Four signs your dog respects you

by lucy on 03 Aug 2018 |

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Earning your dog’s respect is a crucial component of any pet-parent relationship. Here are a few signs Fido holds you in high regard.

Dogs are known for being loyal, but it’s equally important that your pet respects you. This not only keeps him safe when you give commands to keep him out of harm’s way, but also leads to a happier relationship with your companion. Here are a few signs Fido holds you in the highest regard:

He lets you go first: If your dog races to beat you to the door, chances are he doesn’t respect you. In a pack, the leader always goes first, so watch for your pet to wait patiently behind you. Likewise, pack leaders always eat first, so make sure to eat your meals before feeding your dog. If you can leave your plate unattended for a short period of time without your dog stealing your food, this is a major sign he respects you as his pack leader.

He greets you warmly: Dogs that truly respect their owners greet them with a wagging tail, relaxed ears and other submissive body language. If he plants a kiss on your cheek or licks his lips, your dog is showing he respects you as leader of his pack.

He listens to you: A dog that ignores commands it asserting his dominance, so it’s important to teach your pet to obey basic commands such as sit, stay and come. Not only is this crucial in earning your dog’s respect, but it can keep your pet out of harm’s way in situations involving oncoming traffic, poisonous substances or other hazards.

He isn’t a comfort hog: Pack leaders always occupy the prime spots for sitting or lying down and this principle should carry over with you and your dog. A respectful pet will move out of your way when you claim a spot on the couch or bed. While it’s totally fine to share these spaces with your pet, he shouldn’t try to push you out of the way.

Earning a dog’s respect isn’t difficult. Give consistent commands and offer plenty of praise when he listens to you, and likewise, enforce consistent punishments—such as cutting playtime short—when your dog acts out. Make plenty of time to play and bond with him while always maintaining control over this situation. Be showing you are an able leader, your dog will come to trust you, strengthening the bond you share.

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Dennis10 Aug 2018Reply

My 5 year old 9 breed mix is @ 30 lbs. She'd attack a Rottweiler in a spiked collar if one walked by! Never learned to socialize as she was captured in the wild down south. Her tail wags like crazy, but she's snarling, snorting and shaking! Passive-aggressive?

Luann10 Aug 2018Reply

your dog is fearful aggressive. Just because the tail is wagging doesn't mean she is happy...it also means stress. Since she is from the woods in the south she probably had to fight off other dogs for food, shelter and if not spayed male dogs. You would need a really good behavioral dog trainer or you can desensitize her yourself with lot's of patience by having her see dogs from a distance and seeing were her red zone is and slowley moving closer to passing the other dog with no signs of fear or aggresion. Also use food and lot's of praise as a reward for good behavior. You are a good person for rescuing her and looking for a solution and not giving up on her.

Luann25 Aug 2018Reply

your dog is fearful-aggressive Your a good person to rescue her and because she was captured in the wild down south she most likely had to fight off other dogs to survive for food, shelter and because she is a female and probably not spayed...fight off male dogs. She would need a behaviorlist trainer to desensitize her from other dogs which takes patience. Her tail wagging like crazy can be a sign of stress not happiness.

Four signs your dog respects you

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