Skip to content
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
  • Donate
  • Adopt & Foster
    • All Pets
    • Dogs
    • Cats
    • Small Animals
    • Adoption Process
    • Adoption Fees
    • Foster Program
    • Alumni Updates
  • Services
    • For Pets
      • Vaccinations & Microchipping
      • Community Care Clinics
      • Spay/Neuter Vouchers
      • Veterinary Assistance
      • Training Classes
      • Behavior Hotline
      • Resources & Guides
    • For You
      • Lost & Found
        • Found Animals
      • Pet Pantry
      • H.E.L.P. Program
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Rehoming Your Pet
      • Wildlife & Animal Control
  • About
    • Donate
      • Donate Now
      • Monthly Giving
      • Legacy Giving
      • Choose a Specific Fund
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Other Ways to Give
    • History
    • Mission
    • Team
    • Work With Us
    • Statistics
    • eNewsletter & Sign Up
    • Annual Report & Financials
  • Programs
    • Volunteer
    • Youth Programs
      • Kids Workshops
      • Summer Camp
      • Animal Allies
      • Tours
      • Paws & Read
      • Youth Outreach
      • Junior Fosters
    • Kitten College
      • Kitten College Apprenticeship
      • Kitten College Foster Program
  • Events
    • Tours
    • Clinics
    • Educational Programs
    • Fundraising Events
  • News
  • Contact
  • Volunteer
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Volunteer Log In
    • Corporate Animal Care Crew
    • Join Our Board of Directors
  • Wildlife & Animal Control
    • Request Assistance
    • Wildlife in Our Community
    • Assisting Citizens
      • Emergencies & Bite Reports
      • Rabies Prevention
      • Pet Licensing
      • Arlington Animal Laws & Ordinances
    • Protecting Animals
      • Community Cat Program
      • Lost & Found
      • Reporting Concerns
    • Meet Your Officers
  • Lost & Found
  • Shop
FacebookTwitterYoutubeInstagram
  • Wildlife & Animal Control
    • Request Assistance
    • Wildlife Resource Center
    • Wildlife in Our Community
    • Assisting Citizens
      • Emergencies & Bite Reports
      • Rabies Prevention
      • Pet Licensing
      • Arlington Animal Laws & Ordinances
    • Protecting Animals
      • Community Cat Program
      • Lost & Found
      • Reporting Concerns
    • Meet Your Officers
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Log In
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Corporate Animal Care Crew
    • Join Our Board of Directors
  • Shop
  • Donate
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
  • Donate
  • Adopt & Foster
    • All Pets
    • Dogs
    • Cats
    • Small Animals
    • Adoption Process
    • Adoption Fees
    • Foster Program
    • Alumni Updates
  • Services
    • For Pets
      • Vaccinations & Microchipping
      • Community Care Clinics
      • Spay/Neuter Vouchers
      • Veterinary Assistance
      • Training Classes
      • Behavior Hotline
      • Resources & Guides
    • For You
      • Lost & Found
        • Found Animals
      • Pet Pantry
      • H.E.L.P. Program
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Rehoming Your Pet
      • Wildlife & Animal Control
  • About
    • Donate
      • Donate Now
      • Monthly Giving
      • Legacy Giving
      • Choose a Specific Fund
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Other Ways to Give
    • History
    • Mission
    • Team
    • Work With Us
    • Statistics
    • eNewsletter & Sign Up
    • Annual Report & Financials
  • Programs
    • Volunteer
    • Youth Programs
      • Kids Workshops
      • Summer Camp
      • Animal Allies
      • Tours
      • Paws & Read
      • Youth Outreach
      • Junior Fosters
    • Kitten College
      • Kitten College Apprenticeship
      • Kitten College Foster Program
  • Events
    • Tours
    • Clinics
    • Educational Programs
    • Fundraising Events
  • News
  • Contact
  • Volunteer
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Volunteer Log In
    • Corporate Animal Care Crew
    • Join Our Board of Directors
  • Wildlife & Animal Control
    • Request Assistance
    • Wildlife in Our Community
    • Assisting Citizens
      • Emergencies & Bite Reports
      • Rabies Prevention
      • Pet Licensing
      • Arlington Animal Laws & Ordinances
    • Protecting Animals
      • Community Cat Program
      • Lost & Found
      • Reporting Concerns
    • Meet Your Officers
  • Lost & Found
  • Shop

Alpha Dogs & Dominance Theory: Fact or Fiction?

