Dog Community

Posted : 10/7/2011 12:17:01 PM

Most of the people I've asked said it's more than likely just a matter of him trying to usurp my power. He just hit puberty, so it seems pretty likely... he's challenging me as the alpha. I hope the obedience classes and getting neutered will help solve the problem.

I just read the NILF thing and it sounds great! I'll be sure to try that as he learns the new commands.

JackieG

Posted : 10/7/2011 1:24:29 PM

NightSwan
Most of the people I've asked said it's more than likely just a matter of him trying to usurp my power. He just hit puberty, so it seems pretty likely... he's challenging me as the alpha.

You're talking to the wrong people. If you would bother to read some of the links I've provided you might learn something but I guess I'll just forget trying to help you and wish your dog good luck. Sounds like he's going to need it.

NightSwan

Posted : 10/12/2011 10:32:18 PM

I did read them, I just said that other dog owners told me it was him trying to set himself as the alpha. I don't one way or the other, all I know is I want it to stop. ((I haven't been checking this, sorry for taking so long))

NightSwan

Posted : 10/12/2011 10:38:28 PM

Ahhh, I wish I'd known that when I first got him. I tried doing that, and telling my mum that (my dog used to be a huge whiner, would whine for hours) yelling at him when he's whining doesn't solve the problem. I've tried doing the positive reinforcement method, but I slip-up, I admit. I always try to tell him he's a good boy when he does what he's suppose to, though; I'm very good about that :P

griffinej5

Posted : 10/25/2011 10:52:06 PM

You're totally talking to the wrong people, because even the guy who came up with the alpha theory doesn't believe it anymore. The other thing... if you don't like the way your dog is behaving at the particular time (growling), do not give him things he likes. By doing that, you teach him to do things you don't like in order to get what he wants. It has absolutely nothing to do with being alpha, but everything to do with reinforcement. Any animal (you, your dog) will keep doing things that get you what you want. Give him the good stuff when he does good things (which you will see in your reading about NILIF).

Gaining a dog's trust?