Dominance Issues

Texrab · Post by **Texrab** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:15 am

I have a feeling my dog is having some dominance issues. He stands on my foot every so often which I have heard is a sign he is trying to show dominance. He also has developed selective hearing. He is a year and a couple of months old. My question is how can a go back and correct the dominance issue. I have seen articles that talk about correcting it as soon as it happens but I missed it until he started ignoring my commands. Any suggestions would help.
Thanks for your time.

Post by **Greg Jennings** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:06 am

I would simplify my interaction with him for a time so that I could be ultra consistent in enforcing each and every command.

By simplify, I mean cut down to only those commands that you are 100% sure that you can 100% enforce.

Additionally, you could do some surfing about drills to make sure that he knows who is boss. In this area, the thing that I've had the best luck with are those dealing with food. I.e., making him wait to eat till I give him the say-so.

Best,

Post by **kninebirddog** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:26 am

when he stand on your foot bump him firmly with your knee off your foot ....serious bump not a kick or anything which could physically harm him...another tactic i will do is stand on there foot enough for being uncomfortable but not to break any bones either.

crossing in right front of you and standing is another dominance tactic
i will do the same thing or will pick up with collar and hand under flank and quickly place them to my side ..I use the command lead so when i have one starting to do a dominace manuver i will check them abruptly...

Margaret · Post by **Margaret** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:18 pm

I'd just do more basic obedience work; heel and down stays.
I'd concentrate on these two. Heel work prior to releasing the dog to run or hunt tht enforces your leadership helps.

I've also heard that standing on your foot is a dominance issue, but in all honesty I think too much can be made of these small things which generally mean IMHO next to nothing unless combined with other noticeably bad behaviours.

Getting on the furniture and refusing to get down would be a bad behaviour.

Marg

Post by **kninebirddog** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 4:39 pm

heeling is fine for light obeience..But when it comes to hunting birddogs the last 2 commands i will teach is sit and down.and this will be only after all the birdwork training is done.
I do not want submissive behaviour..only respect for my territory and if i don't have the respect up close.it will show up out in the field

So if you have a dog that is standing on your foot or showing any dominance towards you when your close ....JMHO no matter how slight the case maybe...if it is up close it will be more prominant further out

Casper · Post by **Casper** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:05 pm

Another tactic is when you are out with him and you want to take a break (this can also be done in the house or kennel) bring him close to you and roll him on his back between your legs. Exposing his belly is a sign of being dominant over your dog. PDJ had a great article on the exact way of how to do this with any dog but works best with the younger ones.
Make it a pleasant experience!

Texrab · Post by **Texrab** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 6:04 am

Thanks to everyone on the advice.