Signs of a Dominant Dog and What Causes It

Your dog puts is front feet on your lap and licks your face. You think he is being cute and affectionate, but that would be a mistake. Your dog is showing signs of a dominant dog.

You know how sly dogs can be, right? They sneak away after you’ve told them to stay. They make their way to your coffee table and steal a cookie off the plate when you aren’t paying attention. You tell them not to do something and after a short period of cooperation, they are back at it.

Yes, dogs are sly, especially when they want something, and especially if they are dominant dogs.

In many cases they are forcing you to pay attention to them.

  • Looking sad and hurt
  • Barking
  • Bringing you his toys persistently
  • Nudging your hand to be petted
  • Leaning against you with his body
  • Sitting on your foot

Other signs of a dominant dog include:

  • Getting up on the furniture
  • Sleeping in your bed
  • Doing whatever he wants, regardless of what you say
  • Pawing your knee
  • Getting on your lap
  • Raising his nose to get higher than you

What Causes Dog Dominance?

Dog dominance is born into them. They have a strong drive to be the leader. They not unlike humans in this respect. Some of us are leaders while others are quite content to follow.

The strength of this drive is totally dependent on the individual dog and the breed of dog. It’s also how they have learned, through improper behavior training at a young age. Throughout their lives, they have made it their ambition to do whatever it takes to get your attention and put you in your place.

If you can teach your dog to trust you and respect you as the pack leader, your dog will be much happier and content, less anxious.

In this week’s issue of Dog Talk Weekly, I discuss some ways to curb dog dominance behavior. If you haven’t signed up yet, go ahead. It’s FREE!

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One Response to Signs of a Dominant Dog and What Causes It

  1. I have two Lhasa Apso dogs, a brother and sister. It was interesting to see that the female quickly became the dominant one out of the two. This kind of showed up when I first met them at the breeders as Roxie seemed more outgoing than Chester. Also, I saw Roxie fight off another brother when they were in their playpen. This carried on into their adulthood. Now Chester usually tries to dominant his neighbourhood dog friends. I guess he wants to boss over some dogs since he can’t do it at home!

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