Facing Up To Reality With Your Domineering Dog

I am often told by clients that their dog is ‘not the bad’. Dogs that are domineering, aggressive and controlling the household. I have just seen another example of this. Finigan is a two year old Irish Red Setter. The owner had two dogs and Finigan was brought as a companion after one of the older dogs died. I have blogged recently about how this is not always the best idea, introducing a young, lively dog into an established and calm environment.

Finigan is making everyone’s lives miserable, including the older dog. The owner is not in the best of health and finds it hard to cope with this lively young dog. However, she refuses to acknowledge that there is a real problem with aggression and dominance. This is despite the fact that she can’t go into the garden without a broom or spade to push the dog off as it lunges at her.

I initially recommended a virtual lesson but was told that behaviour in the home was not the problem. So they attended a one-to-one practical lesson with me. They got out of the car with all kinds of paraphernalia, a halti, training lead and harness. This was all in attempt to stop Finigan pulling towards other dogs when out walking. After watching the owners try to handle the dog, I changed the lead over to a slip lead. The moment the lead was on, the dog reared up and bit me. This was before any pressure was applied. Still the owners were insisting this was not an aggressive dog.

We made good progress during the lesson with this Irish Red Setter now walking to heel beside me. I gave a simple task to work on sit and heel while out on walks. I also requested a couple of small changes in the house, relating to entering and leaving the home. Once again, I was told the home was not a problem. When the owner returned home she called to tell me that the dog had been reactive towards these changes I had suggested.

What does it take to realise you have a domineering dog? My assessments and recommendations are from decades of experience. If you have a dog that pins you in the corner of your room and that is preventing you have enjoying your garden, you have a problem that needs dealing with.

I am hoping we can make real progress with Finigan and restore to calm to this household as his training progresses.

Posted: October 15, 2020