I just watched a really interesting one Youtube clip where the dude who runs the YT channel Shield K9 Dog Training talks about what he thinks is dominance in dogs. It is particularly interesting, because I don't agree with him. Parts – and, but far from everything.
That I actually agree with him about is that most dogs are perceived as dominant, actually it is not. I agree that these dogs probably had to learn to act dominant, but would feel much better to be able to relax and be a follower instead of a leader. That they develop dominant traits without actually “be” Dominance has little to do with the dog itself, without – at least as I see it, more with a lack of leadership in the person/people around it.
Haz, as this dude is called, then goes on to talk about different scenarios where a dog can exhibit dominant traits, and I can agree with that. I can also agree that there is a difference between a dog showing aggression due to fear, or showing aggression due to dominance.
What I, however not automatically agree with or buy as truth, is that dominance in dogs automatically means that the dog is always ready to act violently to get what it wants. I buy that it can be part of a dog's dominance, but not that it is, only.
Dominance, On the whole – and it does not matter in which context it is concerned (dogs, people, manager vs employee, dom/sub inom BDSM, whatever), has for me more to do with a number of things. Some individuals, regardless of species, have something that makes others automatically follow them. For me, it's mostly about a calmness, presence, stability, self-confidence and self-esteem, which is physically noticeable to those around.
For me, shopping dominance is not about occasionally giving in to someone who is too close, too curious about my food or toy, or just because I feel like it. For me, dominance is about owning myself and my surroundings (have high integrity) to such an extent that others respect me just for that.
I absolutely can understand why dominance is considered to be about what is described in this video. Above all, I can understand why it is sought in a certain type of dog (hardcore working dogs). I also agree that a “naturally” dominant dog is extremely rare. I also suspect that it is a type of dog that you have to handle in a slightly different way than dogs that are not dominant (like most dogs (drawn over a comb), in other words).
That is sick interesting to hear other people's thoughts about how dominance in a dog expresses itself. I don't think I've met a single dog that was dominant “for real”. I have met dogs that have presence and authority, I have met dogs who think very highly of themselves, I have met dogs that, due to lack of training and leadership, have developed “dominance” drag – and I've met dogs who are very nice and super cozy and have no need to assert themselves at all.
But my opinion about what “is” dominance, regardless of species, pass. Quiet, stability, presence and authority, with that aura that spreads and gives the same calmness and stability around it. For me, dominance is not automatically about wanting to assert yourself – for someone who has all that there is no need to assert himself.
Then I buy also that it is easy to mistake what dominance actually is, and what is fake dominance (where the dog takes on the leadership role even though it is not natural for it). In the last six months alone, I have met a dog that did just that – assumed the leadership, because the people in his eyes are too weak.
As example can i pick up ella. There were probably many who saw her as a relatively dominant dog – but she wasn't. She took it, she had energy, will and drives absurdity – but that is not the same as being dominant. She would never have stood up to me for real, not even when I was at my worst. But I can understand if you saw her as dominant. Then she could be a real sub to other dogs – there were really only three dogs she got along with well. One of them she flogged to an extreme extent.
Boyo, to others page, is as non-dominant as you can get. He is truly a follower, although he can also be go-getter and especially of softer dogs, perceived as the right burdus. Nor would he dream of standing up to me – ever. However, I don't think he would allow himself to be treated in any way by another dog. Although he generally works with most dogs we meet. Not all, but most of them.
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It would be interesting to hear what you perceive as dominance in a dog, and how you deal with it. Feel free to comment (on Facebook).