What Is Dominant Behavior in a Dog?

A dominant dog usually performs a variety of behaviors to show others that it is the alpha, or the highest ranking. This behavior can become a problem if allowed. Professional trainers and behaviorists can help untrain dominant behaviors.

  1. Marking

    • A dominant dog might mark its owner's personal belongings. In nature, dogs urinate on things to mark them as their own, and a dog urinating on its owners things might be trying to establish dominance.

    Mouthing

    • A dominant dog will mouth its owner while playing. Dominant dogs do not necessarily bite, but will take their owners' hands or clothes in their mouths during play time.

    Mounting

    • When a dog mounts another dog or person, it is showing dominance. Dominance mounting is a behavior displayed by both male and female dogs.

    Jumping

    • Jumping on people in greeting can be a dominant dog behavior. A dominant dog will attempt to jump up and put its paws on a person's shoulders in order to establish dominance.

    Disobedience

    • A dog who refuses to obey commands or rules could be showing dominance. Jumping on the couch without being invited or pushing past people to get through a door first are typical dominant behaviors.