No, It’s Not Alpha: Debunking Dominance Theory in Dog Training
- UpDog Pet Services
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 9
You’ve probably heard the phrase “be the alpha” or “show your dog who’s boss.” Maybe someone told you not to let your dog walk ahead of you, or to flip them on their back when they act out.
These ideas are still floating around, but they’re based on old, debunked research—and they can do more harm than good.
Where the Dominance Myth Came From
The dominance theory originally came from observing captive wolves in the 1940s. Those wolves were unrelated adults, forced to live
together in confined spaces. Tension was high, and fights broke out. Researchers at the time believed this meant wolves constantly fought for leadership in a strict hierarchy. So how did dogs get dragged into
this? Because people assumed domestic dogs followed the same rules—and needed to be shown who’s in charge. However, later studies of wild wolves (living naturally in family groups) revealed something completely different:
The “alpha” wolf was just the parent, not a tyrant.
Wolves weren’t constantly battling for power.
There was cooperation, not dominance.
And, most importantly: Dogs aren’t wolves.
Why Dominance Training Falls Apart
If someone’s telling you to “alpha roll” your dog (force them onto their back), eat before them, cause them pain, or deprive them of necessities to assert control they are relying on outdated and disproven information. These methods don’t build respect. They create fear, confusion, or shut-down behaviors.
Many of the dogs who get labeled “dominant” are actually:
Stressed or anxious
Under-stimulated or under-trained
Confused by unclear communication
These harsh training methods all have one clear flaw: they're not creating a clear instruction. The dog has no idea why they're being punished, or what it is they're actually supposed to be doing.
What Works Instead
Modern dog training is built on learning theory, not power struggles. The goal isn’t to dominate—it’s to teach. That means focusing on:
Clear, consistent cues
Positive reinforcement for good behavior
Healthy structure and boundaries
Meeting your dog’s mental and physical needs
You can (and should) have rules. But they should be fair, teachable, and rooted in trust—not intimidation.
“But I Want My Dog to Respect Me”
Totally valid. Respect comes from being a good communicator and a reliable leader—not from fear or force. Dogs respond best when they understand what’s expected and feel safe practicing those behaviors. A respectful dog is one who wants to work with you, not one who’s just avoiding consequences.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be an “alpha” to get a well-behaved dog. That’s not how dogs think. You need to be consistent, kind, and clear. Training based on fear or outdated dominance theory can backfire. Training based on science, structure, and mutual understanding builds lasting results—and a stronger bond. Need help building that kind of relationship with your dog? UpDog Pet Services has got you covered. Call or Contact Us today to get started!
