What Is Dominant Behavior in a Dog?
A dominant dog usually performs a variety of behaviors to show others that it is the alpha, or the highest ranking. This behavior can become a problem if allowed. Professional trainers and behaviorists can help untrain dominant behaviors.
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Marking
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A dominant dog might mark its owner's personal belongings. In nature, dogs urinate on things to mark them as their own, and a dog urinating on its owners things might be trying to establish dominance.
Mouthing
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A dominant dog will mouth its owner while playing. Dominant dogs do not necessarily bite, but will take their owners' hands or clothes in their mouths during play time.
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Mounting
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When a dog mounts another dog or person, it is showing dominance. Dominance mounting is a behavior displayed by both male and female dogs.
Jumping
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Jumping on people in greeting can be a dominant dog behavior. A dominant dog will attempt to jump up and put its paws on a person's shoulders in order to establish dominance.
Disobedience
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A dog who refuses to obey commands or rules could be showing dominance. Jumping on the couch without being invited or pushing past people to get through a door first are typical dominant behaviors.
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References
- Photo Credit dog on beach image by john barber from Fotolia.com
