Gab’s family loves Teru, their yellow Labrador, dearly that keeping him around the house gives them pure joy. However, when the kids would play in the backyard with the dog they always tend to get nervous and worried. Teru would frequently knock the kids down and when Gab would try to play with them the dog would try to mount him. Occasionally, when Gab scolds at his children to discipline them, Teru would get distressed and start growling. Gab tried spanking Teru or taps his nose, but nothing seemed to be curbing dog’s aggression.
Bruce had finally given up on Matt’s behavior. He was talking his frustration over Matt’s aggressive behavior with a neighbor, who recommended a dog trainer. His neighbor advised him that the trainer would visit them in their house to work with Bruce and his family to aid them curb some of these behaviors.
Gab automatically phoned the trainer and they both agreed on having him come over when everyone is at home to make observations on Teru’s behavior. Upon witnessing how they move, act around their home, and relate to each other, the trainer quickly knew what is happening and further explained to the family that Teru have a pack mentality. Pack mentality is the type of attitude wherein one dog has dominance over everyone. Teru’s behavior was a way of him presenting he was in charge. That’s why the trainer suggested that the family stop allowing Teru to claim that he was the Alpha Dog. Knowing about this, Gab would need to establish himself as the leader of Teru’s pack.
Gab followed the trainer’s advice and started taking control over everything. The trainer explained to him and strongly impressed that Teru should wait for permission to use any toy or even to eat. Teru needs to recognize that Gab and his family were in control. Gab put up Teru’s toys and refrains from letting him jump on the couch or bed unless he sat first.
When Matt would want to play or go out, Bruce began training him to sit in front of the toy box or doorway. For when he sat on command, Bruce would let him play with a toy or open the door for him. If Matt would not follow, Bruce would not give Matt what he wanted. Bruce also instructed his kids how to do the same thing. At first Matt would not respond, but realized that he was not getting what he wanted, so he would follow to commands.
The trainer suggested games of fetch and using other active toys to excite Teru other than playing tug-of-wars. Even though this was one of Gab’s favorite games to play with his pet, he observed that Teru’s behavior worsened after they played this particular game. The trainer cited that these kinds of games are instinctual ways for dogs to assert dominance in the pack and should be avoided until Teru completely understands or acknowledge he’s not the alpha dog in the house.
A couple of months have passed and the dog’s aggression dissipated. Every now and then, Otto would try to reassert himself as the alpha dog, but the family now knows not to give in to Otto’s demands. Otto had improved and no longer knocks down the kids when they would play, and he definitely stopped mounting on Mike. Mike was now able to even teach him other tricks that he never thought Otto was capable of.
The key to Mike’s success with Otto was that the family had to institute dominance over Otto. As soon as Otto realized his spot in the hierarchy, he was better behaved and the aggression subsided.
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