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keep hearing make the dog aware that you are the alpha.
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complete and utter nonscense. Dogs do not form pack nor to the engage in any decernably hierarchy structure. Even wolve wich the whole alpha dog thing start from do not from heirarchies in the wild this way. a pack in the wild is simply a family unit a mother and father with siblings that when the mature go off on their own and try and form a pack of their own, So that is the better modle for you
thy and simply be a good basset parent
leadership basics
also keep in mind for dogs learn is quickest and more comprensive when done through play. Play=work=play
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I was told not to allow them in your bed or couch and last night at bed time
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why if it is under some belief theat doing so the dog becomes dominate and therfor aggressive rest assured that is not the case.
Debunking the dominance myth
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So-called dominance exercises were — and in some circles still are — widely recommended to prevent the dog from taking over the entire household. These exercises include not feeding him until after you’ve eaten, letting him through doorways only after you, forbidding access to furniture, and not playing tug-of-war.
In reality, there is no evidence that these procedures prevent dominance aggression or any other behavioral problem. One study found no correlation between playing tug-of-war or allowing a dog on the bed and the development of aggressive behavior. ]
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there are some legitmate reason not to let the dog on the furniture and bed but these most often are lifestyle consideraion and nothing to do with changing the dogs behavior.
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He was wiggling around as two year olds do and Fred began to slightly growl at him with his eyes still closed
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here is one of those life style choice. think if you were trying to sleep and the 2 year old cam up and started bouncing on the bed what would you do? While many consider growling an agressive act it is more akin to shouting "knock it off. " hence the need to alway supervise the dog when in the presence of a young child. Keeping the dog off the bed preventsw this. Keep the child from annoying a sleeping dog does too. The choice is yours.
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I immediately made Fred get down from the bed and go to his doggy bed.
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this can backfire because it is impossible to know what the dog associated the punishment with his behavior or say just the mere presence of the child. if it is the presence the to child punishment can make the behavior worse as the dog triesto keep the child farther away to prevent the punishment. you need to alow work on creating a possitive association between the child and the dog . Keeping in mind toddler are mostl likely to be bitten and have problem with dogs, it is because the are irratic, do not move like adult so tdog often are edgier when around them
TODDLERS & DOGS
RULES OF DOG SAFETY
How to Love Your Dog
Living with Kids and dogs
some links on the growling
He Just Wants To Say "Hi!"
Aggression or appropriate response to rudeness? Far too many dogs suffer because handlers & trainers don't know the difference between the two.
Dogs Use Non-Aggressive Fighting to Resolve Conflicts
Position Statement
The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior