{"id":202,"date":"2013-02-04T11:33:11","date_gmt":"2013-02-04T19:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thedoginc.com\/?p=202"},"modified":"2013-02-04T11:33:11","modified_gmt":"2013-02-04T19:33:11","slug":"dominance-bad-dog-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/dominance-bad-dog-behavior\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Dominance the Cause of Most Bad Dog Behavior?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/the-dominant-dog-dealing-with-dominance-in-dogs\">Dog dominance<\/a> has gotten a lot of attention in the last few years due to <a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/cesar-millan-the-good-and-the-bad-of-the-dog-whisperer\">Cesar Millan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Cesar Millan places a heavy emphasis on dog dominance and pack leadership in his dog training show, The Dog Whisperer. The Dog Whisperer airs on the National Geographic Channel and is currently the most popular dog training program.<\/p>\n<p>Often, there is much confusion and debate surrounding the concept of dog dominance. Some people cannot stop talking about it, and attribute all the ills of their furry friend on the dreaded d-word. Others, ban the mention of the d-word from their forums, claim that there is no such thing as dog dominance, and continually decry that the so-called <em>dominance theory<\/em> has been debunked.<\/p>\n<p>Here, I want to consider dog dominance &#8211; what is fact, and what is fiction. <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is dog dominance a myth? Has dominance theory been debunked?<\/li>\n<li>Does dominance cause most bad dog behaviors?<\/li>\n<li>How do we deal with a dominant dog?<\/li>\n<li>Who is right and who is wrong in this dog dominance debate?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id='2627' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/IMG_01701-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Young Shiba Inu Sephy standing-up on railing during a hike at the park (on harness and leash).\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2627\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>The Dirty D-Word in Dog Training &#8211; Dominance<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"alignspace\"><\/div>\n<h2>Is Dog Dominance a Myth?<\/h2>\n<div id='9670' class='wp-caption frame3 alignright' style='width:280px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:280px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/P1000359-280x210.jpg\" alt=\"Shiba Sephy rolled over on his back. It is good to be a Shiba.\" width=\"280\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-9670\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Is Dog Dominance a Myth?<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Some people claim that dog dominance is a myth that is only perpetuated by television trainers to improve ratings.<\/p>\n<p><em>What is dominance?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>There are two meanings that apply when it comes to dogs.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>2. Dominance<\/strong> &#8211; the state that exists when one person or group has power over another.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Dominance<\/strong> &#8211; the power or right to give orders or make decisions.<\/p>\n<p>~~[<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thefreedictionary.com\/dominance\">The Free Dictionary<\/a>]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In a dog pack, for example, the alpha male and female has the power to give orders and make decisions, thus they have <em>dominance<\/em> over other members of the pack. Dominance however, is not tied to only pack animals.<\/p>\n<p>For  example, lions are powerful predators that have dominance over most of  the animal kingdom. When they stop at a water hole, all the animals  clear out.<\/p>\n<p><em>We<\/em> also have dominance over animals, not  because we have sharp claws and powerful bodies, but because of our  brains. Our dominance comes from building tools and structures, as well  as controlling resources and territory, rather than from our physical  attributes.<\/p>\n<div id='9678' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/P1000387-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Husky Lara doing a Down. She is happy to work for her supper.\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-9678\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>A better way to achieve dominance is through our control of resources.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<p><em>Does dominance exist between dogs?<\/em> &nbsp;Yes, sometimes.<\/p>\n<p><em>Does dominance exist between dogs and people?<\/em> &nbsp;Yes, sometimes.<\/p>\n<p>However,  there are multiple ways to achieve dominance. One way to achieve  dominance is through threat of punishment or violence. This type of  dominance is often referred to as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thefreedictionary.com\/dominance\"><em>absolutism<\/em>, <em>despotism<\/em>, and <em>tyranny<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Another  way to achieve dominance is through persuasion and the manipulation of  resources. Human institutions today gain supremacy mostly through the  control of resources and diplomacy.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, we have laws against  using physical punishment and violence to gain power and control over  other people, especially those who cannot protect themselves.<\/p>\n<div id='2867' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/IMG_1274-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Siberian Husky puppy on top of Shiba Inu. The dogs are wrestling and playing with a ball.\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2867\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Often, it is not about dominance at all. In this picture Husky puppy Shania is on top, but she is only playing a fun wrestling game.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"alignspace\"><\/div>\n<h2>Has &#8220;dominance theory&#8221; been debunked?<\/h2>\n<p>Based on the studies that I have read, what has been debunked is the concept that a group of wolves get together, and have <a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thunderdome\">Thunderdome<\/a> style fights with each other to establish physical dominance. At the end, the last one standing is King or Alpha. <\/p>\n<p><strong>This is a myth.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Rather, it has been discovered that most wolf packs are family groups where the alpha male and female are simply the parents of the family. The alpha pair still has dominance over its members (i.e. they are in a position of authority) but that position is *not* gained through physical aggression.