Dogs thrive in social structures, and within their families they sometimes test boundaries to see who is in charge. Certain behaviours may look harmless at first but can actually signal that your dog believes they’re calling the shots.
Understanding these habits doesn’t mean your dog is “bad,” it simply highlights areas where leadership and consistency are needed. Recognising the signs early can help strengthen your bond and restore balance in a healthy, positive way.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Every dog is unique, and behaviours can vary by breed, age, and environment. If your dog shows ongoing behavioural problems, consult a qualified veterinarian or professional trainer for guidance.
1. Growling When You Approach Their Food
Resource guarding is a primal instinct where dogs protect what they consider valuable. Alpha dogs control resources in the wild, and your pet might be doing the same at home.
When your dog growls as you near their food bowl, they’re warning you to stay away from their property. This dangerous behavior indicates they don’t trust your authority and believe they need to defend their resources from you.
2. Claiming The Best Sleeping Spots
Notice your dog sprawled across your pillow or favorite chair? That’s not just about comfort. Premium resting places are alpha privileges in dog society.
By taking over your bed or sofa, your dog is asserting their right to the most desirable territory. They’re not being cute. They’re making a statement about rank. The higher the sleeping spot, the more dominant the position in their mind.
3. Ignoring Basic Commands
Selective hearing isn’t just stubbornness, it’s a power play. When your dog consistently disregards your “sit,” “stay,” or “come” commands, they’re essentially saying your authority is optional.
Alpha dogs don’t take orders; they give them. Your pet may acknowledge commands when it suits them but ignore them when something more interesting catches their attention. This calculated response shows they believe they can choose when to listen.
4. Leaning Or Putting Paws On You
That adorable paw on your arm might not be as innocent as it seems. Physical positioning matters in dog hierarchy, and placing themselves above you is a subtle dominance move.
When your dog regularly puts their paws on your shoulders or leans heavily against you, they’re claiming space and asserting control. They’re using their body to communicate that they don’t view you as the leader who deserves physical respect and boundaries.
5. Refusing To Move Off Furniture
A truly dominant dog will stand their ground when asked to give up their spot. If your request to move is met with resistance, growling, or a stubborn refusal, your dog is challenging your authority.
Alpha dogs control access to resources, including comfortable resting places. When your dog won’t budge from the couch despite your commands, they’re communicating that they believe they have the right to deny your request.
6. Guarding You From Other People
While it might seem protective, a dog who blocks access to you is actually displaying ownership. They’re not protecting you – they’re guarding their resource (you) from others.
When your dog positions themselves between you and visitors or growls when others approach you, they’re making decisions about who gets access to you. This controlling behavior indicates they believe they have authority over your social interactions.
7. Making Direct Eye Contact
Prolonged, unwavering eye contact from your dog isn’t always affection, it can be a challenge. In canine communication, staring is confrontational and tests who will look away first.
If your dog maintains intense eye contact when being corrected or during tense moments, they’re refusing to show submission. This visual standoff is their way of questioning your authority and standing their ground in the face of your leadership.
8. Pulling On The Leash Constantly
Leash pulling isn’t just poor training, it’s often a leadership dispute. Dogs who forge ahead are attempting to lead the walk rather than follow your guidance.
When your dog constantly strains against the leash, they’re communicating that they should determine the direction and pace. They believe they’re in charge of the journey, not you. This physical tug-of-war represents a larger power struggle happening between you.
9. Demanding Attention On Their Terms
Alpha dogs decide when interactions happen. If your dog nudges, barks, or paws at you until you pet them, they’re controlling the relationship dynamic.
When attention-seeking behaviors work, your dog learns they can command your focus whenever they want it. They’re training you to respond to their demands rather than respecting your boundaries. This reversal of roles reinforces their perceived authority over you.
10. Claiming Multiple Toys But Not Playing
Resource hoarding is classic alpha behavior. Dogs who gather toys around themselves without actually playing with them are displaying resource control, not playfulness.
When your dog collects and guards multiple toys, they’re establishing ownership over items they perceive as valuable. Even if they don’t use these items, preventing others from accessing them is a way of asserting dominance and priority access to resources.
11. Showing Aggression During Grooming
Grooming requires submission to human handling. Dogs who snap, growl, or bite during nail trims or brushing are refusing to accept your authority over their body.
Alpha dogs don’t allow subordinates to manipulate their physical space. When your dog rejects grooming with aggressive responses, they’re communicating that they don’t recognize your right to handle them. This dangerous boundary-setting shows they consider themselves the decision-maker.
12. Interrupting Your Conversations
Dogs who bark, whine, or physically insert themselves when you’re speaking with others are asserting control over your attention. They believe their needs supersede your social interactions.
This interrupting behavior demonstrates that your dog doesn’t respect your engagement with others. They’re prioritizing their desires above your activities and essentially saying, “Pay attention to me now.” This demand for immediate response reveals their belief that they outrank you.
