Written by Gordon Banks, Principal Behaviourist at Dogtown SA
The idea that every household needs an “alpha dog” – and that the owner must dominate the dog to establish their position – has been around for many years. Owners have often been told that dogs are constantly trying to take control, and that behaviours such as pulling on the lead, jumping up, refusing to sit or getting on the furniture are signs that a dog is trying to become the “alpha”.
But modern understanding of canine behaviour gives us a much more useful way of looking at our relationship with our dogs.
Where did the “alpha” idea come from?
The traditional dominance theory was influenced by early studies of captive wolves. These observations led to the idea that wolves live in a strict hierarchy, with an “alpha” male or female controlling the group.
Researchers such as animal behaviourist Rudolf Shenkel observed wolves in captivity and noticed that one individual often seemed to dominate others – controlling access to food, mates, and sleeping spots. This led to the belief that wolf packs are structured around a strict hierarchy, with an “alpha male” and “alpha female” ruling over submissive members.
The observations quickly spread into popular culture and were later applied to domestic dogs, based on the assumption that because dogs descended from wolves, they must behave the same way.
Dog trainers in the 1970s and 1980s popularised “dominance-based” training. Owners were taught to eat before their dogs, never let dogs walk ahead on a leash, and even roll their dogs onto their backs in an “alpha roll” to show who was in charge. While these methods sometimes appeared to produce obedience, they often relied on fear and intimidation, not understanding or trust.
Debunking the alpha concept
Over time, ethologists and wolf experts began to re-examine these early studies. Biologist Dr David Mech, one of the leading wolf researchers who helped popularise the alpha concept, later admitted that the original research was deeply flawed. The wolves in those studies were unrelated individuals forced to live together in captivity – a highly artificial setting that naturally caused conflict and competition.
When scientists began observing wild wolf packs, a very different picture emerged. Wolves living in natural family groups showed that wolf families are much more cooperative than the old model suggested. Instead of constant fighting for dominance, real packs turned out to be family groups led by breeding pairs – essentially wolf parents and their offspring.
The “alpha” was simply the mother or father, not a dictator enforcing power through aggression. Their leadership was based on experience, nurturing, and protection, not fear
Domestic dogs are also not simply wolves living in our homes. While dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, dogs have evolved alongside humans for tens of thousands of years, developing social behaviours suited to cooperative living with people. They’re far more attuned to human cues and emotions, and they rely on us not as pack leaders, but as partners and providers.
Does your dog need to know who’s boss?
Your dog absolutely needs guidance, boundaries and consistency, but this doesn’t mean that you need to dominate them.
A dog that pulls on the lead is usually not trying to take over the household. They may simply have learned that pulling gets them where they want to go.
A dog jumping on people isn’t necessarily challenging your authority. They may have learned that jumping produces attention.
A dog refusing to come when called isn’t necessarily being “disobedient” because they think they’re in charge. Perhaps coming back is less rewarding than whatever they’re investigating.
Looking at behaviour this way allows us to ask a more productive question: “What’s my dog learning from the consequences of their behaviour?”
Leadership without dominance
Being a good leader for your dog means providing clear communication, predictable boundaries and appropriate choices.
Good leadership includes:
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Teaching your dog what you want them to do, rather than simply correcting unwanted behaviour.
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Rewarding behaviours such as coming when called, walking nicely on lead and settling calmly.
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Managing situations where your dog is likely to make a poor choice.
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Providing exercise, enrichment, rest and opportunities to behave naturally.
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Being consistent so your dog can understand what’s expected.
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Observing and listening to your dog’s body language and recognising when they’re worried, overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
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Using training methods that build trust and cooperation, i.e. non-aversive methods.
What about being “in charge”?
It’s perfectly reasonable for an owner to make decisions about safety and household rules. Your dog doesn’t need to make every decision.
You decide when it’s safe to cross the road. You decide when veterinary treatment is necessary. You decide which behaviours are appropriate around children and visitors.
This is responsible ownership, not a battle for dominance.
The goal isn’t to make your dog feel that they’re beneath you. The goal is to teach them that you’re a reliable source of information and that listening to you leads to good outcomes.
A better way to think about it is – instead of asking: “How do I become the alpha?”, rather try asking: “How can I become the person my dog can trust, understand and rely on?”
Effective dog training isn’t about winning a power struggle. It’s about communication, learning, boundaries and cooperation.
A confident, well-trained dog doesn’t need to be controlled through fear or intimidation. They need an owner who provides clear guidance, teaches useful skills and sets them up for success.
Good leadership isn’t about being the “alpha”, it’s about being a calm, consistent and trustworthy guide.
What dogs really need
The alpha dog theory, while once a popular explanation for canine behaviour, is now recognised as outdated and misleading. It oversimplifies the complex relationship between humans and dogs and promotes unnecessary confrontation.
Modern science shows that dogs don’t need an alpha; they need a secure, confident, and compassionate human who communicates clearly and fairly.
When we replace dominance with understanding, we not only gain obedience but also nurture the deep trust and companionship that make dogs truly “man’s best friend”.
