The DogSmith Dog Training and Dog Behavior Counseling, behavior change methods, protocols and philosophies are founded in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of controlling and predicting behavior.
Using dominance theory in dog training is an antiquated thought process based on myth. Dogs do what works for them, what gains them access to the things they want. Dogs do not wake up each day and wonder how they can plot and plan to take down the human race, to dominate us.
A dog running out through a door before you is not a sign of dominance its an excited dog who wants to go out and play
A dog pulling on a leash is not a sign of dominance its a dog who has never been shown how to walk nicely on a leash
A dog jumping up at you is not a sign of dominance it is more often than not a dog who wants to greet and welcome you the way dogs greet each other.
Read more on dominance theory by clicking on some of these links. If you need help with your dogs behavior then contact a professional dog trainer who understands how and why dogs behave the way they do.
Position statement on the use of Dominance Theory in behavior modification of animals (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior)
Dominance and dog training (Association of Pet Dog Trainers)
The myth of alpha dogs (Eric Brad)
Blunt force trauma: canine reality (Eric Brad)
Debunking the dominance myth (Carmen Buitrago)
Behind the behavior (Kath Charlton)
Canine dominance: is the concept of the alpha dog valid? (Dr. Stanley Coren)
If not dominance, how do we explain the development of social behavior? (Dog Welfare Campaign)
Are dogs pack animals? (Jean Donaldson)
Let's just be humans training dogs (Dr. Ian Dunbar)
Misconceptions of the mythical alpha dog (Dr. Ian Dunbar)
Dominance is not leadership (Eric Goebelbecker)
Is dominance in dogs a popular myth or a reality? (Pat Gray)
Position on the use of dominance and punishment for the training and behavior modification of dogs (Don Hanson)
Why dominance won't die (Debbie Jacobs)
Dinner at the dog dominance cafe (Edie Jarolim)
Dominant dog theory will soon be but a whisper (Sally Jones)
Veterinary behaviorists question dominance theory in dogs (Timothy Kirn)
Alpha theory: why it doesn't work (Steven L.)
Dog training and the myth of alpha male dominance (Jennie Lee-St. John)
The concept formerly described as "dominance" (Patricia McConnell)
The "d word" and social relationships in dogs (Patricia McConnell)
Dominance mythologies, Suzanne Hetts (Patricia McConnell)
Wolf pack/dominance myth (Joan Orr)
The dominance myth in dog training (Paul Owens)
Why won't dominance die? (David Ryan)
Is wolf dominance a myth? Scientists say yes! (Grisha Stewart)
Using "dominance" to explain behavior is old hat (University of Bristol)
Alpha roll or alpha role? (Nicole Wilde)
The dominance controversy (Dr. Sophia Yin)
?Contact The DogSmith Dog Training Center in Oxford MS, if we cannot help you we can refer you to a DogSmith dog trainer or other professional who can.