Dominance Theory and Failed Relationships

Things aren’t always as they seem and like so many things, this can also apply to dogs.  Recently my peer, Angelica Steinker of Courteous Canine, mailed me a gift, Dominance Theory in Dogs by James O’Heare, a leading dog trainer and authority on aggression in dogs.  This little 43-page book  scientifically evaluates dominance theory and how it relates to our furry friends.  Dominance theory is simple, some animals are dominant and others are submissive, yet the truth is more complicated. 

Social Dominance Theory presents the idea that some dogs desire to be in charge and will do whatever it takes to get that position from you.  Think: your dog is plotting a Napoleon type takeover that will involve you being a doormat.  Since dogs are believed to be descended from grey wolves, scientists tried to apply observations of wolf behavior to dog behavior.  Unfortunately, the observations were flawed.  The wolves were captive, which changed their natural behaviors.   Some behaviors were grossly misinterpreted, such as the “Alpha Roll.”  This dangerous and unnecessary training practice of holding a dog on his back “to show him who is boss” came from the misinterpretation of leader/subordinate behavior in wolves.  The truth is that rather than the lead wolf throwing the lower ranking individual to the ground, the subordinate actually turns himself over, showing the leader he means no harm.  Alpha Rolling your dog will only lead to fear, possible aggression and defensive biting.   (The reason a popular dog training show has the disclaimer “Don’t try this at home.”)

Dogs look to owners to be leaders.  Use a non-violent means of showing them leadership.  Have your dog perform simple behaviors for meals and play time.  It’s fun and helps your dog experience consistency.  Every interaction becomes a learning and teaching opportunity.  After all, a dog’s mind is a terrible thing to waste. 

Another misunderstood area of dog/human interaction is a dog pulling on the leash while on a walk.  Many people mistakenly see leash pulling as evidence that the dog wants to be the leader.  Many dogs like to pull because they are excited to go exploring and get caught up in all the wonderful smells of the great outdoors.  They are rushing to read their pee-mail and can’t wait to get to the next bit of information.   No wonder - a dog’s sense of smell is 100,000 times greater than a human’s.  To add to the problem, people walk at a slow pace when compared to the normal pace of a dog.

To resolve leash pulling, begin working with the dog in a low distraction environment (your front or back yard) until he learns that pulling on the lead does not get him anywhere and walking with the loose lead at your pace gets him where he wants to go.  Accomplish this by stopping when the dog pulls and only moving forward when the leash is loose.   Before even starting your loose leash walking session, set up for success by tiring out the dog by playing some games–fetch is a great one.  A tired dog is a good dog and one that will be less likely to pull.

A dog that jumps in your face is not trying to dominate you by being above you physically.  Dogs greet face to face as a matter of friendly socialization.  Have you accidentally reinforced this behavior?  If you have reacted in any way, positive or negative, you have given the dog attention and that is reinforcing.  Try an alternative – reinforce for a behavior that is incompatible with jumping, like a sit. Another option is to quietly throw treats behind the dog as you enter so he will be attracted to them instead jumping on you.    Ignore the dog when you first walk in, which may be harder on you than the dog .

It’s true that dogs have some natural behaviors we find annoying, but blaming it on dominance is like blaming your last speeding ticket on an alien invasion.  I find it incredible how often dogs tolerate mistreatment by people in the name of “training” without becoming fearful and aggressive.  Time spent trying to prove to the dog you are dominant will only lead to a poor relationship with your dog.  How can you feel love toward a being you think is plotting against you?  Try a different viewpoint, look for a positive way to work with your dog.  Learn to reward those behaviors you want.  It’s really much easier to teach a dog what you do want from him than it is to continuously correct him for behavior you don’t want, damaging your bond with every correction. Every time you reward your dog, you are using the most powerful method to change behavior: positive reinforcement. 

Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services.