[livingdustmops]

I do not believe in the dominance theory and do feel that it is outdated based on the following:

The original alpha/dominance model was born out of short-term studies of wolf packs done in the 1940s. These were the first studies of their kind. These studies were a good start, but later research has essentially disproved most of the findings. There were three major flaws in these studies:
1. These were short-term studies, so the researchers concentrated on the most obvious, overt parts of wolf life, such as hunting. The studies are therefore unrepresentative -- drawing conclusions about "wolf behavior" based on about 1% of wolf life.
2. The studies observed what are now known to be ritualistic displays and misinterpreted them. Unfortunately, this is where the bulk of the "dominance model" comes from, and though the information has been soundly disproved, it still thrives in the dog training mythos.

For example, alpha rolls. The early researchers saw this behavior and concluded that the higher-ranking wolf was forcibly rolling the subordinate to exert his dominance. Well, not exactly. This is actually an "appeasement ritual" instigated by the SUBORDINATE wolf. The subordinate offers his muzzle, and when the higher-ranking wolf "pins" it, the lower-ranking wolf voluntarily rolls and presents his belly. There is NO force. It is all entirely voluntary.

A wolf would flip another wolf against his will ONLY if he were planning to kill it. Can you imagine what a forced alpha roll does to the psyche of our dogs?

There is a great deal of research out on the internet about this and you will have to decide if you agree or disagree. I have included a few books you might also want to read to help you on your journey with your little one.

Don’t Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor.
On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas.
The Other end of the Leash by Patricia McConnell.
Bones Would Rain from the Sky by Suzanne Clothier.
The Dog Whisperer by Paul Owens.
Click For Joy by Melissa Alexander.
Click to Calm by Emma Parsons.
Clicker Training for Dogs by Karen Pryor.
Fight by Jean Donaldson.
The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson.
Dominance Theory and Dogs by James O’Heare.
Outwitting Dogs by Terry Ryan.
Clicker Training for Obedience by Morgan Spector.
New Work of Dogs by John Kazt.
Getting Started Clicker Training For Dogs By Karen Pryor
Little Dogs: Training your Pint Sized Companion by Deborah Wood
Quick Clicks By Mandy Book and Cheryl S. Smith.

Unless you are training an aggressive dogs these are very expensive so may not be the best buy.

Aggression In Dogs, Practical Management, Prevention & Behavior Modification by Brenda Aloff.
Canine Body Language, A Photographic guide by Brenda Aloff