Old and outdated methods focus on dominance as the cause and solution for behavior problems in dogs. However, the concept of "dominance" in dog training originated after seriously flawed studies of wolf packs were published in the 1930's. These "studies" took wolves from various packs and forced them together in captivity. The "researchers" then studied the wolves behaviors in this volatile and unnatural environment.

Today, trainers, behaviorists and ethologists know that dominance is achieved through ritualized displays and control of valuable resources.

How this translates to the owner of a domestic dog is simple. Control the resources, control the dog. If you control the resources your dog finds valuable: food, toys, territory and attention, you will already be in a position of dominance and there will be no need to establish dominance through physical methods.

See the articles linked below for information on how to achieve these methods with your dog.

Information on Leadership

• Cesar Millan: The Dog Whisperer

• Are You the Alpha?
• Leadership Basics
• Nothing in Life Is Free
• Leadership vs Dominance

Information on Dominance

• Debunking the Dominance Myth
• History and Misconceptions of Dominance
• Moving Beyond the Dominance Myth
• Pack Leader Myths

See also, Pack Rules