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 Dominance Issue

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RocketFox650
Newborn
Newborn


Join date : 2015-05-24

Dominance Issue Empty
PostSubject: Dominance Issue   Dominance Issue EmptySun May 24, 2015 12:43 am

I can't find a search option, so if this is already answered elsewhere, sorry.

I did a ton of research before bringing home my puppy, Mia. I'm almost sure I read somewhere that they are more pack oriented than most dogs and that it's important to establish your "alpha" status. I have all of the usual issues, like biting and chewing. That's not a real problem. We're working on it and we'll get there. But last night (11 weeks old now) she started standing on top of my head. Literally. She jumps on to the back of the couch and stands with all four feet on my head. It used to just be biting my head. When I remove her, she stands on my chest and face and licks me until she feels safe to bite. She actually bit through my ear, darn those puppy teeth! I swear I read somewhere that standing on top of her human was a way to establish her dominance, as well as the face biting. I can't find the information online anywhere now though. So is this just a kinda cute game that I need to break her of, or am I being told she's the boss and I'm her pet human?
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aljones
Senior
Senior
aljones

Male Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : Terlingua, Texas

Dominance Issue Empty
PostSubject: Re: Dominance Issue   Dominance Issue EmptySun May 24, 2015 1:46 am

Well, you have a dog in your life, of course she's the boss and you're her pet human!  But more directly to your question, I think you're reading way too much into something that you're allowing her to do.

If it really bothers you then teach her to stay off the couch.  You'll probably think twice about her being on the couch as she grows anyway so teach her now the way you want her to behave when she's grown.

As far as this foolish think call "alpha status", on the one hand it's very real - but you achieve it by being her master, by feeding her, loving her, taking care of her - like respect, your status is something you earn and she bestows.  "Alpha status" is not some magical thing that you have because you discipline her (or worse); dominance does not mean that you have a dog who cowers every time you call her name, though some people think it does; dominance or alpha status is achieved when your dog realizes that you have her best at heart, then she'll willingly, lovingly do what you want (well, we're talking Huskies here so - most of the time, is appropriate).

Huskies are quite pack oriented and you are her pack but unlike many pack animals, many huskies are content to be around their humans not underfoot all the time.  In her current puppy mind, dominance is a game she plays with her pack; right now she may "be dominant" and in 30 seconds be perfectly happy being submissive - she's learning what each is and when each is appropriate.  

Do be concerned in what you're teaching her; don't be so concerned about dominance - you'll drive yourself and her nuts!

Oh, assuming you're using a "normal browser" not on a portable device, you can find search as the fourth item from the left on the main menu ...

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“Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.”

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RocketFox650
Newborn
Newborn


Join date : 2015-05-24

Dominance Issue Empty
PostSubject: Re: Dominance Issue   Dominance Issue EmptySun May 24, 2015 2:21 am

I'm using my phone.

I think that without the context of actually talking in person, you're missing what I'm saying. For example, to me dominance only means I'm the one who sets rules. Not negative reinforcement or expecting unreasonable things. She's obviously not perfect at potty training. Going in my house is not good. So I establish that with a firm no (ONLY if I catch her in the act) and then we go outside. With her biting, I start with no then move up to keeping my hand perpendicular to her jaw or petting her in a way that doesn't allow her to bite. Then direct her attention to a game she likes that has to involve me directly, as she obviously wants attention from me. So we play soccer or football or tug of war with a special rope (it's the one toy she'll never be asked to give). There again I establish my standard of appropriate behavior. I expect her to make mistakes and take time to learn these things. Negative reinforcement is entirely limited to the word "no". While researching the breed (I've only worked extensively with military dogs) I specifically read and article about huskies standing on you in a way that elevates them above your face and also biting your chin. The article chose the words alpha and dominance. It's easier to get very specific information if I ask a very specific question. They also suggested things like growling to establish yourself, which I personally don't see working well. I'm just trying to get a few people to weigh in on whether this is just over the top puppy play, or if she's deliberately pushing her boundaries to tell me she believes she's the boss. Shepherds aren't as aggressive about it, but they do actually do that. It takes a little different approach to correct than normal puppy play. Things you wouldn't think about, like having to sit so you're elevated above them or using more extreme measures like restricting their freedom for a short interval, though it has to be behind a gate so they can move around. Their bedtime crate doesn't get used as anything beyond a happy sleep place. If it's not dominance, I'll just correct her in a normal way. Direct her attention to something else after she's told no.
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joemamma474
Newborn
Newborn


Male Join date : 2015-02-28
Location : Michigan

Dominance Issue Empty
PostSubject: Re: Dominance Issue   Dominance Issue EmptyWed Jun 03, 2015 1:58 pm

Everything I have read on the subject from credible sources says the whole "dominance" and "alpha status" stuff is not real. Dogs have fairly elaborate social structures....with DOGS. They are aware that humans are not part of that structure as they recognize you are a different animal. That behavior is just puppy behavior, not specific to a husky. Lots of dogs jump up on the furniture, or climb on you when you are sitting or laying down. They do it because they have not been taught to NOT do it. So, just like the chewing or other things you are working on, which as you said is pretty normal, it is just a matter of training appropriate behavior. You don't need to do anything special to establish "dominance" and, really, the things that people have written about being an "alpha" seem to be at best pointless and at worst, detrimental to the dog's well-being. If you can watch any videos from Ian Dunbar or read anything he has written there is some very good information in there, and he specifically researched canine hierarchies and social structure (so it isn't just someone giving their opinion, he studied groups of dogs over periods of years to get his results). Hope that is helpful!
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