Dominance Theory is a Myth – let’s look at modern, force-free, reinforcement-based training
I want to talk to you about why it’s important to follow a force-free, reinforcement-based training ethos with your dog. This isn’t just about my opinion, it’s also backed by modern science. While I don’t love admitting it, I grew up in an era when punishment-based training was widely accepted. That’s why I feel it’s important to address this outdated approach and shed light on a better way.
The dominance theory in dog training stems from flawed studies on captive wolves, wrongly suggesting a strict “alpha” hierarchy. Later research showed wild wolves cooperate as family units, not through dominance. Despite this, the misconception led to force-based training. Science now proves dogs don’t seek control—they learn through cues, their environment and relationships, making dominance-based methods unnecessary and harmful.
Aversive methods may appear to work in the short term, but they don’t address the real underlying issues. Has the fear or anxiety that was driving the behaviour truly been resolved? If the roles were reversed, would you want to be trained that way?
So what does modern, force-free, reinforcement-based training look like?
Successful training is built on trust, understanding, and a strong relationship. The best trainers are interested in working to understand and address the underlying emotions of the dog. That gives the best training outcomes and can drive long-lasting behaviour change. Understanding your dog’s emotions isn’t always easy, especially for new owners. Learning to read their body language—lip licking, yawning, disengagement, or not responding to known cues—can help you recognise stress and provide better guidance. Once we recognise the emotion, we can help shape a change to that emotional response. For example, if your dog is fearful of certain people, dogs, or noises, you can build positive associations by playing their favourite games in those situations. Once their emotions change, behaviours like barking, lunging, and pulling on the lead will naturally improve. There’s no need for slip leads or correctional collars. Pulling on the lead is often a learned behaviour or a reaction to environmental stress. With patience, understanding, and the right approach, you can build a confident dog rather than one who shuts down out of fear.
When it comes to training, make it fun! Start with engaging games to build trust and create a clear, consistent communication system. Using a short, distinct word to mark correct behaviour makes it easier for your dog to understand when they are correct. By reinforcing the behaviour with their favourite reward, they are more likely to reliably repeat that behaviour. Break exercises into small steps and don’t rush the process—sometimes progress means revisiting earlier stages. Train in different contexts—can your dog perform a behaviour in various positions and environments? Dogs learn through patterns and “pictures,” and understanding this helps you adjust your training. My dogs’ responses teach me what changes I need to make but this comes with experience.
Rewards are essential—whether it’s food, toys, or your attention. Just like us, dogs are motivated by rewards. Celebrate every effort they make! If my dogs don’t get something quite right, they still receive a treat and encouragement to maintain and build their confidence. Saying a soft well done for trying and a treat is enough to keep them in the session.
If you’d like to learn more about effective, science-backed training, give us a call at Click2Heel—we’re here to help, no matter where you are!
(Looking for online courses? Please hop over to our sister website C2HOnline)
Di Martin
Resources
There are a few resources that provide further insights into the evolution of dog training practices and the shift towards science-based, humane, effective methods.
One study is “A Fresh Look at the Wolf-Pack Theory of Companion-Animal Dog Social Behaviour,” which questions the validity of applying rigid dominance hierarchies observed in captive wolves to domestic dogs.
A Fresh Look at the Wolf-Pack Theory of Companion-Animal Dog Social Behavior
Additionally, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has published a position statement highlighting that dominance-based training methods are not scientifically proven to be effective and can pose welfare risks to dogs.
What is the RSPCA’s view on dominance dog training?
