
09/07/2025
Damaging & so outdated yet some people and trainers think it exists !! 🤦♀️🤷♀️
WHY WE SHOULD DO AWAY WITH DOMINANCE THEORY
Dominance/Alpha theory is one of the biggest myths, and probably the most damaging, in the dog training industry. It continues to be perpetuated, despite being thoroughly debunked several decades ago.
Unfortunately, the meaning of “dominance” in dog training has been blurred and misunderstood. Dominance theory is commonly thought to be based on the belief that a dog behaves in the same way that a wolf would; this belief stems from early, flawed studies carried out on captive grey wolves, to demonstrate how they live and behave within their family unit.
Dominance is not a personality trait, it is a fluid state dependent upon the value of a particular resource at a given moment. Beware of anyone calling themselves a professional, yet refers to "dominant dogs". Run like the clappers!
For further reading on this topic, take a look at my blog:
https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/why-we-should-do-away-with-dominance-theory
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www.trailiepawsforthought.com
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Dominance/Alpha Theory
*Dominance does exist, but not in the way that many think…
*Outdated beliefs and methods based on dominance theory have led to numerous
*Myths being perpetuated within the dog training world, many of which are
*Incredibly damaging, both physically and psychologically.
*No, your dog is not trying to dominate you or your family and take over the world!
*Alpha theory has been thoroughly debunked and discredited; it does not even apply to wolves!
*Not acknowledging the flaws in dominance/alpha theory can lead to aversive handling and training methods, as well as welfare being seriously impacted.
*Coaching with kind, up-to-date, ethical methods is the most effective way to train; science says so!
*Educated, qualified professionals do not use language such as “alpha”, “pack leader”, “boss”, “commands”, “dominant dog”, etc.
The first letter of each sentence is capitalised and highlighted to spell “DOMINANCE” going down the left hand side of the text.