There are parts of modern dog training that are not quite modern. We still consider that dogs need to act like they are wolves in some cases, let's stop doing that.
The rise of misguided dog training starts many years ago with a study conducted by Rudolf Schenkel in the 1930s.
Schenkel studied a group of unrelated wolves kept in captivity to understand their behaviour. These wolves, not part of a natural family group, were observed to have high levels of tension and conflict.
After a few months, Schenkel concluded that this tension was due to each wolf trying to lead the group. This idea formed the basis of what we now know as the “alpha” theory, which quickly spread beyond wolves and was applied to domestic dogs, suggesting that they also sought to dominate their human families.
Decades later, wildlife biologist L. David Mech revisited this theory.
He observed wolves in their natural habitats and realised that the “alpha” theory was deeply flawed. Mech found that in the wild, wolves live in close-knit family groups, typically consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. In these natural packs, the social structure is based on cooperation and respect rather than competition for dominance.
Wolves communicate with each other using subtle cues, such as ear positioning, glances, and body language, rather than aggression or force. His research showed that Schenkel’s study of captive, unrelated wolves was more like a social experiment than an accurate reflection of wolf behaviour in the wild.
It was like studying human behaviour based on contestants in a reality TV show—unrealistic and skewed by unnatural conditions.
Despite Mech’s findings, the “alpha” theory took root in popular dog training methods. Dog trainers who believed dogs were inherently like wolves decided that being the alpha to their dogs was crucial.
This led to a wave of dominance-based training techniques.
Some trainers advocated for going through doors first, eating before their dogs, and even physically dominating them to assert control.
Many believed that these actions would magically resolve behavioural problems. We can imagine the confusion these methods caused in dogs, who likely found their humans’ strange behaviour puzzling.
When these methods didn’t solve issues such as pulling on the lead or jumping on furniture, many trainers doubled down, insisting that the dogs were “dominant” and needed to be shown who was boss.
This mindset led to more forceful and fear-based training techniques, such as choke collars, alpha rolls (forcing a dog onto their back in submission), and other forms of physical punishment. The belief was that if a dog didn’t comply with these tactics, it was because the dog was trying to take control, a notion that became widespread.
According to this misguided view, dominant dogs were everywhere, plotting to take over!
The truth, as Mech’s later research demonstrated, is that wolves in the wild are not obsessed with dominance, and domestic dogs, having evolved separately from wolves for thousands of years, are not wolves at all.
Dogs have been living alongside humans for millennia, adapting to become our companions and helpers. They have developed a unique bond with people that is based on mutual trust and cooperation, not on dominance hierarchies.
Evolution favours traits that enhance survival and reproduction, and for dogs, this meant evolving to live harmoniously with humans. They are naturally attuned to human behaviour and cues, making them our best companions.
Even though the alpha theory has been debunked for years, it remains popular in some circles. Many people are slow to adopt new ideas, especially when these ideas challenge long-standing beliefs. Once we form an opinion, we often seek out evidence that supports it, even when it’s outdated or incorrect.
Today, long after Schenkel’s initial study has been disproven, many “pack leaders” still give misguided advice based on an outdated understanding of wolf and dog behaviour.
Ultimately, Schenkel’s and Mech’s contributions to our understanding of wolves have shown us that dogs are not looking to dominate or control us. They are not wolves and do not operate on the same social principles.
Dogs are our partners, not our competitors.
Embracing this perspective leads to more effective training methods and stronger, more harmonious relationships with our furry friends. It’s time to move beyond the misconceptions of the past and adopt training techniques that recognise dogs for who they truly are: intelligent, social beings who thrive on positive reinforcement and companionship.
Learn more about your dog by reading my books, or listening to my audiobooks, available on Amazon here.
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