Act like the alpha of the back and show him who is boss. Look him/her in the eye: When you give a command, look straight at your pet. Make sure he can see that you mean business and that it is not a command to be disobeyed. Always hold eye contact with your pet, no matter how big or small he or she is.
Increased exercise and regular obedience training may also be effective in reducing aggressively dominant dogs, and some forms of training may be used as distractions, focusing the dog's attention off of negative stimuli in a training technique known as a counter-conditioning treatment.
Teach a long "down in place" for some peace and quiet during and after dinner, and feed the dog after all humans have dined, as a gentle reminder of his ranking in the family pack. Make the dog work for every treat, and exercise him on a schedule. Going out should not be his for the asking.
Teaching Self Control
Your dog will need to learn that rude behavior will not get him what he wants (e.g., attention, play, access to toys, etc.). One way to discourage this behavior is by turning your back to the dog, crossing your arms, and avoiding eye contact. Once he is calm, you can engage with him again.
Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap, or even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give up a toy, treat, or resting place.
Underlying health conditions can cause a dog to have hormonal or mood imbalances and poor eyesight or hearing. These conditions can cause a dog to displaying dominant behavior such as biting, growling, and barking in respond to the pain and irritability these conditions cause.
Methods such as alpha rolls and physical corrections (via the leash and a choke chain or by smacking the dog on the nose or by shaking their scruffs) were often recommended as a way for humans to establish dominance over their dogs.
Your Dog Follows You
According to the pack code, alphas are at the front of the line, betas are in the middle, and omegas are in the back and double as lookouts. If your dog follows you, this indicates it sees you as the pack leader and is exhibiting the instinctive behavior of walking behind the alpha.
Wild dogs exhibit similar behaviors, opting to sleep in small, confined areas with pack members they trust to protect against predators. When your dog sleeps right next to you, he is demonstrating trust in his “alpha” human.
The act of holding a dog down forcibly as a correction is generally called the "dominance down." It is inappropriate, ethologically absurd, and completely counterproductive when interacting with dogs.
Staring Can Make a Dog Feel Challenged
That's why it's best to act calm around new dogs. Also try to avoid extended periods of eye contact, especially for dogs who already be struggling with human reactivity or overarousal.
Treatment. It's important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as a cure for aggression. Aggressive behaviors are managed and reduced through proper treatment with a veterinary behavioral professional. It's also essential to understand that aggression is a behavioral problem, not an issue of obedience.
Best case scenario if you growl at your dog — you'll get his attention because you've made a novel noise. Worst case scenario – you'll get bitten in the face. I used another example to illustrate the fact that growling at your dog is not only silly, but dangerous advice.
1 No matter the reason a dog becomes aggressive, bared teeth are usually a sign he is being pushed past his comfort zone. If you see a dog with this type of body language, it's best to leave this dog alone. Avoid eye contact and carefully step away from the dog.
Dominant dog body language
When your dog is feeling confident and dominant, he or she will have a strong, positive body position. There will also be signs of alertness: rigid muscles and tail; raised fur; an attempt to make direct eye contact; and a closed mouth, sometimes accompanied by a soft growl.
Another exercise requires cuddling the pup on his back in your arms against your body, as you would hold an infant. Lying on his back is a submissive posture for the pup. Maintain this position until the pup has been quiet for 10 seconds.
The DOGGIE DON'T® Device uses sound aversion to re-direct your dogs attention and to stop the unwanted behavior. The DOGGIE DON'T® Device makes a loud crackling sound- similar to a stun gun or TASER™.
Asserting Dominance
By sitting on people, dogs often feel higher and more in control. If you notice your dog barking or growling at other pets while sitting on your lap, it may be a sign that your dog is feeling the need to assert his dominance.
The fights may start out as snarling and growling over space or other resources. If left unchecked, serious fighting can ensue resulting in injury or even death. Fighting occurs because the dogs have not established a stable dominance hierarchy. Dogs have no sense of equality, so one must always be the leader.
The only thing pinning your dog to the ground will teach her is to be afraid of you, and it makes you untrustworthy in her eyes. In the future, she will be more likely to perform aggressive behavior when she is afraid — including some she may aim in your direction.