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Originally Posted by KimMee's Mom May I ask why you think the Alpha Roll is harmful. I have had two trainers tell me to use and even my Vet!!! |
I don't think the alpha roll it necessarily physically "harmful" but I do think that a) it isn't effective b) it makes many dogs worse and c) it damages your relationship with your dog.
From VeterinaryPartner.com:
"Oh, stop that alpha rollover! That is making her more and more defensive! Even the people who originally wrote that book and recommended that maneuver changed their position on it some years later, but unfortunately people keep teaching it, and doing it. It is extremely harmful to the relationship between dog and owner in many cases. The dogs in which it does no harm, didn't need it anyway!"
From ClickerSolutions.com:
Some so-called experts even suggest using violent techniques like scruff shakes and alpha rolls. At the extreme end, some trainers once advocated downright abusive methods, such as hanging a dog by a choke chain and leash (called helicoptering) until she passed out, or forcing her head underwater until she lost consciousness. These tactics were considered treatment for behaviors as mild as digging or as serious as aggression.
From FirstYorkie: Although this article refers to that time of abuse in the past tense, trainers continue to use these tactics. The fact that a trainer (or a vet) recommends something doesn' necessarily make it okay.
Also from VeterinaryParnter.com:
What is interpreted as dominant behavior of a dog toward humans is usually the result of misunderstandings between the family and the dog. These can sometimes be profound, even tragic. Some people manage to ruin their puppies over the issues of housetraining and the chewing that accompanies teething. When the natural behavior of a dog is viewed as stubbornness, defiance, anger and dominance on the part of the dog, it’s a recipe for disaster. Mishandling a dog for training results in a dog who distrusts and fears humans. When negative behavior from the dog emerges, it may be labeled dominance when actually it’s fear or defensiveness or both. The dog doesn’t have many options. When you corner the dog, the option of running is taken away. If the dog freezes and you still yell and hit, there’s really no further recourse for the dog other than self-defense.
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