DOMINANCE THEORY - WHAT IS IT? IS IT RELEVANT TODAY? THE EFFECTS OF DOMINATING A DOG.

For many years there has been a debate in regards to dominance theory in relation to its appropriateness to domestic dogs. The theory originates from a study conducted in the 1930’s and 1940’s by Ruldoph Schnenkel on captive wolves in a zoo. It was concluded that the wolves were aggressive and driven to escalate up a hierarchy based on dominance which was headed by an ‘alpha’ wolf. This theory was then transferred to the domestic dog and it was speculated that aggressive behaviours were the result of their desire to be dominant and establish an ‘alpha’ position within the pack (family). 

The findings and basis of this theory of dominance has been disproven over the years. David Mech has actively been studying wolves in the wild and publishing his findings since the late 1950’s. He established that wolves live in family units with the most senior wolves being the mating pair. As their offspring develop and mature they leave the pack, occasionally a juvenile will stay to help with the next generation. There was no indication that the senior wolves ascertained their position through dominance, fighting it was a natural position due to age and being the breeding pair. The displayed behaviour in Schnenkel’s study were based on artificial pack and confinement influencing the natural behaviour of the wolves. The theory has also been criticised in relation to its relevance to the domestic dog. Yes, wolves and domestic dogs share 99% of DNA, but humans share 98% genetic DNA similarity with pigs. We are not compared to them in regards to behaviour. Therefore, despite the similarities in genetics and physical form we should not use the behaviour of one species to explain that of another. 

Applying this theory to dog training techniques is outdated and can harm the dog psychologically and physically. The basis of applying dominance to training is to ‘put the dog in its place’ , asserting dominance to put it to the bottom of the pack. The internet is filled with this form of training and there are certain trainers which have publicly promoted this domination approach for instance Caesar Milan. The techniques he utilises can cause learned helplessness. Furthermore, this theory promotes the use of shock collars, shouting, smacking, choke chains to manage or change behaviour. These approaches are cruel, harmful and detrimental to the dog and will only increase fear levels and damage the bond between the human and the dog.

The bond between guardian and dog is crucial to a happy, loving, relaxed and rewarding life for both parties. The approaches attached to this theory will break this bond and break down the communication. If a dog is punished for displaying fear such as getting smacked this will increase the level of fear in regards to the trigger as well as developing fear in regards to the guardian and breaking the trust. Relationships should be built on communication, trust and love not fear, intimidation and dominance. All the associated methods involve punishment which research has established breaks down the dogs trust. Communication breaks down as guardians do not look for the signs of fear (ladder of aggression) instead wait on escalation and then punish the subsequent behaviour.   

When we address the true meaning of dominance in relation to the domestic dog we are looking at behaviours in association to resources. Dogs place value on an item and will often guard this in relation to the presence of another dog and sometimes if high enough value a guardian or human. These items of value can vary greatly from food, toys, beds and the attention of the guardian themself. In a multi dog situation whether that be within the same household, a dog will display guarding/ defensive behaviours and more often than not the other dog will be submissive upon thes cues: It is rarely forced by the other dog. This is not assertiveness or dominance in order to become the ‘alpha’ it is a guarding of available or highly prized resources. There are instances where fights may occur, however this can be linked to limited resources such as food amongst stay/feral/wild dogs; fight for survival can drive dogs to become aggressive to retain a resource.