What are some signs a dog is testing/challenging the "alpha's" position?

G

Good Grief

New member
It's a small dog approx. 1 year and 4 or 5 months old. She was an angel before, and now she's pissing me off a little.

Example, I ask her to down stay in her comfy bed, and she gives me a little "I don't want to" bark. She knows she's not allowed on the couch, but when I'm not looking, she's on it.

Is it appropriate to tell her "NO!" and give her a time out in the bathroom with the door shut? Or will that just agravate her more?
 
Time outs are for thinking human beings who can link action with consequence. A dog only knows immediate gratification or punishment.

Enforce the rules as you always have. It seems that you could also benefit from some training classes and running your dogs through her commands every single day. That not only reinforces training but also reinforces who is the leader.
 
the first answer is total b.s. you will know if a dog is challenging you for alpha male status. the dog wont listen to males as well as females, he will be more aggressive towrds males. he will become food possesive, and slight ways to tell is if the dog nudges u alot of leans on u alot. its really dependant on the type of dog tho
 
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