anyone heard of dominance down?

[Karen]

The "dominance down" theory has huge risks, especially if you are dealing with an adult dog, or a dog with "issues." I don't think it will help the marking in the house one bit. NILF is much safer and better for everyone concerned, it is just harder for YOU, the person, to be consistent, but it's vital. I really think, until the marking in the house is completely gone, he has to be on the leash at ALL times. If there's nothing medical going on, then it's definitely part of the "who is in charge here" issue. Do you do the whole NILF - like you eat something while he's waiting before you give him his food, etc.?

[ashleycat]

Yep... the only thing i have a hard time doing is keeping him on the leash ALL times. lol.

[Karen]

Yes, it's hard, but it will be worth it in the long run. You just have to be more stubborn than him. At the end of this process, you'll have a happier, healthier relationship with you and your pup.

[Vela]

The "dominance down" theory has huge risks, especially if you are dealing with an adult dog, or a dog with "issues." I don't think it will help the marking in the house one bit. NILF is much safer and better for everyone concerned, it is just harder for YOU, the person, to be consistent, but it's vital. I really think, until the marking in the house is completely gone, he has to be on the leash at ALL times. If there's nothing medical going on, then it's definitely part of the "who is in charge here" issue. Do you do the whole NILF - like you eat something while he's waiting before you give him his food, etc.?

I agree completely with what Karen says here.

[lute]

i've heard of it, but don't totally agree with it. i think you must know the dog so there isn't a chance of the dog harming you. i also think that it shouldn't be done unless there is nothing else that can be done to control the dog. i've done it twice and found it succesful. i don't "growl" at the dog. i just talk to them in a deep voice.

[IRescue452]

I agree that it sounds horrible, more aggressive than dominant anyway, I certainly wouldn't use it. Seems kind of similar to what the ceasar milan guy tries, basically scaring the dog into a freeze. No training/learning involved. When our dogs were puppies though we did exercises where we would hold them on their bellies or on their sides until they stopped wiggling. It was different though as we weren't threatening in any way, just holding them. I think it did a lot of good though with trust and knowing who's dominant.