02/09/2024
🐾Today’s Lesson: Debunking the Alpha Theory
‼️The alpha or dominance theory was developed in the 1930s by Rudolph Schenkel, a Swiss scientist. However, not long after this study was released to the public, Rudolph himself debunked his own theory. The wolves he studied were in captivity and were not performing naturally. He saw his own errors, but not before dominance theory spread worldwide. Some misinformed dog trainers still refer to this theory.
🦴Wild wolves have a pack order, but it is not from being dominant or submissive. It is out of respect and value. Some people often confuse an anxious dog with a “submissive dog” or a confident dog with “dominance.”
💕For example- have you ever noticed that when one person holds the leash, the dog in question might be on their best behaviour; but once you hand the leash to another person, all of that bliss goes out the window? That is a lack of respect and value for the second person.
🐕Owning and training a dog isn’t about being submissive or dominant. Alpha theory techniques often end up with a fearful dog, but it is seen as successful. Why? Anxiety is confused with submission.
✍️Remember to advocate for your dog and never force them to do something. Make them feel like they are making all of their own decisions.
