This week...Dominant or Aggressive dog?

Some trainers classify all dogs in the leadership roll as being "dominant" or "aggressive" because of a misunderstanding of the dogs actions.  A dominant dog is assertive, interdependent, and sometimes controlling. A aggressive dog is hostel, combative, and/or defensively antagonistic.  Try to remember that the words dominant and aggressive are not the same, because a submissive dog can become aggressive if the situation is provoked.  I see a dog that is out of control with the owner present ether in the yard or on a walk and I see the owner using confrontational methods to get the dog to stop.  When this happens the owner needs to stay in control of his/her anger because the dog is feeding off of this and just repeating what you are doing.  this sounds easy but it is not, and this is what I mean when I say a dog needs a leader or roll model for there dogs.  In the last 25-30 years dog behaviorists have observed that dogs have a definite pecking order and this is where confrontational training training methods came from.  At one time it was thought that the alpha roll over and direct eye contact where thought to be the natural way to exert your dominance over the dog.  I hope that everyone understands that using these methods are only going to get you bit by the dog or someone else. When the dog starts acting crazy, remain calm and change the situation to distract the dog from the unwanted behavior.  Just "think before you do" and you and your dog will get along fine.

Remember there are consequences that come with a dog that is aggressive if the problem is not dealt with in a timely matter....