Myth Monday #3: I have to be dominant or the alpha over my dog.
I have heard the word “dominance” used so many times when it comes to how people train their dogs. In fact, I used to use it myself. That was before I learned the power of positive reinforcement. Dominance is power and influence over others whether that be another human being or an animals like your pup. The problem is that some people like to say well dogs descended from wolves. Which is true. However, your 7lb Multipoo who’s never had a bad hair day and refuses to poop in the rain is nowhere near being a “wolf”.
In the wild, yes, dominance plays a part in pack life. And yes, there are some harsh realities when it comes to that pack lifestyle. However, your pup doesn’t have to deal with those. Your pup doesn’t have to fight for food, you offer it to him. Your dog doesn’t have to look out for larger predators, you keep him housed and safe. I want you to say it with me…MY DOG IS NOT A WOLF. Now, this leads us into why dominance has become such a big thing in dog training.
I grew up watching a certain VERY famous dog trainer. You know him or you’ve at least heard of him. Him (along with other trainers) train with the idea that force and dominance are the way to get your dog to be obedient. This form of training does work. Many people use this form of training and it does work…at least for awhile. The problems only arise later on in the training. Instead of having a happy-go-lucky dog that does what you say and is happy to do it because he knows that he’s a good boy and will get a treat….you have a fearful dog that obeys you only because he is afraid of what you will do to him if he doesn’t. Which one sounds more pleasant to you?
Many times to explain this to owners I will discuss different boss styles. So, if you have a boss that comes in and says “Hey, Kay, you’re going to finish these 3 templates, write 6 emails, finish your report, and clean the entire office all before the end of the day or you’re fired” how would you feel? I know I would probably be ready to tell that boss where he can shove it. On the other hand, what if your boss came to you and said, “Hey Kay, I really need that report done by the end of the day today and would you mind cleaning the bathroom too? I’d really appreciate it and would love to take you for an ice cream once we get all our work done!”? How would you feel about that? I think boss #2 is going to get the best work out of me. This is for a number of reasons, first off, he didn’t demand anything, he asked kindly. Secondly, he didn’t ask me to do too much, just a couple things that I can absolutely handle. Third, he thanked me and told me he appreciated it and then to top it all off, he offered a reward for when I’m finished!
This is called LEADERSHIP. And this is something I discuss with every single one of my clients. Leadership is much different than dominance and much more rewarding for both you and your dog. Leadership allows you to show your dog the things you want and the behaviors you want and work through them together until they understand and get it right. Leaders do not put others down or pressure them, they work at an easy pace and help when they can in whatever way they can. And doesn’t this just sound like a much better way to handle things?
This way of thinking is a much newer concept that many dog trainers are beginning to adapt to. No longer are we telling clients they need to hold their dogs down until they listen. In fact, we discourage any type of physical punishment. Dogs are beautiful creatures, they’re family members, and they deserve the same respect that you would give another human. So take a minute and think about how you can be a better leader to your dog. I guarantee it will change your relationship with him forever…in a good way.
