Suspect Science: Issues with the Study Subjects Well, that’s what happened with the alpha theory. We’ll explain a few of the most notable problems with the theory below. You know the saying “making an assumption makes an ass out of me and u” (because ass-u-me)? What Are Some of the Problems with Alpha Theory? Somewhere along the line, trainers and owners began implementing these behaviors and doing things like rolling their dogs, grabbing them by the scruff, making intense stern eye contact, and so on and so forth.Įssentially, they strived to become the alpha. This was a sign that they were submitting to the alpha. Schenkel also observed that wolves who were subservient to the alpha would roll over and show their belly and genitals. Well, if you’re a wolf in a captured environment, you do so by fighting, grabbing the other wolves by the neck or throat, and in general becoming “dominant.” Thinking their dogs were trying to become “alphas”, people started wanting to ensure that they led the pack rather than Fido. And since domesticated dogs were living in homes with humans, their packs weren’t comprised of other dogs, but the people they lived with. With that in mind, it was assumed that since domesticated dogs are closely related to wolves, they too must only have one alpha. By observing the wolves fighting for resources, privileges, and “status,” it was assumed that there is only one alpha in a pack, and he rules all the other dogs. “Alpha dog” theory is based around Schenkel’s initial study. Strategies based around positive-reinforcement are some of the most popular training alternatives, resulting in great success as well as building a better dog-human bond. There are a number of alpha-dog alternatives that will help you train your dog without damaging your relationship.Sensitive dogs, for example, may become traumatized by these approaches, while tougher dogs may retaliate against the people subjecting them to harsh treatments.
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