We began having problems with our dog biting other dogs and even killed our kitten a couple months ago. I found your site, identified our mistakes and started groundwork. Is this dominance/aggression, prey drive or both? And if we continue to follow your training program, can the problem really be overcome?

It’s impossible to label the type of aggression your dog may have displayed in the past but it sounds like with the death of the other dog and with the ‘shaking up of the family dynamic,’ she’s trying to establish herself as the boss.

Owners of dogs like yours underestimate the genetic power of "PACK DRIVE." Pack structure is not something new and it is not optional, and if you don’t provide the structure and leadership a dog NEEDS then he or she will behave as canines have for thousands of years and will structure your family and household their own way. Your dog is simply being a dog, a dog that needs some guidance and rules.

I’m glad you are running her through the groundwork program, I’d also suggest the video that picks up where the article leaves off, Pack Structure for the Family Pet.

Here is another DVD that I would recommend titled Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs. If you go to the link on this DVD you can read about what it covers. You will also see a detailed outline of what’s in the video.

A dog that is dominant/aggressive may never be able to be fully trusted without direct supervision. That’s one of those things I can’t know with any certainty. I do know by offering her more leadership and training and not allowing her in situations where there is going to be a problem you can improve her behavior. I would NOT allow her to interact with other dogs or have her food in a place that other animals can approach. Controlling the environment goes a long way to living with dogs like this.

Cindy Rhodes