Dog Fancy

Bossy Dogs

Nov. 15, 2004

By Kyra Kirkwood

Many of us survived our childhood and schooling, only to become independent adults who answer to…our dogs? Yes, bossy dogs can make some owners wistful for those days of homework and curfews.

Be it barking or pawing, jumping or charging out the front door, unacceptable behavior comes in many forms and degrees. Some dogs are born bossy, thanks to breed and genetics. Others learn those habits, thanks to us, the enablers.

"The dog is showing those behaviors because they work for her," says Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. and certified applied animal behaviorist at Animal Behavior Associates Inc. (www.animalbehaviorassociates.com) in Littleton, Colo. "If pawing never worked, she would quit doing it."

Experts say some patience, consistency and a redefinition of roles can go a long way in taming the diva in our dogs.

"Early training can prevent bossiness," says Colleen Paige, a Seattle, Wash.-based animal behaviorist and author of "Dog Drool," "It's the most loving thing you can do for your dog: teaching respect."

But remember, bossy doesn't equal bad.

"The dog is not purposely being mean spirited or….rebellious," says Hetts. "They're just trying to figure out what works to get what they want out of their world."

WHY THE DIVA ACT?

Some breeds are bossier than others. German shepherds, Chows, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chihuahuas, Jack Russell terriers, Malamutes and other intelligent, stubborn breeds can be prime candidates for bad manners. So can any dog taken away from its litter before eight weeks of age, says Paige.

"It hasn't been corrected [enough] by its mother or siblings," she says. "That's going to be one bossy dog."

Yet the leading culprit is us, the owners.

"If [owners] reward unacceptable behaviors, they only have themselves to blame," says Hetts.

Like a bratty child seeking any response, our dogs will do whatever it takes to illicit a reaction from us. If she's barking to be let outside, we may grumble and get annoyed, but we still obey the command.

"It's how the dog learns to be more domineering, more bossy," says Graham Bloem, a certified advanced dog trainer in San Diego, Calif., who works with numerous dog rescue groups and shelters.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

"The dog needs to look at you as the leader," says Paige. "When you're the leader, you won't have a bossy dog. Period."

Alpha dogs don't beg for respect; they issue the command and others follow. Owners need to adopt a consistent, easy-to-follow practice to establish themselves as alpha. When the dog barks and paws for attention, "you say 'no' once, with a stern voice," says Paige. Make eye contact to show displeasure, and then if it doesn't stop, don't nag—calmly issue a negative response, like a time-out or shake can.

Not responding to negative behavior is another option.

"Begin to ignore them and give your dog an alternative way to get what she wants," says Hetts.

For every request a dog makes, issue one of your own first, and praise her extensively when she complies. If Lola wants dinner, then she sits first and only eats when you give the okay. This is a highly effective, respect-establishing habit, says Bloem.

"The minute you make your dog sit, you have 100 percent more control and leadership over your dog," says Paige. "For every request your dog gives you, she needs to sit…first. She's always got to do something for you."

For jumpers, don't get upset or push her away. Bloem suggests totally ignoring the dog upon your arrival home, only giving her buckets of attention after you're settled.

"It's on your terms," he says.

For leash pulling, stop walking. This tells the dog that straining only retards her progress. On the couch all the time? Say "off," then invite her back if and when you want.

HANG IN THERE

But above all else, be patient.

"Expect it to get worse before it gets better," says Hetts. "You have to be able to outlast…even if you have to get up and walk away from her."

SOURCES:

Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., Animal Behavior Associates Inc. 303-932-9095

Graham Bloem, certified advanced dog trainer, 858-220-9594

Colleen Paige, dog behaviorist and author, 206-226-4021