When adopting a new dog for a rescue there may be some dog behavior problems to address first.

1. Dog Behavior
Problems Related
To Dominance And
How To Address
Them
For more information about our dog trainers, call
(830) 904-4863 or visit our website at www.larascaninesolutions.com
Dogs are very complex animals and raising a puppy or adopting one from a dog rescue can
certainly be a big challenge. Your new best friend may exhibit some trying behaviors, even
if they are well trained. Chances are that you’ll run into some dog behavior problems no
matter what the circumstances are. With some patience and care, however, you can make
sure that your furry friend is happy, friendly, and thriving under your care.
There is no morality in the canine kingdom. Dogs don’t choose their actions based on
what’s right and wrong. Even if you are trying to enforce that idea in them, that’s not how
it works in a dog’s mind. They simply do whatever works, and it’s your job as a pet owner
to train them. If you reward or are ambivalent to “bad” behavior, then you will only be
enforcing that behavior.
The crux of so many behavioral issues is your dog struggling with dominance. They want to
be the alpha of the pack, and even if they acknowledge you as the alpha, they may not show
that respect to others. Here are some dominance issues that may arise and how you can
address them.

2. Dog Behavior
Problems Related
To Dominance And
How To Address
Them
For more information about our dog trainers, call
(830) 904-4863 or visit our website at www.larascaninesolutions.com
Aggression
Regardless of how aggression manifests, you need to show dominance and build trust to
show your pet that they can rely on you.
A dog may try to assert their dominance over you or a family member by baring teeth,
guarding their food bowl, or showing aggression towards other dogs. If left unchecked this
could lead to a bite incident one day. Sometimes when pups end up at a dog rescue, it
means that for whatever reason they were separated from their mother early on. This
means that the rescue has to work hard to provide the socialization skills that the mother
would normally have provided.
Set limits and don’t allow yourself to respond emotionally. Control the food source and
reward positive behavior. Trying to set limits on an already aggressive dog can be quite
difficult as the response may be to display more aggression. If you are seeing noticeable
aggressive dog behavior problems you may need the help of a professional to guide the
training process.

3. Dog Behavior
Problems Related To
Dominance And How
To Address Them
For more information about our dog trainers, call
(830) 904-4863 or visit our website at www.larascaninesolutions.com
Jumping
Jumping up is your dog’s way of showing their power. This is a gateway to many
other behavior problems related to dominance. How you address this issue is
crucial. Yelling or shoving them down can just be a challenge. One to which your
dog will not back down. It may be difficult to ignore, but try to not engage until
your dog is seated and then reward them accordingly. Discipline needs to be
done carefully through limits and restrictions.

4. Dog Behavior
Problems Related
To Dominance And
How To Address
Them
For more information about our dog trainers, call
(830) 904-4863 or visit our website at www.larascaninesolutions.com
Guarding And Food Dominance
Dogs are pack animals, and packs rely on hierarchy. The more dominant will eat
first and eat best. If you find that your dog is acting aggressively at feeding times,
it is important to project
that you are the reason they get to eat. You are the provider.
Make sure that before feeding them you make them sit and wait, and don’t allow
them to be fed until you give them the okay. One good technique is splitting their
meal into 4 portions and making them sit calm before you allow them to eat.
Then praise them before you refill the next portion and have them sit and be
calm again.

5. Dog Behavior
Problems Related To
Dominance And How
To Address Them
For more information about our dog trainers, call
(830) 904-4863 or visit our website at www.larascaninesolutions.com
Addressing the Dog Behavior Problems
Show that you are the leader. This respect for you will transfer to others. When your
dog acknowledges the hierarchy and sees that it’s working for them, they will
understand and adapt to it. If you enforce this structure, dog behavior problems
regarding dominance will be easier to avoid. If you continue having issues, reach out
to a reputable resource like Lara’s Canine Solutions. Not only do they provide
training, but they also rescue animals, care for animals, and put them up for
adoption. They’re located in New Braunfels, but they service surrounding areas,
including San Antonio.