Reply #7: dogs have a "pack" mentality- [View All]

[NMDemDist2]

you need to stop him right away, what he is doing is trying to become the "Top Dog" and he will become more and more aggressive if not taught a lesson right away.

you must "take him down" and make it crystal clear he is NOT the "alpha male" of your pack. the next time he growls or grabs the newspaper you need to grab him by the scruff on both sides of his neck and fairly forcefully put him on his back and hold him down and stare him right in the eye until he looks away. You need to tell him in a VERY STRONG VOICE he is NOT the boss.

It may take a couple times over the next few months before he "concedes" you the Alpha spot.

I have a 6 year old male and we still need to "remind" him every couple years.

At no time do you hurt him or hit him, you just have to put him in the subservient position on his back (his belly exposed and vunerable) and get up close in his face (don't let him nip you) and stare him down til he "gives"

This is the number one issue that causes dogs to be left in shelters, and it is so easy to stop. You can probably find some more stuff on the web but this has worked for us with all our dogs thru the years.

on edit: obedience class is always good too!