dog behavior training

One remedy to your dog showing alpha tendencies is to put your face close to your dog’s, preferably by leaning over it, providing of course that there isn’t a biting problem. You can then simulate growls, barks or even shout if necessary. This may not work the first time, but over time the dog will recognise this as alpha behavior similar to the type of contest that occurs in dog packs.

A common exhibition of alpha dog behavior is jumping at you. The dog is trying to get close to your face, and it may not be alpha behavior - it could just be seeking your attention. Whether or not you suspect this is alpha behavior, the best initial reaction is to make sure that your hands are in front of you and push it down, accompanying it with a “down” command as it drops, and not before. Do not push it forcefully as in mnay instances, the dog will see this as a game to which it will react - playfully for the dog, irritatingly for you! If the problem persists, you should consistently ignore her and if necessary, calmly turn away. When you feel the dog has got the message, to reinforce it you should stoop to its level and let it come to you. You may find it useful to “stare it down” carefully for no more than a few seconds as it reaches you, then praise it. Repeated, these techniques normally work well.

Training your dog to greet you fully when you are at her level, by crouching or kneeling, is good practice, and a very effective reinforcement to numerous training techniques.

Allowing dogs on furniture is not good from several perspectives, but in alpha terms can be seen as a concession, yielding your “ground”, which is going to encourage your dog to try other natural alpha behavior.

Feeding your dog only after you have eaten is a strong alpha signal, see the “dog begging for food” post for a little more explanation.

Most dogs, alpha types included, have a natural fear of being excluded from the pack so ignoring or physically separating her from the “pack”, be that a dog pack or the family, can be used to effect. However, some care is needed depending on the situation. The separation will probably be part of correcting another situation than alpha issues alone.