DS: What is an "unstable" dog?

Interesting question. I do believe the word(s) *dominant/dominance* are used too broadly simply because it is difficult to explain a behavior when this is about the only word which describes it. Memphis Belle (and a few others) went into detail describing a *TRULY* dominant dog.

I will never see one and I doubt anyone else will. If they do, it will be misjudged and given another *tag* because the average pet owner does not have a clue. I disagree with the idea of humping is not a dominant behavior.

(Lack of a better word?) When my APBT tries to get on my senior Lab it is not good. He tries to get her off but he is also 12 years old. I have watched too many of my dogs do this to each other and it is corrected by ME when I see it happening because I believe it is not so much *excitement* as it is *control*.

They are not in control. The humans are. Therefore I give a stern correction.

What makes a dog dominant? Genetics and/or lack of training. I say both because a dog with no training can exhibit controlling behavior because it has not be taught this is unacceptable.

Then you have the genetics. A dog which has been trained and KNOWS it is not suppose to exhibit controlling behavior and DOES? This is in the genes.

How do I determine if a dog is dominant/controlling? When said animal pushes the limits. Pushes the training.

Knows what it is about to try is not acceptable but will try anyway. Pawing* to get your attention is controlling behavior and should be corrected. Jumping into your lap uninvited, pushing it's face in yours, placing front paws on your shoulders and proceeds to *mouth* you (licking) is controlling behavior.

Launi learned the hard way she cannot do this. Does she try at times? Yes.

But not to this extent. One lick of my face uninvited gets her ending up on the floor with a big thump. Is she a *dominant* dog?

No. Not a truly dominant. Is she a dominant dog as far as a pet and replace the word with *controlling*?

Yes. If she can get away with it she will.

I don't like to use the word 'dominant' but people have labeled my dog as such. I guess how I could determine this is: Confidence, independent, have a mind of their own and don't enjoy when things don't go their way. That's basically my dog, and I think if you don't work with those issues it can get worse.

Not to say I don't mind a dog who has confidence and tries to do things on his own. Just when they throw a hissy fit when something doesn't go their way. So basically, I wouldn't say my dog is dominant, just very confident and intelligent.

Sorry I refer my dog, but this is the first time I've come across a dog that's like this. Edit: Also to add, he likes to see what he can get away with. He has stood over dogs, but if they make it obvious they're not fond of it, he will back off.

Same goes for us(family), if he tries something we don't like he usually stops.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.