Any dog guardian looking online for training advice is surely to be inundated with conflicting information regarding the correct way to teach their dogs. There are many myths surrounding dog training and relationship-building. Some common myths that are still widely circulated are:
- Go out the door before your dog
- Eat before you feed your dog
- Don’t let your dog walk in front of you.
- Don’t let your dog sleep in the bed with you.
These were “rules” created by trainers that believe in the “alpha” or “dominance” theory. The theory was introduced in the 1940s by Swiss animal behaviorist, Rudolph Schenkel. After his study involving captive wolves, Schenkel claimed wolves would fight to gain dominance, and the winner became the alpha wolf. Schenkel’s observations were extrapolated to apply to wild wolf behavior, and subsequently to domestic dogs. Because of this, techniques such as the alpha roll were created so humans could show their dog “who’s boss.” However, it has been proven the behavior seen in captive wolves does not mimic the behavior of wild wolves.
David Mech stated in the introduction to his study of wild wolves (Mech, 2000), “Attempting to apply information about the behavior of assemblages of unrelated captive wolves to the familial structure of natural packs has resulted in considerable confusion. Such an approach is analogous to trying to draw inferences about human family dynamics by studying humans in refugee camps. The concept of the alpha wolf as a ‘top dog’ ruling a group of similar-aged compatriots (Schenkel 1947; Rabb et al. 1967; Fox 1971a; Zimen 1975, 1982; Lockwood 1979; van Hooff et al. 1987) is particularly misleading.”
It seems ridiculous to think you must alpha roll a Maltese, or a German Shepherd to show them who’s in charge. In reality, all you need is a desire to learn about your best friend.
The bottom line is if you want your dog to sleep in the bed with you, it is your prerogative. Your dog isn’t going to see you as any better or worse of a human. He’s not going to gauge your ability to be a “leader” through any of the old myths you may hear about from balanced or adversive trainers. Just ensure your dog is exhibiting the expectations you’ve laid when building your relationship using the four pillars of training.