The dominance theory originated from studies on captive wolves in the mid-20th century. Researchers observed that wolves in artificial settings appeared to form rigid hierarchies with “alpha” leaders who asserted dominance over subordinates. This idea was later applied to dog behavior, leading to the belief that dogs are constantly trying to assert dominance over humans. As a result, many trainers advocated for punitive, forceful methods to “establish dominance” over dogs. However, this theory was disproven through updated research. Studies of wild wolf packs revealed that wolves do not form rigid dominance hierarchies—rather, they live in cooperative family units led by parents. Similarly, dogs, as domesticated animals, do not structure their behavior around dominance struggles with humans. Instead, most so-called “dominant” behaviors in dogs stem from fear, anxiety, miscommunication, or simply learning what works to get what they want (e.g., jumping to get attention). The Word ‘Dominant’ Still Has Meaning: Even though the dominance theory is debunked, the term “dominant” still has legitimate uses in certain contexts. For example: 🐾 Dog-to-Dog Interactions: A dog might display dominant behavior in interactions with other dogs, like standing tall, placing a paw on another dog’s back, or controlling access to resources: 🐾 Resource Guarding: A dog might act “dominantly” to protect food or toys, but this is better understood as resource guarding—a specific behavior driven by fear or learned habits. Context Is Key: When we use the term “dominant” in modern dog training, it should describe behavior in specific situations—not as a label for a dog’s personality or motivation. A dog isn’t inherently “dominant” over humans, nor do they have a secret agenda to “be the boss.” By shifting the focus to understanding a dog’s emotions and motivations, trainers can address behaviors effectively without relying on outdated concepts. Why This Matters: As a professional trainer I still hear owners referring to the dominance theory and unfortunately there are still many trainers out there who still adhere to it. Misusing the word “dominant” or following the disproven dominance theory often leads to harmful training techniques like leash corrections, alpha rolls, or withholding affection to “show who’s boss.” These methods damage trust and fail to address the root cause of behavior issues. Using positive, science-based methods builds a stronger bond and creates lasting results. So, while dominance theory is outdated, “dominant” still has a place when used appropriately to describe behavior—but only when the context makes sense!
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