How to handle a dominant dog?

Many people, including experienced trainers, misunderstand the essence of the problem of dominance in dogs. They believe that dominance can only be suppressed by force. Just crush the dog and end it! here is a common approach to the problem. In most cases, this approach is incorrect. In addition, many believe that dominance is a problem only in dogs of large breeds and are mistaken. For example, a large dog is able to send you to the hospital, the small of your child. Dominance in all its manifestations must be fought, and if the dominant dog cannot be completely subordinated, then it must be controlled no matter what size the dog is.

Doberman on the sleeve, photo dog training photo
Doberman. Grip on the sleeve. © Photo by Julia Boldinova
Dogs are pack animals, and the best way to learn more about dominance is to study pack behavior. For this, the study of the behavior of dominant individuals in wolf packs should be used first of all. In a wolf pack there is always a dominant pair of animals, which, without entering into direct confrontation with the rest of the pack, maintains a leading position exclusively with the help of various skillful tricks. The main role in maintaining a dominant position in the pack is played, in particular, by body position and posture. Continue reading →