Excessive dominance

In the daily living together with our dog, is essential that a correct level of authority exists, for the dog to situate himself adequately inside the hierarchic pyramid by him established.

In the same way, when in an early age, an excess of authority, or pressure of command, , can cause a pattern of behavior totally opposed to what it could be considered as eminently good.

One must think previously that besides the breed or gender of the dog, all this is unique. Its character will not only come from all these factors, but in some way, one can say that our dog's character is built in one's likeness.

Although, basing our concepts on the first reactions the puppy has shown under several specific situations, Campbell's test for example, we can establish a first level of single or unique dog's character. One will also consider its reactions when encountering daily problems that may allow him to show, as a consequence of an excessive authority from one or several elements of the family, its strengths and weaknesses in this respect. It is important for the dog to know, since the beginning, what he can and can't do.

Having or leading a coherent family would be more than helpful for the dog to identify a correct action from an incorrect one; therefore, the animal will be able to understand the reason why it is being punished.

Coherence is essential. because the dog acts based on conditioning reflexes or by association. This means that it won't be able to understand why a member of the family tolerates and even encourages determined behavior while other members try to punish him for the same. As a consequence of this, the level of authority of the second will increase, and that of the first will decrease.

The punishments previous to determined negative actions done by the dog have to be executed immediately after the action has been completed. This will assure you the effectiveness of the punishment. Reprimands and punishments will be handled accordingly to the deed done by the animal. Except for some that can be handled with a simple verbal reprehension. This would be more than enough under certain circumstances. They must be carried out by the person directly affected by the action. If the action isn't personalized, the punishment must be carried out by the member present at the time.

If the dog manifests a behavioral pattern expressing an excessive submission to an irritating authority led by some member of the family, one can return the balance of this relation to acceptable levels by following certain rules that can be carried out very easily.

The dog must consider us its peer when playing, and one must even tolerate the fact that the dog might be higher than us when being on the floor or on the couch,. For the dog height reflects the rank, but nevertheless, one must caress and pet them, not when we feel like it, but when the dog asks for it. If possible, one will smoothen his tone of voice when talking to him, and we will also try to make it less severe. When the dog associates circumstances or orders, he does it by the tones of voice. In general, we will have to be more condescending with them. Relationship between dog and members of the family must be based on respect, and not on fear.

With this test, which is specially edgy, the dog may show a highly annoying reaction. This aggressive response shown by the dog under an abusive authority can be considered as self-defense.

The previous behavioral pattern is defined by the following characteristics:

• Avoiding direct eye contact because the dog considers that staring or looking straight into the eyes can be considered as a challenge
• Exposing its neck, the most vulnerable part of his anatomy, under the situation of an involuntary bite
• Recalling of auditory pavilions, for not hearing or to relieve the threatening sounds that come from the contrary, be it or not human,
• Adoption of ventral position, and even urinating and/or excreting, and
• Muscular spasms, etc.