Why Does My Dog Try to Be Dominant?

Having a dog can be a loving and fulfilling experience, but a dominant dog can sometimes cause frustrations among household members or other pets. When your dog exhibits dominant behavior --- such as claiming certain areas as its territory, being overprotective of its food or bullying other animals --- there's usually a reasonable explanation.

  1. Instinct

    • Dogs instinctively run in packs and use dominance to establish leadership.

      Because dogs are the domesticated relatives of wolves, they have a natural instinct to dominate. Dogs, like wolves, are pack animals that exist in groups where their basic survival relies primarily upon leadership. The social structure of a pack of dogs is established by the animals according to submission and dominance. The most dominant dog of the pack assumes a leadership role, and the more submissive become his followers. In such canine circles, the leader of the pack typically reaps the most benefits, including eating first and mating rights.

    Improper Handling

    • Poor training and excessive lenience can lead to dominant canine behavior.

      Most people can effectively train their dogs not to be dominate with proper instruction and consistency. However, improper training can sometimes trigger the dominate instinct in your dog. It is essential to show your dog love and kindness, but a firm voice and consistent discipline are required to break your pup of dominate behavior. If you or your trainer are too nice or give in to any power struggles with your dog, it may see this as a sign of weakness and submission. If your dog is mistaking your kindness for submission, it may begin entertaining thoughts of taking over your "pack," which inevitably leads to dominant behavior patterns.

    Competition

    • Dogs who coexist may fight or compete for leadership.

      If you're in a multiple-dog household, there is a good chance you may experience some dominant behavior from one or more of your dogs. Groups of dogs sometimes have tendencies to revert back to instinctual pack behavior and try to establish leadership among themselves even though they know you are the master of the house. Dogs that live in groups may exhibit dominance competing to become leader of the pack. Such behavior may include fighting over food, toys, dog beds, treats or your affection and attention.

    Common Misconceptions

    • Don't mistake confusion for dominant behavior; your dog needs time to learn.

      New and inexperienced dog owners often fall victim to common misconceptions about dominant canine behavior. This leads to unfortunate circumstances for the household and the dog. Inexperience can lead to improper training, causing ineffective results and frustration for the pet owner --- and confusion and grief for the dog. For instance, puppies must achieve the physical capability to "hold it" until they are taken outside for a "potty break" while at the same time learning the associated commands and the right and wrong places to relieve themselves. Most puppies --- and some breeds of adult dogs --- have a natural instinct to chew. Sometimes accidents and excessive chewing are viewed by the owner as dominant behavior, defiance or stubbornness, which often is not the case.