Gab’s family loves Teru, their yellow Labrador, dearly that keeping him around the house gives them pure joy. However, when the kids would play in the backyard with the dog they always tend to get nervous and worried. Teru would frequently knock the kids down and when Gab would try to play with them the dog would try to mount him. Occasionally, when Gab scolds at his children to discipline them, Teru would get distressed and start growling. Gab tried spanking Teru or taps his nose, but nothing seemed to be curbing dog’s aggression.

Bruce had finally given up on Matt’s behavior. He was talking his frustration over Matt’s aggressive behavior with a neighbor, who recommended a dog trainer. His neighbor advised him that the trainer would visit them in their house to work with Bruce and his family to aid them curb some of these behaviors. The trainer paid a surprise visit to Mike’s house to observe and gather information regarding Otto’s behavior. As Mike and the kids huddled and played together, the trainer immediately noticed Otto’s behavior and how he acts upon the situation. The trainer talked to Mike and suggested that the family stop allowing Otto to assert that he was the Alpha Dog, and that Mike would need to establish himself as the leader of Otto’s pack. The trainer further explained that dog’s have a pack mentality wherein one dog has dominance over everyone. Otto’s behavior was a way of him presenting he was in charge. Bruce followed the trainer’s advice and started taking control over everything. The trainer explained to Bruce that Matt should wait first for permission to use any toy or even to eat. Matt needs to acknowledge that Bruce and his family were in control. Bruce put up Matt’s toys and refrain form letting him to jump up on the couch or bed unless he sat first. When Matt would want to play or go out, Bruce began training him to sit in front of the toy box or doorway. For when he sat on command, Bruce would let him play with a toy or open the door for him. If Matt would not follow, Bruce would not give Matt what he wanted. Bruce also instructed his kids how to do the same thing. At first Matt would not respond, but realized that he was not getting what he wanted, so he would follow to commands. The trainer also discouraged Bruce from playing tug-of-war with Matt. Even though this was one of Bruce’s favorite games to play with Matt, he observed that Matt’s behavior worsened after a game of tug-of-war. The trainer cited that these kinds of games are instinctual ways for dogs to assert dominance in the pack. He suggested games of fetch and using other active toys to excite Matt. A couple of months have passed and the dog’s aggression dissipated. Every now and then, Otto would try to reassert himself as the alpha dog, but the family now knows not to give in to Otto’s demands. Otto had improved and no longer knocks down the kids when they would play, and he definitely stopped mounting on Mike. Mike was now able to even teach him other tricks that he never thought Otto was capable of. The key to Bruce’s success with Matt was that the family had to institute dominance over Matt. As soon as Matt realized his spot in the hierarchy, he was better behaved and the aggression subsided.