September 26, 2022

Posted in Animal Welfare, Dogs, Learning, Uncategorized
Share this
By Chelsea Jones

You may have noticed that at AWLA we do not use terms such as “alpha” or “dominant/submissive” dogs…and that’s because those concepts have long since been debunked!

These theories were first introduced in the 1930s by animal behaviorist Rudolph Schenkel. He studied two groups of captive wolves at the Zoo Basel in Switzerland, attempting to identify the “sociology of the wolf”. He theorized that alpha wolves (the leader of the pack) was the wolf with the most resources, and used dominance, fear, and force to obtain those resources. In his research, Schenkel drew frequent incorrect parallels between wolves and domestic dogs. 

The major flaw with Schenkel’s study was that it did not include any observations of wolves in the wild. Despite this, his study and the validity behind it was believed  for decades. The idea of an “alpha” or “dominant” wolf was initially reinforced in the 60s by wildlife biologist David Mech. However, after Mech and other animal behaviorists spent more time studying wolves in the wild (observing behaviors occurring in the animal’s natural environment), they drew a different conclusion. Mech wrote in a published paper; “One of the outdated pieces of information is the concept of the alpha wolf. “Alpha” implies competing with others and becoming top dog by winning a contest or battle. However, most wolves who lead packs achieved their position simply by mating and producing pups, which then became their pack.”

We need to remember that dogs are not wolves. Dog Behavior Consultant Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, states, “Most of our canine companions don’t live in stable familial groups, but are randomly adopted into various homes, sometimes multiple homes over their lifetimes. Trying to apply conclusions about wolf behavior to our understanding of dog behavior is simply an exercise in futility, guaranteed to lead to inappropriate and ineffective training methods. Dogs are not wolves.”

Unfortunately, the concept of the “alpha dog” and “being the dominant one” still persist, particularly in the realm of aversive dog trainers that use these terms as catch phrases and techniques that can actually damage the relationship between pets and their people. Normal dog behaviors that can be modified and managed, like pulling on walks, resource guarding and growling, are mis-labeled as “dominant” behaviors and guardians are encouraged to “show them who’s boss”. 

Thankfully, modern studies and theories of dogs’ social structures and their needs have ushered in newer and more humane training methods. In 1985, marine mammal trainer Karen Pryor wrote a book titled “Don’t Shoot the Dog”, which made a huge shift in the world of dog training and animal behavior. Then in 1993, Dr Ian Dunbar founded the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), who’s guiding principle is: “We promote the use of reward-based training methods, thereby minimizing the use of aversive techniques.” As time has passed, reward based training has become an increasingly popular dog training method because of the ease and effectiveness that it entails, embracing the science of behavior and learning theory instead of using methods that use force and incomplete communication like “alpha rolls”, prong/choke collars, etc. 

Behaviors are fluid and can change at any time. Dogs mistakenly labeled as “alphas” are often insecure about a particular situation(s) or they just do not know what is expected of them. Their actions may include competing for resources, posturing or showing threatening behaviors to simply increase distance – the last thing they would want would be to be ‘in charge’! Remember that behaviors that are reinforced are repeated and grow stronger. If your dog is a counter-surfer or jumps up on house guests, it’s not because they want to be “the alpha”, it’s because that behavior has been reinforced in some way – there is food on the counter, or they get attention every time they jump up. Learn more about reward based training here. 

So what do you do about more serious behaviors like resource guarding or dog reactivity? We recommend finding a CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CDBC,  or CBCC-certified trainer to help you and your dog. You can learn more about how to find a reward based trainer here.

