What are the best books for training dogs to stop being overly submissive?

Training a dog to stop being overly submissive requires a combination of understanding canine behavior, building confidence, and using positive reinforcement techniques. Overly submissive behavior in dogs can manifest as excessive cowering, rolling over, urinating, or avoiding eye contact. This behavior often stems from fear, lack of confidence, or past negative experiences. To address this, it’s important to focus on building trust, creating a safe environment, and using training methods that encourage confidence. Below are some of the best books for addressing submissive behavior in dogs, along with detailed explanations and practical advice.

1. The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
This book is a cornerstone in understanding dog behavior and training. Jean Donaldson provides a clear explanation of how dogs think and learn, which is essential for addressing submissive behavior. The book emphasizes positive reinforcement and debunks common myths about dominance-based training. It’s particularly helpful for understanding why a dog might display submissive behaviors and how to build their confidence through reward-based training.

2. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor is a pioneer in the field of positive reinforcement training. This book introduces the concept of clicker training, which is highly effective for building confidence in dogs. By using a clicker to mark desired behaviors, you can help your dog understand what you expect from them in a clear and non-threatening way. The book also provides practical tips for shaping behavior and reducing fear-based responses.

3. Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt
This book is specifically designed for dogs with fear, anxiety, or reactivity issues, which often underlie submissive behavior. Leslie McDevitt’s approach focuses on creating a calm and confident mindset in dogs through games and exercises. The book includes step-by-step instructions for building focus, reducing stress, and increasing your dog’s ability to cope with challenging situations.

4. The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
Pat Miller’s book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to use positive reinforcement to address behavioral issues. It includes detailed training plans and exercises that can help your dog become more confident and less submissive. The book also covers the importance of consistency, patience, and understanding your dog’s individual needs.

5. Decoding Your Dog by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
This book is written by a team of veterinary behaviorists and provides scientifically-backed insights into dog behavior. It includes a section on fear and anxiety, which are often at the root of submissive behavior. The book offers practical advice on how to create a supportive environment and use training techniques that promote confidence and reduce fear.

Practical Tips for Addressing Submissive Behavior:
1. Use positive reinforcement to reward confident behaviors. For example, if your dog approaches you without cowering, reward them with treats, praise, or play.
2. Avoid punishment or harsh corrections, as these can increase fear and submissive behavior.
3. Gradually expose your dog to new experiences in a controlled and positive way. This can help them build confidence over time.
4. Teach your dog basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. Mastering these skills can boost their confidence and strengthen your bond.
5. Provide a safe space where your dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a crate or a quiet room with their favorite toys and bedding.

Potential Risks and Concerns:
1. Forcing a dog into situations that make them uncomfortable can worsen submissive behavior and increase fear.
2. Using dominance-based training methods can damage your relationship with your dog and exacerbate submissive tendencies.
3. Submissive behavior can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as pain or illness. If the behavior is sudden or severe, consult a veterinarian.

When to Seek Professional Help:
If your dog’s submissive behavior is extreme or does not improve with training, it may be helpful to consult a certified professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. These experts can provide personalized guidance and develop a training plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

In summary, addressing overly submissive behavior in dogs requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to positive reinforcement. The books listed above provide valuable insights and practical strategies for helping your dog build confidence and overcome fear-based behaviors. By creating a supportive environment and using reward-based training, you can help your dog become more self-assured and less submissive.