hi

how can you tell if a dog is being dominant or affectionate, my partner and i have a disagreement about holly who is 3 years old she tends to jump on other dogs, but her breeder says that breed treuvarin look for the mane in play, but with me i am convinced she is showing love, due to being poorly my partner reckons she knows im weak and takes advantage, and then he feels i undermind him and. all the rules in place he reckons thats why she is so disobediant i would hate not to be able to love her if this would make her disobediant helpb

She may be trying to herd the other dogs - unfortunately this is a common issue with Belgians! I've been discussing this behaviour with another BSD owner on a different forum and the jumping & pushing/barging at other dogs is one of the ways the breed herds.

You may need to channel this herding instinct into dog sports such as agility or flyball. The breed is sometimes described as being "dominant" towards other dogs (i.e. bossy); but "dominance" in the way your partner is thinking, is an outdated concept and you will not find any reputable dog trainers using the term nowadays.

I suggest you look for a APDT trainer in your area and ask for advice

PS: If your partner is a fan of a certain TV trainer, I'd say those methods are highly unsuitable for a Belgian as they are very sensitive and do not tolerate harsh treatment.

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Merlinsmum has given excellent advice.

Yes, the word 'Dominance' is over-used in dog training circles and modern, forward thinking trainers who have moved with the times and kept their knowledge up to date tend not to rely so heavily upon it as an explanation for just about everything. He may not have his own TV programme (very much doubt he would want one either) but the man who writes this excellent and thought provoking article - 'The Dog In Your Living Room' has also written an excellent little book on the subject - 'Dominance: Fact Or Fiction' which many may find helpful.