Howling Issue, need help

[Greenmagick]

Originally Posted by Grimmas

After talking with a few people, it seems to be that the dog believes that she is the alpha over my wife. My wife is re-asserting dominance and it seems to be working pretty well.

No, this is not at all the case! The people you talked to are very misinformed.

[AllisonPitbullLvr]

Originally Posted by Grimmas

After talking with a few people, it seems to be that the dog believes that she is the alpha over my wife. My wife is re-asserting dominance and it seems to be working pretty well.

Oh how I wish the terms "alpha", "dominant" and "pack leader" would crawl in a hole in die.

These terms are being kept alive my a handful of terrible trainers who have no idea what they're talking about when it comes to learning theory. Even the man who coined these terms admits publicly that they are wrong, misused and that the study from which they came was terribly flawed.

Your wife "reasserting her dominance" is unfair for the dog who is still so new to your family and will only serve to fracture your bond and create distrust.


http://www.peaceablepaws.com/article...cat=1&type=Pat

http://www.4pawsu.com/dominancemyth.pdf

[milos_mommy]

WHO are you talking to that is saying your dog is trying to be dominant over your wife?? That is not only incorrect in most cases, but I don't see HOW a dog howling while you're gone could be interpreted that way?

I'm not sure what your wife is doing to reassert her dominance, but if it's something she's seen on TV or heard from someone claiming to be a trainer or behaviorist with no degree or training, it could be downright harmful and seriously, seriously increase your dogs behavior problems.

http://behavior.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/topics.cfm this link is great

Also check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's stance on dominance theory.

3 walks a day are not enough exercise if the dog isn't getting a chance to run around off leash, play fetch or some other game, exercise with other dogs, swim, jog, etc. at least a few times a week. It's also important she's getting lots of mental stimulation and interaction, such as walking different routes, going somewhere she can meet people and other animals (if she is comfortable in those situations), wooded areas or parks, etc.