One of the most obnoxious things is meeting someone who believes that because he has studied something, that gives him more understanding of your profession than you.
Such is the unfortunate, frequent case with "dog dominance," "dog aggression," and the increasingly famous "dog whisper" or "the dog whisper behavior technique.
"Most people have heard these terms.
However, the majority of them has not the slightest clue of the true meaning of such things, and therefore, has no business doing personal experiments.
Errors can be costly.
"Dog dominance" or "dog dominance behavior" is a symptom and a warning of future "dog aggression" or blatant disrespect.
Some people confuse the issue by using the combined term "aggression dog dominance," because the aggression is a more advanced stage into which dog dominance can evolve if not handled correctly and decisively.
"Dog aggression" is the carrying out of threats made in domination or rudeness by the animal, usually by using his teeth and drawing blood.
There are also many different ways in which dog dominance comes forth to display itself.
Among these ways are some of the following: "Excited dog dominance" - the term for when a dog uses his over-excited behavior to control a situation.
"Frustrated dog dominance" - when a dog is anxious or frightened and uses force through vocal display or sign of teeth.
"Fear dominance" - when a terrified dog runs the show by running all over you or dragging you.
This is a result of your not knowing how to be a leader he can follow with enough confidence to face his fear.
"Subtle dominance" - which involves looks, expressions, claiming something with the body, and other discrete ways of being in control that many average owners do not see.
"Dominance through Dog Marking" - That's nasty, but it is a very real problem that is more common than you want to believe.
This is when a dog takes the action of spraying an object or territory that belongs to a person or another inhabitant of the house or property whom he wishes to control or claim.
Of course, there is much more, but you simply cannot teach it all in words, much less in few words.
Much knowledge comes only through hands-on experience.
If you do not have the experience and knowledge, draw on someone who does.
More unwanted dog behaviors?Dog humping, dog mounting, blocking, and claiming are all symptoms of serious and growing dog dominance issues, and most will lead to aggression if not handled.
These can become serious.
Likewise, a display of canine teeth is a true aggressive warning.
A growl and a stare-down from the dog will often escalate to this.
However, if your dog suddenly dog growls at you, do not panic.
Too many times people overreact and jump to conclusions.
Stop and observe:What is he really communicating?Pay close attention to his body language, which reveals his mood.
You may have rubbed him on a sore spot which needs attention.
Many times he is just expressing annoyance - and, hey, sometimes we all need some space! For example, my mellow Border Collie growled when I yelled in frustration too close to him.
He was saying:"Hey, you are too loud.
Keep it down.
" - I don't blame him! As you can see, there may be many issues at work, and you neither want to misdiagnose the situation nor mishandle it.
If the answer is not immediately clear, ask a professional to see exactly what your dog's problem is and why he has it, then what to do about it and how.
As you have learned, dog dominance behavior can have various roots and differing manifestations, and dog dominance and dog aggression are actually very different.
Handling these is not a matter of "one size fits all!"