posted 02-12-2004 05:44 PM         

~Your dog is nearing the appropriate time/age to be neutered, and I HIGHLY recommend doing so! The procedure often gets rid of the behavior. My two shih-poos were experimenting with that behavior, but only with each other (I know, not a pretty thought). Ever since their surgery, I have yet to see them exhibiting the behavior!

~As far as rolling the dog over on it's back. There really is no way to put this lightly, so here it goes:

Such an action is referred to as an "Alpha Roll" and is a rather old technique. Quite frankly speaking, I WOULD NEVER EVER USE THAT TECHNIQUE ON MY DOGS, NOR ANY OTHER DOG. The man who wrote the book encouraging use of the infamous Alpha Roll is now DISCOURAGING it. Please read the article on the following site: http://www.coloradoan.com/news/stories/20021228/lifestyle/665086.html

The alpha roll is very dangerous, physically and psychologically, and in many cases leads to serious problems in the dog on which the technique was used. As one person so intelligently stated why such a technique is not wise:

"The only reason that a dog will FORCEFULLY flip another dog over on its back is to kill the animal. By forcing an animal to submit in that way you are literally putting the fear of death into them, they think you are trying to kill them. It is not surprising that a lot of people get bit trying to do the alpha roll - the dog believes that the human is trying to kill them so they try and defend themselves. Doing this behavior to an already dominant animal can increase the likelihood of aggression. Doing this to an already submissive animal will increase the fear in that animal - leading to submissive urination and possible fear biting. Hands should never, ever be used to hurt an animal - an alpha roll does just that and its efficacy at asserting dominance is next to zero."
(Author of statement: Violetcows)

If I were the dog, hypothetically speaking, and such a behavior was practiced on me, I would probably stop too. But, unfortunately you have now made me fearful of you due the the death hold you forcefully put me in!

Making your dog to submit/behave by FORCEFULLY making them fear you by threatening death is a perfect set-up for disaster. I don't know what else I can say to discourage such a technique, but please, do consider other more appropriate options. A trainer (who doesn't encourage it) should be able to help you out further!

~I did learn ways to stop such behaviors, and here are a few ideas

1) Firmly tell your dog "NO".

2) Make your dog sit when he attempts the behavior.

3) Distract him with a toy or chew.

etc. (for more ideas, contact a trainer)

When your dog stops with the use of any of the above ideas (or those you may gain from a trainer) be sure to reward him!!!

--> If the behavior continues, remove the dog from the situation in the form of a short time out (NOT in a cage/kennel though!).

OK, I think I am done ranting now! I will now step off my soapbox! LOL

Good Luck,
Kristi

[This message has been edited by MyBabyShihPoo (edited 02-12-2004).]

[This message has been edited by MyBabyShihPoo (edited 02-12-2004).]

posted 02-12-2004 07:05 PM         

(ilovemaltipoos did mention it, but I just wanted to add it to my post above)

A firm "NO" should ALWAYS be said, as this lets your dog know that the behavior is not appropriate on humans. The sit, chew/toy, etc. (if needed) should follow the "NO". Just make sure to tell your dog "NO" everytime!

posted 02-13-2004 05:33 AM         

All of your information has been wonderful. I havn't neutered Milo (yet). we were actually planning on breeding him but since i have found out that he has luxating patella's we have decided that we wouldn't want to breed him with a chance that the little could get the same. Milo will go to the vet when he has finished developing, 6 months, and we will get the operation done.

I also didn't know about the alpha roll, which to me makes perfect sence. I don't place milo on his back because it never occured to me that i should. But now that i know this information i will remember this and not apply it to him. Milo, to me, i think is not understanding where he is in the hiarcy line in our household (me, my boyfriend, milo). I think that because i am always the one who looks after him, cleans up his mess, plays with him, that he thinks that he is higher then me. As for my boyfriend, he is the more tougher one. If Milo does something he knows he isn't alowed to do, he will always look at my boyfriend and run away.

Good news is that he starts him obedience school next sunday, hopefully this will help him learn everything that i can't teach him.

Everyone has been great on this topic and i thank you all. You have all been great, and i got another question for you all. I'll start a new trend. With all the information everyone has been giving me, all my questions and problems that i am receiving with my pup will sure be all gone.

Thanks,
Christina