[YorkieMother]

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Dominance-based training methods are very energy-intensive for the human. They require that the human constantly react to the actions of the dog, such as a leash correction for growling, which still initially puts the dog in the lead. This is not how the "dominant" individuals behave - it is, however, how insecure individuals behave. So these "calm-assertive" methods communicate the insecurity of a bully, rather than leadership.

Humans are neither dogs nor wolves. So when we try to replicate the behavior of either, we are genetically doomed to fail. We lack the proper physiology, timing and accuracy with which to deliver the same types of signals and corrections that wolves or dogs use with one another to maintain peace.

We're not dogs and our dogs know it. We are not wolves and our dogs know it. Exerting excessive amounts of energy attempting to be something we're not doesn't communicate leadership. At best, it amuses our dogs. At worst, it makes us dangerous and unpredictable in the eyes of our dogs, which does not communicate leadership at all.

Fortunately, we have learned much more about dog behavior since the early 1900's. Just as it took centuries for mankind to accept that the earth was not flat, it may take decades for mankind to learn that dogs are not wolves and that their actions and emotions are much more complex than the simplified labels of "dominance" and "submission".

Additional Reading

Dominance in Dogs
The Dominance Controversy and Cesar Millan
AVSAB statement on Dominance Theory PDF
What Ever Happened to the Term Alpha Wolf? PDF
Debunking the Dominance Myth PDF
Moving Beyond the Dominance Myth PDF
Beyond the Dominance Paradigm
Leadership vs. Dominance
Non-Linear Dogs
Advanced Reading

Alpha Status, Dominance and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs PDF
Attachment to humans: a comparative study on hand-reared
wolves and differently socialized dog puppies
1 Leadership Behavior in Relation to Dominance and Reproductive Status in Gray Wolves
2 The Social Organization of the Domestic Dog: A Longitudinal Study of Domestic Canine Behavior and the Ontogeny of Canine Social Systems
The Domestication of Social Cognition in Dogs (abstract) PDF
Recommended Books

The Other End of the Leash (basic)
Culture Clash (intermediate)
Dominance Theory and Dogs (advanced)
EXERCISE

On the television show, a great deal of importance is placed on exercise as a dog's primary need. Dogs do need exercise. The following is not an attempt to minimize the importance of regular exercise. However, most dog breeds were developed for particular work which requires both mental and physical exercise. Dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise.

Mental stimulation, through training, tracking or other working activities satisfies a dog's need for both mental and physical exercise. Walking a dog on a short leash may be easier for the human, but gives the dog little aerobic exercise and does not allow the dog to gain mental stimulation from exploring his environment as he would with off-leash activities.

Mental stimulation exercises also satisfy the needs of dogs physically incapable of exercise due to arthritis, hip dysplasia or other health problems.

Forced Exercise, such as running a dog on a treadmill might satisfy a physical need to run, but does allow the dog to choose to run, nor does it provide mental stimulation, socialization or interaction with the owner. In the Federal Animal Welfare Act, treadmills are considered forced exercise and are not permitted as as a means of satisfying the exercise requirements for dogs in kennel facilities.

Treadmills still require time on the part of the owner, as a dog on a treadmill must be constantly supervised to prevent injury and the potential for abuse is high. There are other more satisfying activities such as walks, training and sports such as agility, Rally-O, herding, tracking or lure coursing available to dog owners through breed clubs and local training groups which can provide your dog with a physical and mental outlet that fits his breed.

Behavioral Fallout. Dogs that are reactive to dogs, people or other stimulus commonly found on walks can actually get worse with continued exposure. Would it reduce your stress levels to be chased by a bear? Of course not. Your survival instincts will kick in, sending your body into stress overdrive to keep you alive.

The dog's stress levels, including cortisol and adrenaline, are elevated with each walk and exposure to the triggering stimuli (person, animal or object). Not only do elevated levels of these hormones lead to behavior problems, but they undermine the immune response, leaving the dog more susceptible to illness.

This is why effective behavior modification programs start in low-stress environments, before gradually introducing the dog to increased levels of the person, animal or object that causes the aggressive behavior. Not necessarily entertaining television, but the results are long-lasting.

A Primary Need? Contrary to the claims made on the show, a dog's primary need for survival is not, in fact, exercise. If a dog were to spend all of its time and energy exercising, it would have nothing left for establishing and protecting territory, hunting/scavenging, or raising young. Exercise is accomplished through these actions, not instead of.
Ethological studies of wild animals have revealed that when all physiological criteria are met through food abundance, shelter and there is absence of predation animals will not "exercise". The conservation of energy is of utmost importance in wild animals and unnecessary expenditure is not a viable strategy. Therefore exercise happens as a result of animals satisfying other behavioral and physiological activities (e.g. foraging for food, socializing or seeking shelter

"Canine behavior." M.W. Fox. 1989 pp. 21-31


Training and other activities provide dogs with both the mental and physical stimulation necessary for their complete well-being. Well-trained dogs are also able to enjoy off-leash activities much more often, which provides them with adequate mental and physical exercise.

Additional Articles:
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fetch?
Lowering Arousal PDF
Play and Exercise In Dogs PDF
Animal Welfare Act: 9CFR3.8

Book Recommendations:
The Only Dog Tricks Book You'll Ever Need
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers

DISCIPLINE AND AFFECTION: POSITIVE DOES NOT MEAN PERMISSIVE

With a greater understanding of behavior, today's behaviorists and trainers are now using positive methods to modify even the most extreme behaviors in dogs with great results. This includes dogs with severe aggression problems that may be facing euthanasia, or "red zone" dogs.

This does not mean, however, that the dog is not given boundaries, firm rules or is only responsive when treats are present. Positive training and behavior modification methods start with setting clear boundaries and controlling the resources in the dog's life, including affection and play, which are not given to the dog for free or on demand. This is done in a way that sets the owner up to succeed, so that they can control their attention, but still enjoy their dog's company and affection.

If dog owners don't set these rules and boundaries, they will be forced to rely on punishment, as they will have no other means to motivate their dogs. Many of these dog owners give the dog what it wants for free or on demand (i.e., becoming submissive) then punish the dog for assuming a "dominant" role. This is not a dog behavior problem, but a human behavior problem.

Additional Reading
Are You the Alpha?
Nothing In Life is Free
Work to Earn

STRESS IN DOGS

One of the biggest concerns that the experts have with the television show is that many of the dogs show signs of significant stress, some even go to the point of biting the star of the show. While most people are able to recognize overt signs of stress such as barking, growling and baring teeth, dogs give numerous other subtle signals of stress before they resort to more impressive displays. Some of these subtle signals include:

Yawning
Increased respiration after little to no physical activity
Low or backward ear carriage
Repeated licking of the lips or nose
Increased and sudden shedding or dandruff
Low tail and body carriage
Tense and slow movement


If a dog is repeatedly exhibiting these signs during training, it is time to re-evaluate either the training methods, the environment, or the owner/trainer's behavior. Is the environment too stressful? Are the methods or equipment causing the dog pain? Is too much being demanded of the dog too soon?

We all need some stress to survive. Hunger is a form of stress. If we didn't feel hunger, we wouldn't eat. However, humane and dog-friendly methods don't just mean the absence of pain, it also means absence of undue stress. A dog that is stressed to the point of aggression, fear, or shutdown (learned helplessness) is physically unable to learn and any training attempted while the dog is in this state will be wasted.

Additional Reading
Canine Body Language PDF
Canine Stress Signs
Canine Calming Signals
Calming Signals Gallery