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>dom\u00b7i\u00b7nance<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Animal Behavior<\/em>. high status in a social group, usually acquired as the result of aggression, that involves the tendency to take priority in access to limited resources, as food, mates, or space.<\/p>\n<p><cite>~~[<a href=\"http:\/\/dictionary.reference.com\/browse\/dominance\">Dictionary.com<\/a>]<\/cite>\n<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>It is <em>this<\/em> concept of high status through physical aggression, that has been proved to be inaccurate.<\/p>\n<div id='7415' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/IMG_5432-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Husky Lara play-fighting with Shiba Inu Sephy (close-up).\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-7415\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>It is <em>this<\/em> concept of high status through physical aggression, that has been proved to be inaccurate.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"alignspace\"><\/div>\n<h2>Does dominance cause most bad dog behaviors?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"amazon\">\n\n<\/div>\n<p>Recently, it has become popular to attribute almost all <a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/how-to-deal-with-bad-dog-behavior\">bad dog behaviors<\/a> to dominance. If a dog walks ahead of us, it is because he is trying to  dominate us. If a dog growls when we approach his food or his toy, it  is because he thinks he is the boss. If a dog jumps on us, it is because  he is trying to show us that he is leader of the pack.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/stop-dog-pulling\"><em>Why did the dog pull to get ahead?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Frequently because he is excited and wants to get to the next bush to smell and mark. Dominance has nothing to do with it.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/stop-food-aggression-stop-resource-guarding\"><em>Why did the dog growl when people approached his food?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Because  from experience, the dog has learned that when people come near his  belongings, he loses it forever. As a result, he starts to protect his  stuff before it gets taken away by force.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/stop-your-dog-from-jumping-on-people\"><em>Why did the dog jump on a total stranger?<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sometimes,  dogs jump because they want to lick us on the face which is an  appeasement behavior. At other times, dogs jump because they are  excited and want to play.<\/p>\n<div id='3062' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/IMG_1981-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Husky Shania jumping to lick woman on the mouth.\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-3062\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Dogs jump because they want to lick us on the face which is an appeasement behavior.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"alignspace\"><\/div>\n<p>Dominance can cause bad dog behavior, including aggression. However,  most of the time, bad dog behavior is a result of mis-communication  between us and our dog. Often, we inadvertently reward our dog for his bad behavior, which encourages him to keep repeating it.<\/p>\n<p>For example, when a dog jumps, our most common reaction  is to push back with our hands and arms. From our dog&#8217;s point of view,  this is a fun wrestling game where he gets a lot of attention. This rewards the  dog for jumping, and gets him even more excited.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2009\/05\/090521112711.htm\"><em>Does dominance cause most bad dog behaviors?<\/em><\/a> &nbsp;No.<\/p>\n<p>Most  bad dog behaviors occur because we respond incorrectly or with inaccurate timing. As a result, our dog learns the  wrong lessons and the bad behavior worsens.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if we  keep using force to take things away from our dog he will learn to  associate people approaching him or his belongings as a negative event.  In the future, he may decide to start protecting himself and his stuff  with his teeth.<\/p>\n<div id='2641' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/IMG_0861-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Foxy Shiba Inu walking on a park trail (on collar and leash).\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-2641\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Dominance can cause bad dog behavior, including aggression. However, most of the time, a bad behavior is a result of mis-communication between us and our dog.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"alignspace\"><\/div>\n<h2>How do we deal with a dominant dog?<\/h2>\n<div id='5990' class='wp-caption frame3 alignright' style='width:280px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:280px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/IMG_4647-280x210.jpg\" alt=\"Shiba Inu standing on grass, in the backyard.\" width=\"280\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5990\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>How do we deal with a dominant dog? More rules and structure.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div id='2628' class='wp-caption frame3 alignright' style='width:280px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:280px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/IMG_01751-280x210.jpg\" alt=\"Shiba Inu Sephy doing a very nice Sit during a walk in the park (on harness and leash).\" width=\"280\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2628\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Try to make obedience training a part of our dog&#039;s home life.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div id='2945' class='wp-caption frame3 alignright' style='width:280px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:280px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/IMG_1654-280x210.jpg\" alt=\"Shiba Inu Sephy showing teeth and looking aggressive (devil dog pose).\" width=\"280\" height=\"210\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2945\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Do not expose our dog to more than he can handle.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<p>When I say a &#8220;dominant dog&#8221;, I mean a dog that is more likely to show dominant behaviors.<\/p>\n<p>Independent  and more primitive dog breeds will generally show more dominant  behaviors. The Shiba Inu, for example, is a very independent and  primitive dog breed.<\/p>\n<p>My Shiba Inu challenged me a lot when he was young. Even today, he comes up with  many new and often humorous behaviors to test his boundaries. A Shiba  Inu is also extremely stubborn. If I try to force Sephy to do something,  he will dig in and really <strong>not<\/strong> do it.