Granny's gone and done it again

[BigBlueHen53]

Dogs don't reason from cause to effect. He didn't think, I'm going to jump on Robert and hurt him. He didn't know he was going to hurt Robert. He just wanted to move from HERE to THERE. And THERE happened to be Robert's back. So when Robert smacked him, the dog thought, WTH? Why did Robert hit me for no reason? So in self-defense he gave Robert a good cussing out. Perfectly natural. And to his credit, he did not bite. He respected Robert's seniority. That's good.

Now, what to do about it? The dog (sorry, I forget his name) is somewhat, kinda borderline dominant. (At least!) My advice is, make sure he knows his place. Literally, his place is LOWER than the humans'. As in, he belongs on the floor, not on the furniture next to you. He should NEVER be in a position where he can get HIGHER than you by putting his paws on anybody's back, neck or head. That says he's the boss. Not good! The pack leader gets to bite. And he doesn't. He should never think it is okay to take human flesh between his teeth for any reason. Ever.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

you called him right. He is dominate. He is always on someone. Sitting on them putting his paws on our neck, chest, ect.. I will start making him get down when someone is sitting there. Thank you!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Og, and also. Dogs don't understand hitting, because they don't hit each other. It just terrifies and confuses them, it doesn't teach them anything. It's better to prevent situations like that from happening, rather than reacting to them by hitting.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

you called him right. He is dominate. He is always on someone. Sitting on them putting his paws on our neck, chest, ect.. I will start making him get down when someone is sitting there. Thank you!

Whether someone is sitting there or not, just change the rules. Give him a pillow or a blanket on the floor and teach him that is his place, not the couch. If he gets up on the furniture, tell him, "OFF," and then show him his bed and encourage him to lie there. It will take persistence and consistency but it will be worth it.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Robert has to follow the same new rules too.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

the couch is the only place they are allowed to lay. We seldom sit there. So Robert was in his territory too. Robert smacked his but out of pain and surprise too. He dont normally do that

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Make it like it's a real treat for him to have his own special new place, and isn't he a GOOD BOY when he lays there! Try not to fight with him, but to encourage the behavior you want. You might even occasionally give him a treat when he goes to the new bed, if you can without upsetting the other dogs.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

the couch is the only place they are allowed to lay. We seldom sit there. So Robert was in his territory too. Robert smacked his but out of pain and surprise too. He dont normally do that

Ah yeah, that explains a lot.

 

[chickentrains]

then he might also be likely to guard his space, if he's dominant. I agree he needs off.

 

[chickentrains]

I had to kick deacon off my bed for months because he thought he was too good to listen to me when I tell him off. Now he's only allowed if I say so, and he is to get off when I ask.