training
The Durability of “Dominance” Anna Bradley wonders why the concept of dominance theory applied to pet dogs still exists,
and what canine training and behavior professionals can do about it
A
Multiple research over recent years has now discredited dominance theory in its application to pet dogs
s a dog training professional, working with so many varied combinations of owners and dogs is incredibly rewarding and satisfying, but if there is one thing that continually concerns me, it is references to “dominance” and its derivatives “alpha,” “leader of the pack,” “top dog” etc. that are still, sadly, commonly heard. These terms have become rather too well-ingrained into canine culture, but, fortunately, organizations such as PPG operate programs like Project Trade where tools of the dominance trade can be relinquished (see ad on p.54). I frequently wonder why the concept of dominance in pet dogs persists. What is it that makes the notion so entrenched? The theory of dominance in dogs originated from work conducted several decades ago. According to Miller (2018), “[t]he erroneous approach to canine social behavior known as dominance theory is based on a study of captive zoo wolves conducted in the 1930’s and 1940’s by Swiss animal behaviorist Rudolph Schenkel (1947), in which the scientist concluded that wolves in a pack fight to gain dominance, and the winner is the alpha wolf. Schenkel’s observations of captive wolf behavior were erroneously extrapolated to wild wolf behavior, and then to domestic dogs.” Why? Because they are a related species. The flawed theory was used to explain multiple behavioral issues in dog-human relationships from aggression to jumping up and, very soon, it seemed that all train-
I have started quizzing my clients who believe that their dog is dominant as to why they think that’s the case. Most cannot really substantiate their belief, and when I provide an explanation as to what is actually the cause of a specific behavior, admit that they would never have thought fear, frustration, anxiety, arousal etc. would be implicated. I applaud them for being so open and honest. 28
BARKS from the Guild/January 2019
© Can Stock Photo/ESIGHT
ing and behavioral issues in dogs were related to “gaining status.” Treatment centered upon lowering a dog’s place in the pecking order or showing the dog who was “in charge” by physical domination, punitive equipment or so-called de-ranking techniques, such as eating before the dog, or always going through a doorway before the dog. Multiple research over recent years has now discredited dominance theory in dogs. To cite just one example, Bonanni, Cafazzo, Valsecchi and Natoli (2010) observed “free-ranging packs of dogs in Italy and found that leadership was a very fluid thing. For example, in one pack, which had 27 members, there were six dogs that habitually took turns leading the pack, but at least half of the adult dogs were leaders, at least some of the time. The dogs that were usually found leading the pack tended to be the older, more experienced dogs, but not necessarily the most dominant. The pack seems to allow leadership to dogs, who at particular times seem to be most likely to contribute to the welfare of the pack through knowledge that can access the resources they require.” (Coren, 2010). According to Coren (2010), this tells us that “a military-like concept of canine social hierarchy as the basis of dog training and problem solving, is based on a false premise. It is a holdover from German military service dog training at the turn of the last century, and generalization from outdated wolf research based on artificial packs of captive wolves.” Mech (2018) clarifies: “Today we understand that most wolf packs consist of a pair of adults called “parents” or “breeders,” (not “alphas”), and their offspring.” Indeed, domestic dogs are not wolves and do not socially behave as such. Research also suggests that so-called dominant behavior often stems from motivations such as anxiety, stress, or frustration. For anyone training a dog, adding in aversive treatment in such contexts is most likely to add to that underlying emotion and make the situation worse. Surely, then, by now it is time dominance died a death. Is it perhaps a “generation thing?” It can be hard to change your practice if you have witnessed your forbearers treating dogs in your family in a specific way. I have worked with several dogs who have suffered due to the use of