Lula the monster :)

[krisykris]

So, Lula is a Lhasa/Bichon mix. She's already very headstrong and stubborn I can tell.

She bites the other dogs constantly.. they're usually nips and on the fur not full on attacks.. is this just play behavior?

If I roll her over on her back when she's getting too wild to calm her down she COMPLETELY fights me. Is that a sign of dominance?

What can I do to ensure that she doesn't turn out to be a big meanie? :)

Thanks!

[Maxy24]

i don't think it is a sign of dominance she probably just does not like being held on her back, i bet you wouldn't like if someone pushed you down in a weird position either. How old is your dog? Is she nipping the others out of fear or does she seem playful. I'd say if there is no blood and she does not tick the other dog off too much then it's probably just how she plays.

[mojozen]

Don't alpha roll your dog - it's not a good way to show you are a good leader. It basically just shows that you are trying to bully her and she doesn't sound like a dog who appreciates a bully. ;)

Instead of trying to establish your dominance by alpha rolling her, why not teach her how to sit and lie down? Then whenever you want to distract her from doing something just put her through her paces with a series of sits and lie downs one after another. You will have to start off with lots of treats, but it is a good way to distract your pooch and to show her who really is boss. ;)

[krisykris]

Good idea. I didn't realize that putting them on their back was a bad thing to do. I'm always gentle and even rub their tummies when they're laying down. I do it more as a calming thing than a dominant one. I have like three training videos that advise that behavior.

I'll start working on the sit and down with her.. =)

[Zoom]

It can be used as a calming thing, but you have to establish a certain level of trust and get her used to you handling her first. Otherwise she's going to fight against it and have the opposite effect.

[krisykris]

Thanks Zoom! I'll change my approach with little Lula :)