Recognizing Dominance and Aggression Article from GRREAT TIMES newsletter. If you missed our last membership meeting - too bad! You missed a really great time. Our speaker, Mary Ann Mullens from Merrimac Dog Training Club in Hampton, spoke about recognizing dominance and aggression in dogs and how to deal with it. Doubling as a comedian, she doled out an amazing amount of information while entertaining us with stories of her own experiences, especially about "Abby The Terrible," one of the first SEVA GRREAT dogs. Most aggression problems are actually a problem with not clearly defining the hierarchy of your pack. We aren't just talking about the dog that raises his lip, growls, or tries to bite you. If you have a dog who sasses you when corrected, tries to hump your leg, or becomes a completely limp mass of dog when given a command, you have a problem with dominance. YOU are the leader of your pack and it is your job to establish a clear order of hierarchy. Make sure that every dog in your pack recognizes your authority. This is not done with aggression on your part - no raised voice, forced rollovers, or hitting. Aggression breeds more aggression. Instead try, Teach them that you control everything - food, toys, and anything else good. By obeying your commands, they earn access to them. Reinforce your position daily by making them earn treats, toys or other goodies. Make them move out of your way (lean forward and shuffle your feet closer while saying "move" in a pleasant voice and WAIT until the dog gives in). Practice the 30 minute down. (Get comfortable and put your dog on lead. Give the down command and place your foot on the lead next to the collar. You may need to use the rest of your body to keep him there - that's okay. Then praise the dog occasionally for staying down. You may have to gradually work up to 30 minutes - but do NOT let the dog beat you or it will just reinforce that he is the boss of you!) To determine the dog hierarchy in your home, watch for subtle things: who goes out the door first, who greets you first, who moves out of the way, who sleeps in the favorite spots, who gives up their toys to whom. You may want to elevate a sick or old member by giving them preferential treatment - feed them first, pet them first, let only that dog on the bed, give that dog the favorite toy. This will keep the other dogs from going after them. Otherwise, for dog to dog tussles, unless the dogs draw blood, she suggests letting them work it out themselves. Because we know most of our SEVA GRREAT dogs have had a rough time before coming to us, we are at risk of making excuses for their behavior - but harden your heart - there is NO acceptable excuse for aggressive behavior. And we know our dogs are smarter than average. They DO know how to manipulate you. Your dog will be happier once you are the clear leader and therefore he has no responsibilities. Honest!

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