Note that “Pack” is in quotes.  That’s because several dogs and a couple of humans does not actually comprise a pack.  Would five dogs and five sheep form a pack of dogs or a herd of sheep?  The answer is neither.  They don’t just speak a different language, or come from a different culture.  Sheep and dogs are entirely different species—as are dogs and humans. 

Because humans domesticated dogs and have thereby become their caretakers, dogs are reliant on our ability to feed, house and otherwise protect them.  They must learn to follow our lead to survive.  It is up to us to set reasonable expectations for the dogs we have welcomed into our homes, and to teach them kindly how to follow our lead.  It is up to us to form a respectful form of communication between our species. 

A respectful form of communication between our species does not need to include alpha-rolling your dog, jerking him, pinning him, or other “dominant” maneuvers any more than our greeting behaviors need to include sniffing each other’s behinds.  Although, you might think such maneuvers are necessary, if you’ve taken advice from well-meaning but misinformed fellow dog owners—or popular television personalities who claim to magically turn wayward pet dogs into perfect companions, just by “asserting their dominance.” According to advocates of training methods based on dominance theory, achieving alpha-dog status through physical punishment and intimidation works as the ultimate behavioral fix for issues ranging from pulling on leash and jumping up to fear and aggression problems. However, despite the popularity of the “alpha” idea among the dog-owning public, the overwhelming majority of dog behavior experts and qualified veterinary behaviorists agree that it isn’t only outdated and based on invalid information—it’s also dangerous and can needlessly damage dog owners’ relationships with their pets.

Check back with us for a continuation of how this conflict in theories came about.

Richmond SPCA behavior blogs are written by training specialist Marie Tripton. Have questions about your own pets’ behavior? E-mail or call (804) 643-SPCA.

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