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Originally Posted by livingdustmops  I do not believe in the dominance theory and do feel that it is outdated based on the following: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 |
Great post! Many pups who bite are doing so out of fear, and to reinforce that by rolling them over on their backs only makes it worse, imo.
I have a foster who came to me, biting people and other pups. He was found in the woods and was a fear biter. I consistently put him in a crate in the beginning, since it was difficult to pick him up due to the biting. Every time he went after another pup, I put the crate in front of him and let him sit in it for just a couple of minutes. Simply a time out. I then started leading him to a bathroom and that is where his time outs were. He actually would go readily...almost as if he understood and really wanted the time out!
He lives here with us now and while he still has some issues, he has come a long way!
I have a couple of females who, about once per month, get into little squabbles. I grab each of them and put them in time outs in separate rooms. It only takes a minute or two. Just enough to tell them that if they misbehave they cannot be with everyone else. They DO get it! Oh...they revert back in a few weeks, but are easily snapped back into compliance.
Personally, I think these little guys are just like toddlers. I did not handle my toddler in a rough fashion and will not a pup either!
Oh...and I have a six month old puppy as a foster right now. When she gets a little rough with her mouth, I simply say "Ouch" in a loud tone and she stops!