Dominant dog body language
 

What are some obvious types of body language dogs will display when trying to be dominant?

I heard that placing a head high on another dogs shoulders and neck is a sign of trying to dominate, as well as pushing into the other dog to claim space.


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http://www.petside.com/article/canine-body-language-101

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/iss...Printable=true

Ty a Google search for dog body language and you will see many many references to this many of them will actualoly show you pictures of th various communications.

I.E. here is one site:

ASPCA | Canine Body Language

Realize that one must also interpret your own dog as it is VERY easy yo miss something or to mis interpret what they are intending.

For example I have had one prominent dog trainer in my area tell me that my dog was very anxious when i left him on a stay and he sniffed a LOT while i was across te ring from him. Actually instead of anxious, my guy just wanted to sniff to see what ws there on thegroundaround him.

So one still has to interpret te dogs language in his currentenvironment.

But having saidtht there are certain body laguage that are pretty easy to interpret - i.e. a very Hard stiff look about him usually means he is not happy with something or perhaps perceives apotentiasl threat. A soft "wiggly" wholebody movement usually indicates thath he is really happy and perhps even permissive. Etc. read he references then look at and practice reading your dog.

Dominant dog body language
 

What about when one dog is obviously in a fearful submission state and another dog keeps running flat out barrelling into the frightened dog and growling?
The fearful dog meanwhile yelps every time the other dog comes near.
We have a new dog here, Rhodesian ridgeback x staffy, this is the scenario between my GSD and the new dog. The GS being the fearful submissive.
The staffy x keeps chasing her, standing over her, growling at her. He is a bit older than my dog.
I don't think he is safe to be around my dog, yet the people I live with think my dog is just being a whimp. (obviously know nothing.)
I have tried telling them that their dog is being dominant aggressive, and they think he is just trying to play.
What do I do? They won't have it that it's their dog causing the problems.


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I highly recommend Brenda Aloff's book, Canine Body Language, A Photgraphic Guide.

BrendaAloff.com Homepage

I understand your frustrations... I have a 4 month old GSD pup that is submissive and is afriad of NEW dogs at first and once she learns they are not going to hurt her she is fine and will play nicely... My cousin has a almost year old boxer who is very dominant and I tried to have a play date with them ( Id never seen this boxer with another dog before) and it went horrible, I took my dog and left... He had his tail high, and kept charging my pup who was screaming everytime this beast went near her and he kept pinning her to the ground. I told them that their dog was too dominant for Penny and they told me he is just playing and that my dog was just a "whimp", so we are no longer going to be having any more play dates with them... If I were you I would not let your dog have access to your housemates dog, it could end in a bad fight or cause your GS to become fear aggressive towards dogs.. best of luck!

Dominant dog body language
 

I'm just scared that Rain will turn fearful aggressive, she is much larger than the other dog and very strong. I really think it could end badly for both dogs, I haven't seen Rain do anything wrong. I'm not biased and would certainly accept the fact if she had done something wrong. She is completely ignoring him, trying to get away from him. I do know my dog and if he pushes her too far she will attack him from fear.
I don't think their is much hope of them being together, what do you all think?
How can I explain to them that they should just be separated?


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The dominance/submissiveness doesn't really matter--your dog is scared and vocalizing that. If I were present, I'd be discouraging the other dog's bullying behavior. Just like watching kids play--don't let inappropriate behavior continue.

If a dog shows dominant behavior and the other dog shows submissive behavior, the dominate dog should relax and while they likely won't go into playing with the dog (they'll probably act as though they ignore the other dog), they shouldn't continue the posturing. The dog is being a bully and is really a show of insecurity if it continues bullying after the other dog has submitted.

My GSD is a dominant dog, so he tends to stand very tall, ears forward, neck held high and he may paw at another dog. The instructions I've gotten from his new trainer are to cut in when I see him approach a dog that way (quick snap on the leash and "No!"). That has helped bring him down a notch and he gets praised when he does and continues to approach the dog in a friendlier manner. When a dog immediately gets submissive, he relaxes and seconds later they decide to play.
He is different from the staffy you're describing in that he's never growled at another dog. So I agree with your concern, that doesn't sound very safe at all!
Is it possible to keep the dogs apart? How would he react if you scolded him?
I would first check with a trainer how to start teaching this dog he has to play nice. The advice I have is to cut the behavior right at the onset, and praise when he chills. However, like I said, my dog isn't aggressive so I'd check with an expert to see what extra considerations to take there. I realize this isn't your dog, but since the owner doesnt see it as a problem I'd take matters into my own hands.

An alternative and perhaps wiser (?) route may be to take advantage of the next time this happens and say you're concerned about this "fearful wimpy" reaction your dog is having and you would like a professional to take a look. They may listen to the trainer saying the dog is dominant aggressive even if they wont accept it from you. I agree with you that the staffy is the bully but maybe if you step back with an approach where you aren't telling people there's something wrong with their dog they may be willing to be more cooperative. Just a thought.

Good luck, hope everything works out ok...