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To be, or not to be, the Alpha
Lisa S. Newman, ND, Ph.D.
Since the late 1940’s, when the term “alpha dog” was coined, dog training
has undergone several changes in theory and practice. Many of the techniques
which have grown from the alpha mentality have proven to be harmful:
dominance, to the point of physical violence against one’s canine friend,
had become the norm for many until recently. But was there any benefit
behind the concept? Is cooperation and positive reinforcement the only
answer? Is there, or isn’t there, a pack mentality?
When I was first taught as a professional “dog trainer” in the early
1970’s, I was very uncomfortable with the excessive force deemed necessary
to gain the proper behavior from my “charges.” I evolved into my own style
of behavioral guidance through positive reinforcement and found it benefited
not only the pet, but the owner as well, who felt less stress and more joy
in working together. Unfortunately, there were several aggressive cases
which did not respond as well and I soon found that a modified dominance
technique was necessary. No biting, kicking, hitting or screaming, but
taking control by clearly being the dominant leader was helpful in having a
well adjusted dog.
I had my own experience of an aggressive female rottie, who at the age of
16 months (a common age to first press for dominance) woke me from a nap,
staring me down to keep me pinned to the couch I was on. She was very well
trained and obedient, although stubborn at times. Had I not taken a more
dominant role, she would have felt forever in control and would soon be
non-respondent to my commands, as I had seen in other cases my clients
brought to me that had been allowed their dominance. As she was now baring
some teeth at me, I growled “NO” back at her, failing to get her to back
off, I rolled her and pinned her for ten seconds. Our relationship blossomed
from then on. She was very happy in knowing her place and accepted me as her
leader, her attempt at dominance over me having failed. She remained
stubborn, a personality trait that made our lives together more interesting,
but always obedient to my voice and hand commands.
A common argument for not engaging in the alpha roll is that dogs are not
pack animals. But I beg to differ. Zaezar (my rottie) was definitely the
pack leader of our other animals, second only to me. She disciplined the
puppies for fighting too hard and taught the kittens not to tear up the
couch. She came first to the feeding dishes and got into the car before the
other dogs did. They obviously knew her rules, as she knew my rules. I was
her leader and she was my lieutenant, keeping the troops in line until her
final days at age fifteen. There was a definite natural pecking order that
occurred each time a new member arrived. Some dogs had tried to dominate
her, only to be rolled themselves, by her, when needed. I clearly saw this
dynamic and had to conclude that we were, in fact, a pack.
Since 1982, Dr. Newman has been a world
renowned pioneer in the field of natural pet care. The author of nine books,
including her latest, Three Simple Steps to Healthy Pets: The Holistic
Animal Care LifeStyle™, Dr. Newman is also the formulator of Azmira
Holistic Animal Care Products and Diets.
©2006, Dr. Lisa S. Newman, All Rights
Reserved
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