Dog’s Action

What we think…

What dog means…

*What we need to do.

Dog hugs you or wraps their paws around your legs.

Affection

Dominance – Leader of the pack is saying You are mine

Stop this behavior.  Do not reward this behavior by petting or cajoling the dog.

Resource guarding – Food, toys, couch or bed, etc

Dog needs time to get over past denials… he's only been here a few days, weeks, months, etc., problem will work itself out once s/he is here longer... everything is still new to him/her.

Dominance - Leader of the pack is saying This is mine.  Handing out discipline to lower member of pack who trespasses on pack leader’s resource.

Stop this behavior.  Seek professional help if dog is aggressive.  Do not reward this behavior by petting or cajoling the dog.

Resource guarding – children, or mom, or dad…

Dog is protecting child, or mom, or dad…

Dominance - Leader of the pack is saying This is mine.

Stop this behavior.  Seek professional help if dog is aggressive.  Do not reward this behavior by petting or cajoling the dog.

Dog jumps up in bed and stands over you

Greeting… Affection

Dominance - Leader of the pack is saying You are mine.

Stop this behavior.  Dog should be allowed on bed by your invitation only.

Dog barks at you at meal time or for a treat

My dog is so smart s/he can tell time

Dominance – Leader of the pack is saying Feed me now.

Stop this behavior.  Require calm submissive behavior before feeding.

Dog pulls on or bites at leash when on walks or goes through doors first.

Normal behavior… excited and happy

Dominance – Leader of the pack leads the pack and is making the decisions for the rest of the pack.

Stop this behavior.  S/he who leads the pack on walks or through the door is pack leader.

Dog barks or growls at guests

Dog is protecting you.

Dominance – Leader of the pack is protecting pack.

Stop this behavior.  Seek professional help if dog is aggressive.  Do not reward this behavior by petting or cajoling the dog.

Dog passes you on the stairs and gets to the top or bottom first.

Normal behavior… excited and happy

Dominance – Leader of the pack leads the pack.

Stop this behavior.  Block the dog from passing you.

Dog nudges elbow or hand for petting

Clever dog – Showing affection

Dominance – Leader of the pack demanding attention.

Stop this behavior.  Offer affection by inviting the dog to you or reward your dog for being in a calm submissive state.  Do not reward this behavior by petting or cajoling the dog.

Dog nudges with toy.

Clever dog – Showing affection

Dominance – Leader of the pack demanding attention.

Stop this behavior.  Offer play by inviting the dog to you or reward your dog for being in a calm submissive state.

Dog barks at or charges at persons or other animals walking by.

Dog is protecting you.

Dominance – Leader of the pack is protecting pack.

Stop this behavior.  Seek professional help if dog is aggressive.  Block the dog’s path.  Do not reward this behavior by petting or cajoling the dog.