Dominance: Dispelling the Myth

The idea that a person needs to be the "alpha," the "pack leader," and the "dominant" one over a dog has perpetuated despite all science and research proving this is not true, and is both harmful to the relationship you have with your dog and even causes aggressive behavior and behavior problems in dogs. The following links discuss how this myth was started, the real way a wolf pack functions, the real way dogs form and maintain relationships, the basics of how to use positive training to change unwanted behavior, and the fallout from using harsh dominance-based methods.

Outmoded notion of the alpha wolf by L. David Mech, watch the video too. http://www.davemech.org/news.html

Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals by American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/dominance_statement.pdf

AVSAB Position Statement The Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals by American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/Combined_Punishment_Statements1-25-13.pdf

The New Science Of Understanding Dog Behavior by John Bradshaw. http://www.npr.org/2011/05/26/136497064/the-new-science-of-understanding-dog-behavior

Dog Behavior and Training - Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership by VCA Animal Hospital

Dog Whispering in the 21st Century by Prescott Breeden. http://www.examiner.com/article/dog-whispering-the-21st-century

“Hey, have you heard the one about climate change and dog training?”  by Emily Douglas. http://unexamineddog.com/2012/07/15/hey-have-you-heard-the-one-about-climate-change-and-dog-training/

Why Won't Dominance Die? by David Ryan. http://apbc.org.uk/articles/why-wont-dominance-die

Hey, Old School Dominance Theory: School’s Out! by Nicole Wilde. https://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2013/06/18/hey-old-school-dominance-theory-schools-out/


Dominance Vs. Unruly Behavior by Sophia Yin. http://www.apdt.com/petowners/articles/docs/Yin_MA09.pdfWhat To Do If You Think Your Dog Is “Dominant” by Eric Brad. http://lifeasahuman.com/2013/pets/what-to-do-if-you-think-your-dog-is-dominant/

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too by University of Pennsylvania, Herron et al. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217141540.htm


Related articles:
Thank your dog for growling by Leah Roberts. http://www.examiner.com/article/thank-your-dog-for-growling

It's Playtime! 6 Signs of Healthy Play in Dogs by Casey Lomonaco. http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-training-tips-6-signs-healthy-play

Resource Guarding: Treatment and Prevention by Patricia B. McConnell. http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/resource-guarding-treatment-and-prevention

How to React When Your Dog Begins Resource Guarding Against Other Dogs by Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, CDBC. http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_10/features/Resource-Guarding-Behavior-Modification_20368-1.html

Myth of reinforcing fear by Suzanne Clothier. http://fearfuldogs.com/myth-of-reinforcing-fear/

I’m Okay, You’re Okay: A gentle hand or tasty treat doesn’t reinforce fear, it reduces it by Patricia B. McConnell. http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/sites/default/files/Bark%202008%20Sep-Oct%20I%27m%20Okay%2C%20You%27re%20Okay.pdf