The Truth About the Alpha Dog Dominance Theory

The Alpha Dog Theory has been categorically disproven several times and this video covers where this idea comes from. The video explains why early wolf research suggested that wolves organised themselves into packs with an alpha male and female fighting for dominance and for the pack leader position. Dr. David Mech published and book that was instrumental in creating this view, but he has since corrected his early observations about wolves and explained that they live in families instead. The original alpha wolf theory was inaccurately extrapolated to dogs and this generated lots of incorrect misconceptions. More importantly, how wolves and dogs see their social life matters very little to good, effective and humane behaviour modification procedures. Come with us on this journey into the story of the alpha dog theory and why it is wrong. If you want to [SUPPORT] the work that I do here, a fun and easy way to do so is to buy me a coffee (or a few coffees) using this link: [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/trainmep...](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/trainmep...) 0:00 – Early findings with captive wolves 1:47 – How wolves actually live 2:32 – Dr. David Mech explains the Alpha Wolf Fallacy 4:49 – Why the Alpha Dog idea does not apply to dogs 6:09 – How to support Train Me Please 6:23 – Do wolf packs actually have a leader? References Miller, P. (2011). Debunking the "Alpha Dog" Theory - Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved 26 September 2022, from [https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/beh...](https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/beh...) Why not dominance?. Retrieved 26 September 2022, from [https://www.diamondsintheruff.com/why...](https://www.diamondsintheruff.com/why...) Mech, D. Wolf News and Information. Retrieved 26 September 2022, from [https://davemech.org/wolf-news-and-in...](https://davemech.org/wolf-news-and-in...) David Mech photo reference: Mech, D., 2017. Portrait David Mech. [image] Available at: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Davi...](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Davi...) [Accessed 17 October 2022]. For a fantastic collection of the best dog training books go here (Affiliate) [https://www.dogwise.com?aff=477](https://www.dogwise.com/?aff=477) Some of my favourite dog training gear (Affiliate) Baby gate: [https://amzn.to/3y1iCHC](https://amzn.to/3y1iCHC) Dog exercise pen: [https://amzn.to/37Tt612](https://amzn.to/37Tt612) Kong Extreme: [https://amzn.to/3LKjWCw](https://amzn.to/3LKjWCw) Kong for small dogs or puppies: [https://amzn.to/3F0mxG9](https://amzn.to/3F0mxG9) Kong wobbler: [https://amzn.to/38EptfB](https://amzn.to/38EptfB) Dog training treat bag (traditional): [https://amzn.to/3vsttsq](https://amzn.to/3vsttsq) Dog training treat bag (for wet treats): [https://thetrainerspouch.com/?ref=TRAIN](https://thetrainerspouch.com/?ref=TRAIN) Harness: [https://amzn.to/3MFm6Dz](https://amzn.to/3MFm6Dz) Dual ended lead (perfect for the above harness): [https://amzn.to/39tRDu6](https://amzn.to/39tRDu6) Long leash: [https://amzn.to/3FaBPrR](https://amzn.to/3FaBPrR) Premium dog food: [https://amzn.to/3vstIUm](https://amzn.to/3vstIUm) Training treats: [https://amzn.to/3KqLYBT](https://amzn.to/3KqLYBT) My filming and editing gear (Affiliate) Camera 1: [https://amzn.to/3KqEuPa](https://amzn.to/3KqEuPa) My favourite lens (the one used for A roll): [https://amzn.to/3yapDpL](https://amzn.to/3yapDpL) My other favourite lens (the one used for B roll): [https://amzn.to/3vwl2fN](https://amzn.to/3vwl2fN) My favourite gimbal: [https://amzn.to/3kp3XOx](https://amzn.to/3kp3XOx) Camera 2: [https://amzn.to/38FYEaz](https://amzn.to/38FYEaz) Lavalier microphone: [https://amzn.to/372T2a9](https://amzn.to/372T2a9) USB microphone: [https://amzn.to/3s5iWBs](https://amzn.to/3s5iWBs) Lights: [https://amzn.to/3KC0kz7](https://amzn.to/3KC0kz7) Editing laptop: [https://amzn.to/3y4wSzb](https://amzn.to/3y4wSzb) Tripod: [https://amzn.to/3ONxD5P](https://amzn.to/3ONxD5P) My online presence: Website: [http://www.trainmeplease.com.au/](http://www.trainmeplease.com.au/) Facebook: [  / trainmeplease  ](  / trainmeplease  ) Twitter: [  / sealtrainer  ](  / sealtrainer  ) Linkedin: au.linkedin.com/in/josegomestmp Music by [CreatorMix.com](http://creatormix.com/) This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute advice that is tailored to you and your dog. I highly recommend that you get in contact with a progressive behaviour consultant to help you and your dog directly.