his behaviour is variable.
When a dog begins growling around his bed, can forceful “show who’s boss” methods make the relationship worse rather than better? Trevor’s story is all about relationship, the relationship between the three-year-old Cocker Spaniel Beagle mix and the man. All was fine until Trevor began to growl when the man Read more
Being weaker and wary seems to make eleven-year-old Poppy a target. Dogs aren’t always sympathetic (I don’t actually know if they do ‘sympathy’ in the way that we do) but a yelp of fearfulness or pain can often trigger an attack from the already dominating dog.
Can trying to be the “alpha” actually cause aggression, fear and conflict in your dog?
I’m starting Johnny’s story with a little rant on dominance from my soap box.
As a force-free, modern trainer/behaviourist I don’t need to dominate a dog to get compliance.
I won’t say that dominance – being very firm and overpowering – doesn’t work. It can and it does. Sometimes.
In the old days I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know better and that is what I did until I learnt how inefficient it was. I have been there. I know what I’m talking about. Being kind and allowing the dog choices does not mean being permissive. I apply rules also. I don’t use force.
Many people still believe that being what they erroneously think is ‘being the Alpha’ is the right way to train and control their dog. It’s not helped by certain TV trainers who make a lot of money using old-fashioned techniques that look like quick fixes.
Few dog owners psychologically would make effective ‘Alphas’ anyway. (more…)
Why would a newly adopted dog start bullying the dog already living in the home? A week ago, their new rescue dog began to bully their other dog. Six-year-old Cookie is a cute and somewhat nervous, anxious little terrier. Rudi, a Wirehaired Terrier, joined them six weeks ago. It began Read more
Why can trying to control a dog through confrontation lead to aggression instead of obedience?
Confrontation and control from the man has recently started to bring out aggression and defiance in Connor. The more defiance he displayed, the firmer the gentleman became. (more…)
Frenchies Mac and Mabel fight. The lady has unfortunately been following outdated and harmful advice. A shaker can was in each room of the house. This always seems so sad to me. Someone who loves her dogs dearly and is both distressed and frightened by their fighting seeks help, and is Read more
“We must show the dog who’s boss”. Rex guards his food. Guarding food and resources can be a contentious issue where human response is concerned. Many conscientious dog owners, doing what they believe is best, follow dangerous, outdated notions. These techniques can involve, right from the start as routine training, Read more
The other day he charged a jogger who appeared around a bend. He was off lead. Having a dog the size of Albert charging at you, barking and with raised hackles, must be daunting whether you’re a person or another dog.