Dominance Theory in Dog Training: Why It’s Outdated (and What Really Matters for Sighthounds)
Why I’m Writing This
Recently, one of my members approached me while studying a course on dog behaviour. One of the echoes in the course was the old idea of dominance theory in dog training. She came to me asking for references because she remembered me saying that dominance theory was outdated, and she wanted to be able to give feedback with confidence.
The very next day, someone I spoke to outside of work also started talking about “showing the dog who was boss.” That second conversation really nudged me to put this blog together.
This blog is a little different from my usual style — it includes references and further reading options, because sadly, dominance theory is such a deep-rooted myth that still appears in training courses and everyday advice.
A Bit of Background Before We Get Into This
I want you to know this isn’t coming from a place of judgement. Honestly, before I became a dog trainer, I attended a course that talked a lot about being “alpha,” eating before your dog, and similar ideas. I went on it because I loved my dogs and I wanted to learn as much as I could to make life better for them.
I didn’t know at the time that some of that was the wrong information — but the more I’ve learnt, the more I understand.
So if you’re someone who’s heard or even followed those ideas, please know this is about education, not judgement. I know you love your dogs, and with so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s not always easy to know what’s right. That’s why I want to share this clearly with you here.
Why Dominance Theory Became So Popular
The early spark: In the 1930s and 40s, Swiss ethologist Rudolf Schenkel observed unrelated, crowded, stressed wolves in Basel Zoo. He saw fighting, posturing, and one wolf appearing dominant.
Easy story to tell: “Pack leader” ideas were simple, tidy, and easy to explain to families.
Limited information channels: At the time, people had only books, magazines, and a handful of TV channels. Without the internet or fast access to updated science, the first explanation often stuck.
Authority reinforced it: In 1970, wolf biologist David Mech published The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species, which included “alpha” terminology. This gave the theory credibility.
Media cemented it: Popular books and television programmes repeated “pack leader” language, and the idea became deeply rooted.
Dominance theory still lingers today because it was the first widely shared story about dog behaviour, and old ideas can be hard to shake.
What We Know Now
Over the decades, science has painted a very different picture.
Mech corrected his own work: By the 1990s, long-term field studies showed wolf packs are families — parents raising pups, not strangers fighting for rank. In 1999, Mech published a paper saying “alpha” is misleading and should be retired.
Modern wolf research: Leadership is based on cooperation, with mum and dad guiding the pack, not constant battles for control.
Training has moved on: Modern, science-led, reward-based and positive reinforcement training is now recognised as the most effective and ethical approach. It focuses on teaching dogs what to do, building confidence, and strengthening trust.
Across the UK, leading welfare charities and professional training organisations are clear: reward-based methods are best, and punishment or dominance-based techniques risk harming dogs and damaging relationships. Some are listed below.
Clearing Up the Confusion
It’s easy to see why families still hear echoes of dominance today:
Guarding isn’t domination
If a dog growls when you ask them to get off the sofa, it doesn’t mean they’re plotting to run the household. It usually means they’ve found something they really value and are worried about losing it.Sometimes it’s about learning history — for example, some of the ex-racing greyhounds who’ve always slept on a raised platform in a racing kennel may find the new experience of a sofa or bed feels both familiar and luxurious. Or a sofa or bed can be brand new and super comfy, therefore very valuable, and they are communicating that they may not want to give it up.
If you find yourself in this situation, please do not try to pull the dog off the sofa.
Have a comfy alternative ready (a bed, a folded duvet etc) so you’re not just taking something away, you’re offering another option.
Use treats or toys as encouragement, throwing them on the floor to invite the dog down, then praise and reward when they choose the alternative spot.
If you don't want them on the sofa or bed, it’s also about managing access until you have the alternative bed you would like them to use, which they're well-trained to do.
If you are in any doubt, please get in touch. If guarding is a concern, I can offer advice, and if needed, recommend a qualified behaviourist who can help.
Rituals like walking through doors first or eating first don’t establish rank
Dogs repeat what works for them. If a behaviour is reinforced — even by accident — they’ll do it again. It’s not about being “boss.”Punishment doesn’t build respect
Methods such as lead yanking or jerking, shouting, scruff shaking, forcing dogs into submissive positions, or using physical punishment are all echoes of dominance thinking. Families are sometimes told these are needed to “show who’s boss.”These methods may stop behaviour briefly, but they do so by creating fear. For many dogs — especially sensitive souls like sighthounds — fear-based methods can make things worse, leading to stress, issues around trust, or even aggression.
Dogs Are Not Wolves
Although dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, they are not the same species:
Different history: Dogs diverged thousands of years ago through domestication.
Different social structures: Dogs adapt to human households, not wild pack hierarchies.
Different communication: Dogs have developed unique signals for living alongside people — including those famous “puppy-dog eyes.”
Why This Matters for Sighthounds
For sighthounds, the dominance myth can be especially harmful:
Many are ex-racers or ex-coursing dogs, making the huge adjustment from kennels or working life into family homes.
They are often sensitive, thoughtful learners. Harsh methods can knock their confidence and set back progress.
Comfort resources — sofas, duvets, or cosy corners — may feel especially precious because they’re new, because of a dog’s learning history, or simply because sighthounds with their thin skin and low body fat value comfort more than most breeds.
At Insight Hounds, I use reward-based and positive reinforcement training, and we teach cues like “off” kindly, giving sighthounds clear communication and positive alternatives. Particularly useful with sighthounds for the bedtime wee, especially in the winter!
The focus is always on:
Building confidence with small, achievable steps.
Rewarding behaviours we want to see repeated.
Helping families understand body language and breed traits.
Growing trust and connection, not conflict.
Dominance-based methods aren’t right for any dog, in my view. But for sighthounds, they can be especially damaging.
Wrapping Up
Dominance theory started from flawed wolf studies, spread through books and media, and has been kept alive more by tradition than evidence. But science and welfare organisations are clear: it’s time to move on.
Dogs aren’t trying to dominate us. They’re trying to feel safe, secure, and understood.
For all dogs — and sighthounds especially — training based on kindness, clarity, and trust is what truly makes the difference.
I’m hoping this blog might help even just one person — or make a difference for one dog. And if it reassures you that science is on your side, then it’s still part of moving things forward together.
And if you ever see behaviours that feel bigger than training alone — guarding, fear, or aggression — do get in touch. I can advise and, if needed, point you in the right direction of a qualified behaviourist.
References & Further Reading
Below are both academic studies and professional UK organisations who support positive, reward-based training approaches:
Schenkel, R. (1947). Expression Studies on Wolves. Behaviour.
Mech, L. D. (1970). The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species.
Mech, L. D. (1999). Alpha status, dominance, and division of labour in wolf packs. Canadian Journal of Zoology.
Bradshaw, J. W. S., Blackwell, E. J., & Casey, R. A. (2009). Dominance in domestic dogs — useful construct or bad habit? Journal of Veterinary Behaviour.
Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) – ethical, science-based training and membership I’m a member. imdt.uk.com
Blue Cross – positive reward-based training advice. bluecross.org.uk
Dogs Trust – statement on dominance theory & reinforcement training. dogstrust.org.uk
UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter – professional code of conduct & welfare standards (I’m a part of this). dogcharter.uk
APBC (Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) – clinical behaviourists working with vets. apbc.org.uk