Why dominance theory is outdated
If you’ve ever been told to be the “alpha” or to establish dominance over your dog, you’re not alone — but this approach is not supported by modern behavioural science, and can actually make behaviour problems worse.
Where did dominance theory come from?
Dominance theory originated from wolf studies conducted in the 1940s, which suggested that wolves lived in strict hierarchies enforced through aggression. These findings were applied to domestic dogs — and training methods followed. The problem is that the original research has since been discredited, even by the scientist who conducted it. Wolves in the wild don’t actually behave this way, and domestic dogs are not wolves.
Why it matters for your dog
Training methods based on dominance — including alpha rolls, scruff shakes, or corrections designed to assert control — rely on fear and suppression. They can damage the trust between you and your dog, increase anxiety, and in some cases escalate aggression. A dog that appears “calm” under these methods may simply have learned that any response is unsafe.
What the science says
The shift toward force-free, positive reinforcement-based training is backed by decades of peer-reviewed research and endorsed by veterinary and animal behaviour organisations worldwide — including the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).
Read the AVA’s official position on the human-animal bond and animal training. Link provided above.