Dominant dogs?

agreed

I agree with you that pawing, nose pushes, etc. are generally asking for attention. Put it this way. If you don't comply, the dog isn't going to bite you. He may try a little harder because it has always worked for him in the past, but he won't become aggressive.
 
One of mine will place his mouth around my hand when we are watching TV. This is simply because for some reason this gives him pleasure (sort of a doggie version of holding hands), not because if I don't do what he wants he's going to chomp down on that hand.

I've got a nose-pusher/pawer. He does it because it *sigh* works sometimes. We have yet to put this behavior on an extinction regimen of complete and total non-compliance to his requests. We don't always comply and in that case he'll try a little harder at that and then give something else a shot instead (sitting in front of us, making his wookie noises). He's not going to flip out if we don't comply with his request, but that's the way he's always made his desire for attention and affection known. We could change it to pressing his nose to a certain spot on the wall to get attention instead, but the annoying nose-pushing often gets him what he wants, and until it doesn't any more he'll keep doing it. Dogs do what works to get them what they want. He wants a whole lot of attention and affection from us, unlike Marlowe who doesn't have many of these irritating attention-seeking behaviors, not because he's submissive (he's not--Conrad is way the more submissive "soft" dog when it comes to us) but because he doesn't require that same level of attention from us. It's just not as important to him and if his first attempt at just staring at us or sitting near us doesn't work, he just goes off and finds something else to do. 

Sasha is master of the paw plead, and there is nothing dominant about her behavior with me or anyone she places a paw on.  She only paw pleads with those she knows and thinks of as family or extended family.  It is a request, and not a demand.  She is a deferential dog with people - I have never seen her exert dominance towards a peson.  If she hands you a paw, and you give her "the look," she'll drop down on the ground and if you continue the look she'll roll over. 

Having a relationship with a dog means that you interact, and you don't need to keep a scorecard of who wins what interaction.  Any behavior needs to be understood in the context of the entire relationship, and the individual dog's personality. 

Having a relationship with a dog means that you interact, and you don't need to keep a scorecard of who wins what interaction. Any behavior needs to be understood in the context of the entire relationship, and the individual dog's personality.

[sm=bravo.gif]

Having a relationship with a dog means that you interact, and you don't need to keep a scorecard of who wins what interaction. Any behavior needs to be understood in the context of the entire relationship, and the individual dog's personality.

I agree, that was awesome. Bravo.

ORIGINAL: Xerxes


So which behaviors in a dog-human relationship would tell you that the dog has "dominance" issues. 

ORIGINAL: Trevell

ORIGINAL: Xerxes


So which behaviors in a dog-human relationship would tell you that the dog has "dominance" issues. 

 
Oh my![8|]

yep - that would be one of them

I just got an email this morning about a friend's Great Pyranees who passed away last night, but this dog was a Happy Humper. Not a dominant bone in his body, but he did have the habit of inappropriately expressing his joy at whatever was going on by humping. Usually air humping or humping in your general direction. It was just his little way of saying, "Hey! I'm a big fan!" He was also champion of the face-hump when other dogs came over to play. 

I didn't get to read through the thread yet, just wanted to put in my two cents:

I currently have what I refer to as a "Truly Dominant" dog.  Wally just has to walk into a room and most dogs won't mess with him.  He doesn't have to do anything.  It's the way he carries himself, his confidence, etc.  He puts many fearful dogs at ease, and quite often becomes one of the few dogs that a fear-based dog aggressive dog can be around.  He will correct other dogs if they get out of line, he is often called "the fun police" as he will stop play if he decides that it is getting too escalated.  He demands manners of puppies.  But all in all he is a very calm guy and rarely has to show that he is dominant, other dogs just accept it from the moment he walks into the room.

My old Dutch Shepherd is what I call a "Wannabe Dominant" dog.  He didn't give Wally one bit of guff from the day they met.  Wally was king, Halo didn't complain.  But when put out in the kennel yard Halo was pushy.  Chest bumping, mounting, throwing his head over dog's shoulders, correcting dogs for no reason.  People who don't know any better often see these behaviors and say "Oh, he's a dominant dog."  No he's not.  He wishes he was.  He is the class bully.  The guy who has low self esteem so he beats everyone else up so he can feel better about himself.