Of all the types of behavior likely to stress out the unfortunate canine none causes more consternation than the dominant owner. Dominant behavior by owners deprives the dog of vital enjoyment in life and complete loss of control over the food supply. It is beyond the scope of this article to define all types of dominant behavior – e.g. letting the owners ego run out of control at a dog show – but I do hope that I can impart a few sound tips and how to deal with dominant behavior.

Dealing with dominant human behavior depends on the environment the dog finds itself in. The dog utilized in work such as obedience and agility has an easy tool at his or her disposal to curb the dominance of the owner. Public embarrassment is a powerful weapon when used correctly and can tame the dominant owner into realizing that more food rewards are needed in order to gain co-operation-thereby wresting control of the food pouch back from the human. Selective disobedience works well here but use it wisely or the delicate ego of the dominant human may erupt into displays of temper rather than reward (for example, baulking at an obstacle may be better at times than refusing altogether).

The show dog faces a similar challenge and can be armed with similar weapons. After all, the day out must be fun for you as well with plenty of chances to catch up with old friends and also to get some nice food rewards. If the human succeeds in keeping you penned up all day for little reward you have to face the fact that you have lost the battle. But help is at hand. Public embarrassment is again a great tool. Be lethargic in the show ring. Be restless in your crate. Show no interest. You must plant thoughts in your human’s mind such as “Perhaps he needs a little walk” or “Maybe I should bring her a bit more of her favorite food”. After all – you aren’t in it for the ribbons so there has to be something in it for you if the day out is to be enjoyable for you.

The dogs finding themselves in the hands of the dominant pet owner face different challenges – although the aspect of public humiliation can still be powerful when visitors drop by – especially during vital stages such as toilet training. The pet dog may in fact need to be astute when dealing with the dominant pet owner. For example, one trick is to play off one spouse against the other. If the lady of the house is inclined to say, “Isn’t that cute!” when you walk in with the remains of her husband’s slipper then emotional blackmail is never far away. This is the ideal situation to use any number of cute expressions to get out of trouble and to gain control of important dog resources such as food and walk time. Another trick is feigning allergic reactions whenever sub-standard food resources are offered to you. Nothing is better than the dominant owner forced to concede that a more varied and expensive diet is required to keep you happy and to avoid needless vet bills. But always apply your psychology wisely-you aim to push the dominant owner to a certain point of frustration-not a complete breakdown. There is a difference, for example, of indulging in a bit of horticulture and ruining the owner’s prize roses the day before a gardening competition.

On conclusion-be smart. Be determined. It takes time and you must have patience. And continue to work on your human until he or she is a well-trained model of canine ownership.

       Bela Husky
       Dip Human Psych
       (Honors)