~ Chelsea Jones, Amy Schindler, CPDT-KA, and Samantha Wolfman, CPDT-KA

Recent Posts

  • Why Is My Dog Barking?
  • Alpha Dogs & Dominance Theory: Fact or Fiction?
  • No Need For Tough Love – WaPo Response Letter
  • First Look – FY2022 Shelter Statistics
  • Raccoon in Green Valley, Arlington VA Tests Positive for Rabies

Categories

  • Adoptions
  • Advocacy
  • Animal Control
  • Animal Welfare
  • Awards & Accolades
  • Cats
  • Classes
  • Clinics
  • Community Cats/TNR
  • Community Support
  • Dogs
  • Donors
  • Events
  • Foster
  • Free & Low-Cost
  • Fundraising
  • Kids
  • Kitten College
  • Kittens
  • Learning
  • Microchipping
  • News & Announcements
  • Pet Health
  • Pet Safety
  • Pet Spotlight
  • Promotions
  • Rabies Vaccinations
  • Small Animals
  • Spay/Neuter
  • Sponsors
  • Uncategorized
  • Volunteers
  • Wildlife
  • Workplace Giving
  • Workshops
bonnie-square

We appreciate you

Your Support Means the World to Our Pets and Our Community

Make a Donation
awla-white-logo@2x
E-mail me resources, events, and adorable animals!

Get In Touch

2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr.
Arlington, VA 22206

(703) 931-9241

Adoption Hours

MON 12pm - 7pm
TUE Closed
WED 12pm - 7pm
THU 12pm - 7pm
FRI 12pm - 7pm
SAT 12pm - 4pm
SUN 12pm - 4pm

Navigate

  • Donate
  • Adopt & Foster
    • All Pets
    • Dogs
    • Cats
    • Small Animals
    • Adoption Process
    • Adoption Fees
    • Foster Program
    • Alumni Updates
  • Services
    • For Pets
      • Vaccinations & Microchipping
      • Community Care Clinics
      • Spay/Neuter Vouchers
      • Veterinary Assistance
      • Training Classes
      • Behavior Hotline
      • Resources & Guides
    • For You
      • Lost & Found
        • Found Animals
      • Pet Pantry
      • H.E.L.P. Program
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Rehoming Your Pet
      • Wildlife & Animal Control
  • About
    • Donate
      • Donate Now
      • Monthly Giving
      • Legacy Giving
      • Choose a Specific Fund
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Other Ways to Give
    • History
    • Mission
    • Team
    • Work With Us
    • Statistics
    • eNewsletter & Sign Up
    • Annual Report & Financials
  • Programs
    • Volunteer
    • Youth Programs
      • Kids Workshops
      • Summer Camp
      • Animal Allies
      • Tours
      • Paws & Read
      • Youth Outreach
      • Junior Fosters
    • Kitten College
      • Kitten College Apprenticeship
      • Kitten College Foster Program
  • Events
    • Tours
    • Clinics
    • Educational Programs
    • Fundraising Events
  • News
  • Contact
  • Volunteer
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Volunteer Log In
    • Corporate Animal Care Crew
    • Join Our Board of Directors
  • Wildlife & Animal Control
    • Request Assistance
    • Wildlife in Our Community
    • Assisting Citizens
      • Emergencies & Bite Reports
      • Rabies Prevention
      • Pet Licensing
      • Arlington Animal Laws & Ordinances
    • Protecting Animals
      • Community Cat Program
      • Lost & Found
      • Reporting Concerns
    • Meet Your Officers
  • Lost & Found
  • Shop
  • Volunteer
  • Shop
  • Wildlife & Animal Control
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility Statement
Charity Navigator Seal
HASS-Partner-Org-Badge
FF-Corporate-Logo-Small-copy-300x267
2022-top-rated-awards-badge-embed

© 2020 Animal Welfare League of Arlington
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. Our Federal Tax ID is 54-0603502.
Combined Federal Campaign: #90065, United Way: #8804, Commonwealth of VA Campaign: #8068
Website by Yoko Co | Back to Top

Donate