Dominant Traits in Dogs

Dog society is formed into a hierarchy with the dominant personalities at the height of the pyramid. Owning an alpha dog has the potential to be a problem, so it is important to recognize dominant traits when they express themselves in your dog. Dominant dogs are not necessarily aggressive, but they can end up running your household, instead of you.

  1. Don't Pet Me

    • Patting the top of your dogs head, shows you are the dominant figure, not him.

      We all think that dogs love to be scratched and petted on their head, but dominant dogs don't like it at all. An alpha dog will not allow you to pet the top of his head, as it is a sign that you are attempting to remove his power from him.

    I Like to Win

    • If your dog refuses to return a toy to you, this is a sign of a dominant dog.

      A dominant dog always has to win all competitions. He is aggressive about games, such as tug of war and playing ball. If you are throwing the ball out for him and he won't return the ball to you and refuses to let you have it back, this is a sign of dominant behavior.

    I Have to be First

    • Watch out for a dog that is always trying to get ahead of you.

      If your dog always seems to push his way in front of you, he is trying to show you that he is a dominant figure in the relationship. Whether you are walking through a door or walking your dog on a leash, if he is always attempting to get in front of you, he is pushing his agenda to be the alpha dog.

    I Like Your Furniture

    • Dominant dogs think they should be allowed all of the privileges of their human owners.

      If your dog seems to help himself to your entire household, watch out. Dogs who think they should be allowed to sit on the couch or lay in your bed, think that they are on the same level of authority as you are. For this reason, dogs should not be allowed on the furniture as they will assume they have "rights" in your house.

    I Let You Know Who's Boss

    • A alpha dog barks and growls to get his way.

      During playtime, a dominant dog will bark and growl at you to let you know who's boss. Whether he is trying to take his toy back from your hands or if he doesn't think it's time to stop when you do, the alpha dog will let you know his opinion by barking and growing to get his way.