You have probably heard the phrase, ‘a dog is a man’s best friend.’ This is due to the loyal and faithful nature of dogs who in most cases stick by their human family in every circumstance.
While this saying is true, one cannot escape the reality that your dog might one day turn against you – if you fail to lay the ground rules from the start. This is due to the territorial behaviours in dogs.
It’s normal for pet owners to want to have their furry friends close to them after a long day of work, or simply the lonely nights when you need someone to bond with, but inviting your dog to make themselves comfortable on your couch can come at a cost.
One of the leading brands in dog nutrition, Pedigree, highlights that it is important to note that dogs are “pack animals” and often think of their families as pack mates.
When you invite your dog to make themselves comfortable their instincts will naturally tell them that they are either equal or higher than their owners in the “pack” hierarchy. This causes serious signs of aggression and territorial behaviour and serious consequences for anyone who attempts to sit in their favourite spots.
The consequences could result in the dog not listening to the owner, since they now view themselves as being higher in the hierarchy, aggressively barking at anyone coming close to the couch, and even attacking humans at times.
According to Dogbreedinfo.com, a website that focuses on the behaviours of dogs, all is not lost yet. With the right habits, you can win back respect.
Remove the dog from your furniture
The best way of doing this is by lying in the place that the dog has claimed as their own. Stretch yourself out in a way that makes you appear even bigger. At first, he might growl and try and place fear within you, but the most important thing to do is not step back because they perceive it as a weakness. Instead lean forward and raise your hands in a claw shape, grab him on the collar and take him to his kennel or any corner in the house.
Show them you are the leader of the pack
Introducing him to pack walks, in the dog kingdom the alpha is always in front while the rest does the work. Ensure that your dog is never ahead of you and always walking behind you while you give him chores.
Let them be the last to eat
Setting house rules is essential, don’t allow them to eat with the rest of the family or give them bones from the table. He should always eat last when everyone else has eaten.
Claim your space
When the dog is in your path, do not walk around them, instead command them to move and this will instinctively rewire their brain.
Also see: 5 Signs your dog may be sick
