They are Not Out To Take Over the World
Dominance Theory
Karen Peak
West Wind Dog Training
“Dominance Theory” is a big topic in dog training. When you hear some trainers talk you would think it
explains every aspect of life with a domestic dog. “Why did my dog do that?” “Well, he is just being
dominant and you have to stop that!” Let’s roll the dog, shake it down, grab its muzzle, and let’s stop
that DOMINANT behavior. But wait! How correct is this idea? Simple, it is not correct.
How did the current domestic canine dominance theory come about? A number of narrow, short-term
wolf behavior studies were performed. The wolf studies focused on a very small and structured part of
wolf interaction. Then it was misinterpreted to the top wolf keeps that position through force. One
such example is the so-called "Alpha Roll". The Alpha Roll in dog training is based on the assumption
that in order to enforce relative position in the pack, a dominant, or Alpha wolf would roll a subordinate
wolf onto its back and then hold it there until it submits. In actuality, the subordinate wolf offers his
muzzle or belly to a higher tanking animal and that animal responds. A WOLF ROLLS ANOTHER WOLF
ONLY IF HE IS PLANNING ON A FIGHT OR EVEN TO KILL. This is very rare in wolf society. Wild wolves are
more civilized as a family unit than humans think. Captive wolves behave differently than wild wolves.
Both behave far differently from domestic dogs. The wolf data was then extrapolated to the domestic
dog. Now we know how wrong this was yet still today, canine training professionals refuse to look at
the newer data. How would we feel about a doctor who has never kept up with training and uses things
proven to be not as effective for treating our health? Yet we still see out trainers who push the pack
leader, dominance, they are going to take over if you do not show them whose is boss trainers!
Dogs do not have a rigid hierarchy and neither really do wolves. Dogs to not pack as wolves do and even
a wolf pack is far different from what old researchers assumed. Imagine what our threats in order to
maintain our position and our misinterpretation of dominance does to our dogs’ impression of us when
that human he should trust suddenly tosses the poor creature on his back? Sadly, the erroneous data
of wolf behavior found its way into domestic dog owning culture as gospel and the myth still abounds in
the dog training, breeding and owning world even to this day.
To take the behavior from one species and apply it to the other simply because they share a common
background on the evolutionary tree is inaccurate. Chickens and hawks share a similar evolutionary
background. Would it be accurate to study chickens and state this is how hawks interact? They are
very different animals behaviorally though both are birds. Why do we do this to the wolf and domestic
dog when they are different animals though both are canids? Another issue is because humans are a
completely different species and do not speak dog, we can only guess at what is going on inside that
fuzzy head leaning on our knee. Dogs are as different from humans as a hawk is from a duck! Trying to
extend the social interactions from one species to another is as ludicrous as asking a chicken to hunt a
hare.
One researcher, Dr. Frank Beach actually studied dog packs for three decades. During this research,
many important behaviors were noted including:
* Males have a less variable hierarchy amongst themselves than female dogs (very basically, males are
more predictable when in a single sex group than females)
* Only middle ranked, confused dogs squabbled. Those secure in their positions regardless of the “rank”
did not.
* When the genders are mixed, the rules are mixed as well. There is very little actual physical
domination in mixed gender groups of dogs. The others will rapidly quash the few dogs that may try to
physically bully. Lower ranked dogs do not try and "move up the ladder" - they accept their position.
* Lastly, "alpha" does NOT mean the most physically dominant dog. In fact, "alpha" doesn't even equate
directly to our notions of "dominance". Rather, the "alpha" dog is the one in control of the resources.
When we use force, rolling, etc., on our dogs, what are we telling them? We are implying that we are
insecure in our position in the family unit. For a dog that needs someone to be in charge of ensuring
needed resources will always be provided, seeing that provider act in a manner that indicates he (or she)
in not secure can be very confusing to a dog. Dogs want security.
In order to alleviate that perceived gap in leadership, the domestic dog will often react in way totally
unacceptable in human society but TOTALLY acceptable in canine society. That dog is now assumed to
be a problem animal. In actuality, who is the problem?
The answer is not to act with equally inappropriate harshness or force intended to show the dog who is
in charge. Instead we have to take measures to alleviate confusion. Be clear, concise, benevolent, and
firm when needed but never cruel or physical. A dog that feels secure and safe in the house regardless
of if he is a self confident or lower confident, will not be a challenge. This dog understands he can defer
to you to be a competent being he can trust to make decisions and look to you for decision-making. If
we can get past the old school of having to physically rule our dogs to force them into submission, then
we will be all the better for it. Confused dogs are more likely to react. They want to alleviate that
confusion. Why should we worsen it by acting as though we are confused ourselves and squabble with
our dogs?
So how do we show who sets the standards for the house? We humane control the environment and
resources. I am not talking silly things like never allowing a dog down the stairs before you or not sitting
on your bed. I am talking careful manipulation and using of food, social interactions, play, etc., to help
develop good behavior. Dog wants a treat, sit first. Far better manners that grabbing. Dog brings you
a ball to play fetch, sit first and wait patiently. Dog wants to greet a person, sit first and wait. More
likely to be accepted by the human you wish to greet than jumping. Alpha should mean being a
courteous, respectful and understanding leader, not a dictator with a vengeance. Alpha concepts really
have no place in domestic dogs. You cannot build trust or a working relationship as a mean bully. Your
dog will react and develop behaviors you are not happy with.
I have butted heads with many a trainer, breeder and owner regarding my changing views on
dominance. I was originally trained in the “old ways.” I have been told and taught certain breeds MUST
be managed a certain way or with certain aids like prong collars. In the years I have worked with dogs, I
am shocked I have not been killed when I reflect on how I was originally taught to “take control.” How
many times in the past have I unknowingly shown a dog that I was confused and challenging him? I have
since grown and expanded my understanding of canine dominance. Oh how wrong my first mentors
were!
Dispel the myths; stop believing your dog is out to take over your world. He is not. Humans need to
stop acting as immature, insecure beasts. We have to start acting like the benevolent leaders our dogs
need.
For more on this topic here are a few resources I have referred to with my own growth in dogs:
The History and Misconceptions of Dominance Theory, Melissa Alexander, 2001.
The Macho Myth, Ian Dunbar Ph.D., BVetMed, MRCVS, 1989,
On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals, Turid Rugaas, Hanalei Pets, 1997
The Other End Of The Leash, Dr. Patricia McConnell, Ballantine Books, 2002
Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution, by Raymond and Lorna
Coppinger, Scribner, New York, 2001.
Dominance: Fact or Fiction, Barry Eaton, Dogwise Publishing, 2011.
This revised version may be reproduced in its entirety for educational purposes. It may be used in part with proper
credit given. This is no substitute for working with a trainer and was created to help owners think and open lines of
dialogue with the people they seek for assistance. ©2012West Wind Dog Training & The Safe Kids/Safe Dogs
Project.