Who's the Boss? You or Your Dog?

Who’s the Boss? You Or Your Dog?

Is There Such A Thing As Dominance In Domesticated Dogs?

By LukEli K-9, Dog Training and Behavior Modification Professionals

Are you confounded by all the different opinions on dominance in dogs? What is dominance?

How can you tell if your dog is dominant? It’s difficult to filter through all the information you read on the internet, see on TV, or hear from the people in your life. Your uncle swears that every time your dog charges out the door ahead of you that what he’s really communicating in his own doggy way is that you’re lower on the proverbial totem pole than he is and unless you show your dog who’s boss, you’re going to end up as Fido’s subordinate. Your co-worker is convinced that because her dog pulls on the leash during their daily walks that she does not possess the coveted “Alpha Dog” status in her household. The dog whisperer tells you to roll your dog on his back and hold him there to show that you’re a strong pack leader, while an internet search on “my dog jumps on me” reveals a mind-numbing amount of confusing and contradicting information. Who and what should you believe?

The truth about dominance in dogs lies somewhere in the murky gray waters of behaviorism, learning theory, dominance studies, and traditional ideas of dog training and behavior. Dominance studies in the 1940’s were based on wolves who had been placed together in wildlife preserves and sanctuaries. The wolves didn’t choose the “packs” they were placed with and the preserves and sanctuaries did not replicate life in the wild for the wolves. Another point to note: wolves don’t really “choose” a pack. They are born into a pack and sometimes pack members leave the group to start a new family unit. Studies not based  on wolves in their natural habitat, caused some to contend that the studies (and hence the dominance theories developed based on them) are faulty. Regardless of the validity of these original studies on dominance and pack hierarchy, much of traditional dog training methods almost completely revolve around dominance as a basis for determining and modifying canine behavior. Though dogs aren’t wolves, it’s generally agreed that they are descended from wolves and have the same hierarchies, though not enough research has been done to satisfactorily bear this theory out. 

Dominance as defined by wikipedia: “Dominance hierarchy arises when members of a social group interact, often aggressively, to create a ranking system. In social living groups, members are likely to compete for access to limited resources and mating opportunities. Rather than fight each time they meet, relative relationships are formed between members of the same sex. These repetitive interactions lead to the creation of a social order that is subject to change each time a dominant animal is challenged by a subordinate.”, There are two types of hierarchical systems in which intrasexual conflict manifests: linear and despotic. In a linear hierarchy(pecking order), each member is assigned a rank relative to one another, creating a linear distribution of power (hyenas are an example of this system). In a despotic hierarchy, one member is assigned dominance while all other members are subordinate (wolves, African wild dogs).

If I had to pick one of the two types of hierarchical systems as the model for domesticated dogs, I’d pick despotic, though I’d do so begrudgingly. It becomes hard to determine exactly what system dogs have in place, because they’ve lived with, been shaped, and influenced by humans for so long that any serious resemblance to wolves and their behavior patterns becomes questionable. Innate behaviors remain, yes, but they have been forever and significantly modified through human interaction and selective breeding. Different breeds of dogs also exhibit different behaviors from others and have been selectively bred to retain more of certain traits than others. I can’t say with certainty that dogs fall into this system, and I don’t think anyone can. Dominance very probably exists in some form or other in domesticated dogs, however behavior problems that are routinely blamed on “dominant” dogs can usually be traced to poor socialization and lack of fundamental obedience training.

Are you more confused than when you started reading? Me too. Not to worry though, what you really need to know is this: You’re the boss because you provide and control all the resources a dog has access to; be it food, water, toys, affection, playtime, or his comfy bed, your dog owes it all to you.  He must understand that he needs to earn access to these things by acting appropriately, as you have taught him. Your dog learns from every experience he has and you control those experiences. Want him to learn that pushing past you to get out the door allows him access to chasing squirrels because he decided what was happening and not you? Then by all means let him dash out. Would you rather your dog sit quietly at the door, waiting to be released by you to gain access to the outdoors which he loves (he had to earn that reward!)? Then teach him a rock solid sit/stay. He can’t be “dominant” when he’s busy focusing on you.

My advice? Worry less about being the “Alpha”, and more about being consistent and fair with your dog. I will add that not all behavioral issues are easily solved. Only a qualified obedience and behavior modification professional can accurately assess and develop a treatment and training plan for dogs with serious issues. Seek out the appropriate professional and begin to help your dog learn boundaries and rules. He’ll thank you for it!