<\/p>\n<p><em>How do we deal with a dominant dog?<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>More rules and structure.<\/strong> Providing a consistent routine allows a dominant dog to quickly learn  what his pack responsibilities are, which will lead to less stress and  frustration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Frequent obedience training sessions<\/strong>. Try to make obedience training a part of our dominant dog&#8217;s home life. This is easily achieved through the <a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/nothing-in-life-is-free-dog-training\">NILIF program<\/a>. I first ask my dog to do something for me, before I do something for him in return.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/reward-dog-training\"><strong>Reward training.<\/strong><\/a> Contrary to what some people may say, physical force is a poor way to  deal with dominant dogs. A dominant dog will always fight back when  faced with a physical threat. The more dominant and stubborn the dog,  the more he will fight. In the end, we will need to use a lot of  physical force (i.e. pain) to break our dog&#8217;s independence and  stubbornness. Instead, by using reward training and controlling the  dog&#8217;s resources, we are teaching our dog that the best way for him to  get what he wants, is to do what we want first. This builds a strong  bond and keeps our dog&#8217;s spirit intact.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Management and supervision. <\/strong>Do  not expose a dominant dog to more  than he can handle. A string of failures will not only encourage our dog  to practice bad behaviors, but also be demoralizing for everyone  involved. It is important to challenge a dog and give him a  rich and interesting life. However, do it at a pace that he can handle  and enjoy. If we carefully manage our dog and set him up for  success, he will be confident, balanced, and ready to meet new  challenges.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Always be calm but firm.<\/strong> Dogs are  very good at sensing our emotions. Not only are they good observers, but  they can hear and smell changes in our bodies. If we get tense,  frustrated, or fearful, our dogs will pick up on those emotions, get  stressed, and act out even more. When dealing with bad dog behavior, it  is important to remain calm but firm. In this way, our dog will also stay calm  and look to us for direction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id='3041' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/IMG_1911-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Shiba Inu with big grin from getting a tummy rub. Do not mistake a Shiba&#039;s grin for aggression.\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-3041\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Always set our dominant dog up for success.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"alignspace\"><\/div>\n<h2>Who is right and who is wrong in the dog dominance debate?<\/h2>\n<p>There are many heated debates about dog dominance on the internet, and often, we let our own egos get in the way.<\/p>\n<p>When I first got my Shiba Inu, I started with <a href=\"http:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/aversive-dog-training\">aversive training methods<\/a>. Once I went down this road, I became resistant to any changes in strategy, even though using <em>dominance<\/em> and physical force techniques was causing greater aggression, more stress, and a low quality of life  for everyone.<\/p>\n<p>Through this experience, I learned that it is dangerous to blame everything on dog dominance. However, it is also counter-productive to deny the existence of dominance in dogs. <\/p>\n<p>Ironically, the same people who want to ban the word <em>dominance<\/em>, from even being mentioned on certain forums, are themselves using their dominant position in the social group, together with negative and dominant language, to silence anyone that does not 100% toe the party line. <\/p>\n<div id='9723' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/P1000465-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Huskies playing in front, Sephy doing cool Shiba stuff in back (2)\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-9723\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>What matters most to me are my dogs, and what they think.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"alignspace\"><\/div>\n<p>Ultimately, I learned that it does not matter who is  right and who is wrong on the internet. It does not matter what my  neighbors think about me or my dog parenting skills. What matters most are my dogs, and making the  best decisions for them. Once I realized this and put my own ego on the  back burner, things got a lot better. I was more open to new techniques,   I got as much information as I could, and most important of all, I  listened to my dogs and let them tell me what works best.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, I  am the boss. Sephy must go to the vet for yearly check-ups and that&#8217;s  that. Sometimes, Sephy is the boss and he gets to pick where we go on  our walks. Most of the time, we work together; we give and we take.<\/p>\n<p>Dominance  is not in black or white, and our dogs are not our enemies. There is  little need to carry on an antagonistic &#8220;I win or he wins&#8221; relationship  with our own dog.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><em>\u201cIf you love something let it go free. If it doesn&#8217;t come back, you never had it. If it comes back, love it forever.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>~~[Doug Horton]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div id='9106' class='wp-caption frame3 aligncenter' style='width:520px' ><div class='shiba-outer shiba-gallery' ><div class='shiba-stage' style='width:520px'><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/P1000114-520x390.jpg\" alt=\"Shiba Inu lying on back (front), Siberian Husky chewing on bone (back).\" width=\"520\" height=\"390\" class=\"size-large wp-image-9106\" \/><div class='wp-caption-text shiba-caption'>Dominance  is not in black or white, and our dogs are not our enemies.<\/div><\/div> <!-- End shiba-stage --><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is dog dominance real, or a myth? Does dominance cause most bad dog behaviors? How do we deal with a dominant dog? We consider dog dominance &#8211; what is fact and what is fiction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2945,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[65,113],"tags":[1368,246,1369,255,1370,1371,1372,1373,1374,1375],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=202"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shibashake.com\/dog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}