Flower Essence Formulas for Canine Behavioral Wellness

Formula Profile:
Dominance & Territoriality

Dominance & Territoriality 2 oz w/ mister $24.00 2 oz w/ dropper $24.00 1 oz w/ mister $15.00 1 oz w/ dropper $15.00 1/2 oz w/ dropper $10.00

General Description
The Behavior Picture: What Does It Look Like?
Why Do Dogs Behave This Way?
What Can I Expect From Using This Formula?
Training and Behavior Considerations
Cautions
Choosing the Right Aldaron Essences Formula
Recommended Resources

General Description

First off, let me say that naming this formula was a difficult task! The word "dominance" has such negative connotations, invoking outdated and misdirected thinking about canine behavior: namely, that if we don't show our dogs "who's boss", they will forever be trying to stage a takeover. Fortunately, it is now recognized that canine social groups are largely cooperative in nature, not conflict-driven, and that the majority of dog behavior problems are a result of dogs doing what works for them, not some innate canine need to "rule or be ruled". That said, the behaviors this formula addresses are those classically, traditionally, and popularly thought of as "dominance": bullying, harrying, posturing, driving behaviors and attitudes. While these behaviors are confrontational in nature, keep in mind that some dogs will push and confront in a less-than-overt way. You can see this in dogs that use pushy-submissive behavior such as exaggerated fawning and groveling to gain attention and drive others to do what they want them to.

It's important to note that a dog behaving in what may be labeled a dominant fashion should in no way be automatically considered a bad dog! In the great majority of cases, the dog has either not learned a more appropriate way of behaving, or has learned that this type of behavior is simply the most effective way to get what he wants. Most dogs are more than willing to adopt new, less stressful and costly ways to communicate their needs.

The Behavior Picture: What does it look like?

Basically, this dog wants what he wants, and expects to get it. He is confident and forward about using physical and/or emotional manipulation to boss others around, and becomes impatient, frustrated, and/or angry if he doesn't get his way. Most dogs exhibiting what is typically thought of/classified as "dominant" behavior direct it toward members of their social group.

A short list of behaviors that Dominance & Territoriality formula has helped reduce, eliminate, and/or make more malleable to training efforts:

• Frustration and demand barking
• Ducking head or body away from over-the-top petting
• Muzzle punching and poking
• Reduction in intensity of territorial alarm barking
• Harassing other housemates (dogs, people) when they move between territories, such as going outside from inside or vice versa
• Pushing, bumping, body-slamming, or herding others to get them to move (or just to get a reaction)
• Posturing
• Confrontational, challenging glaring and hard stares
• Agitation and/or impatience in everyday life situations

Why do dogs behave this way?

There are several possible reasons underlying the expression of this kind of behavior.

• The largest pup in a litter, as well as singleton pups, may show reduced tolerance for frustration. Early placement before 7 weeks old (especially significantly early) may lead to similar results.
• Confrontational training methods, which put the dog in a position of having to either submit or defend itself, encourage strong-willed, confident dogs to respond in kind (i.e. confrontationally).
• Dogs raised with mainly dog-to-dog interaction and little human structure or guidance may not learn appropriate ways to communicate their needs to non-canines.
• Teenage dogs, testing their boundaries, often go through a phase of exhibiting these challenging kinds of behaviors.
• The naturally confident, enthusiastic, and/or high-drive dog whose owner encourages (or does not learn to control) strong, impulsive responses, may progress to the point that the dog simply learns this is an effective way to get what he wants. This happens not only in pet homes, but in performance and show homes, as well, in which lively, drivey, showy "attitude" is highly prized.
• Working breeds (herding, guarding, livestock guarding) that have been bred to expect - and thrive on - structure and having a useful purpose, that are getting neither. Problem behavior often emerges in adolescence, when need for structure is strongest.

What can I expect from using this formula?

As with Bach flower remedies in general, you should most often look initially for absence of negative behaviors, or reduction in their intensity or duration. This is typically intermittent at first, then building. Noting, rewarding, and appreciating (praise, affection, etc) all improved responses will help speed the process along and help solidify new, improved reactions. Besides a gradually increasing reduction in negative behaviors, it's common to see "softer" eyes, and softer, less tense, more fluid body language.

Training and Behavior Improvement Considerations

• Focus on positively reinforcing some easily understood, appropriate, alternative ways for your dog to communicate his needs and wants. Remember to Anticipate (whenever possible), Interrupt (when necessary), Redirect, and Reward.
• Confidence in leadership can be damaged by emotional extremes. Aim to keep an emotional even keel when interacting with your dog, avoiding extremes of over-reaction. Getting angry with your dog is not helpful, but neither is laying a guilt trip on yourself for past mistakes. Your dog needs fairness, stability, and predictability above all.
• Naturally high status dogs require a strong leader - someone they can trust, feel safe with, and believe in - but they do best with one who inspires loyalty, rather than relying on forceful, crude demonstrations to maintain authority (i.e. "showing who is boss"). 
• Learning is a lifelong process. Even if your dog has learned that bullying behavior works, he can now learn new, more cooperative behaviors to replace old ones. Be patient with your dog and yourself when working through this problem, particularly if your dog’s reactions stem from defensiveness, as emotional reactions formed under duress can be quite resilient.
• Naturally confident dogs that assume they can get their own way are not being "bad", they're being themselves. That is not to say they cannot or should not learn a better, more cooperative approach. But some compromise may be necessary, particularly at the beginning. Throw away the idea of there being a winner and a loser. Your dog may have some good ideas you haven't even thought of!

***Cautions***

If your dog has bitten, threatened to bite, or if you are afraid of your dog, any flower essence therapy should be used in conjunction with help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who is experienced and successful in improving this type of problem. Check with your veterinarian, or visit the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) websites to find a qualified professional near you who can help you safely improve your dog's behavior in a non-violent, non-confrontational manner.

Choosing the Right Aldaron Canine Behavior Support Formula

While Dominance & Territoriality is not the ideal formula for the activity fearful dog reacting out of self preservation, it can benefit the dog that has learned over time to resort to threatening, bullying behaviors, even though the original inspiration was fear. Be prepared to follow up with a formula for fear (Poise, Very Scary Things, or Fear & Suspicion), once the underlying emotion is exposed.

Moderation is similar to Dominance & Territoriality, but less related to rigid, territory-associated behaviors, and more for the dog that is generally testy and reactive when others infringe on her rules, her space, her possessions, etc.
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Over-Protective is another similar formula, but one that contains additional elements which address fears - both typical, everyday fears as well as fear and over-concern for loved ones.

Hyper Drive - It may be tempting to think that any dog ignoring your direction is behaving "dominantly". However, the Hyper-Drive dog is so focused on their own concerns that they see and hear nothing else. It may come across as bossiness when he ignores – or plows through - anyone and anything to accomplish what his mind is on, but that is incidental, not an attempt to control others.

Fear & Suspicion is the formula of choice when aggressive behaviors are driven by fear, defensiveness, and suspicion. For the dog that has learned to react offensively in order to prevent scary or overwhelming things from happening.

Recommended Resources

Web Links:

Effective Communication in Dog Training - my article on using non-verbal communication to lay a foundation for good training with your dog.

Books:

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