Why You Don't Have A Dominant Dog
Mar 4 / Jay Gurden
There are few phrases more likely to cause divides in the world of canine professionals than that of the dominant dog. The words ‘dominant dog’ are often linked alongside ‘alpha’ and ‘pack leader’ in certain circles of the dog training and behaviour world including, unfortunately, some particularly prominent and well-known names.
This alpha theory of the dominant dog goes back originally to papers published in the 1940s on studies that had taken place on wolves in a zoo in Switzerland. Due to the close genetic relationship between the modern grey wolf and the domestic dog, assumptions were made regarding the similarities of wolf and dog behaviour. There are two problems with this theory. Number one – the wolves in the zoo were not a natural pack as would live in the wild, made up of animals unfamiliar to each other rather than a family unit, and kept in an enclosure that meant they were forced to be closer than wolves would wish to be to strangers. Number two – while domestic dogs and modern wolves evolved from a common ancestor, thousands of years developing to live alongside humans means we cannot draw parallels between wolf and canine behaviour that easily.
Many canine behaviours exist that some sectors of the canine professional world will say are signs of a dominant dog. These ‘problems’ can apparently be fixed by refusing to let your dog on the furniture, taking their food away from them, or insisting on eating first in front of the dog to ‘let them know who’s boss’ and ensure that you are in charge of your pack. None of these behaviours or the so-called ‘solutions’ have anything to do with a dominant dog. Most of them are completely innocuous and innocent on the part of the dog.
The dog that gets on the sofa to sleep just wants to sleep somewhere comfortable near his people. If for some reason you do not want dogs on the furniture, provide a comfortable bed so the dog can sleep near you. Do not mess with the dog’s food bowl. Give them their food and leave them to eat in peace. We humans would not like anyone messing with our food when we just want to eat, so why do we expect our dogs to feel any different? None of these behaviours, including those where the dog is showing aggressive looking responses, has anything to do with them being a dominant dog. They are showing, however, that there is a communication issue to one extent or another, which is why we often recommend that pet guardians take some time to learn about canine communication and body language, to understand better if their dogs are happy or stressed.
If your dog is showing behaviours that make your life together difficult and stressful, it is nothing to do with them being a dominant dog. Whatever the difficulty is, finding an ethical, science based force free professional canine coach or behaviour professional will help identify what is going on and help formulate a plan to return the human/canine relationship to a harmonious one.
This alpha theory of the dominant dog goes back originally to papers published in the 1940s on studies that had taken place on wolves in a zoo in Switzerland. Due to the close genetic relationship between the modern grey wolf and the domestic dog, assumptions were made regarding the similarities of wolf and dog behaviour. There are two problems with this theory. Number one – the wolves in the zoo were not a natural pack as would live in the wild, made up of animals unfamiliar to each other rather than a family unit, and kept in an enclosure that meant they were forced to be closer than wolves would wish to be to strangers. Number two – while domestic dogs and modern wolves evolved from a common ancestor, thousands of years developing to live alongside humans means we cannot draw parallels between wolf and canine behaviour that easily.
Many canine behaviours exist that some sectors of the canine professional world will say are signs of a dominant dog. These ‘problems’ can apparently be fixed by refusing to let your dog on the furniture, taking their food away from them, or insisting on eating first in front of the dog to ‘let them know who’s boss’ and ensure that you are in charge of your pack. None of these behaviours or the so-called ‘solutions’ have anything to do with a dominant dog. Most of them are completely innocuous and innocent on the part of the dog.
The dog that gets on the sofa to sleep just wants to sleep somewhere comfortable near his people. If for some reason you do not want dogs on the furniture, provide a comfortable bed so the dog can sleep near you. Do not mess with the dog’s food bowl. Give them their food and leave them to eat in peace. We humans would not like anyone messing with our food when we just want to eat, so why do we expect our dogs to feel any different? None of these behaviours, including those where the dog is showing aggressive looking responses, has anything to do with them being a dominant dog. They are showing, however, that there is a communication issue to one extent or another, which is why we often recommend that pet guardians take some time to learn about canine communication and body language, to understand better if their dogs are happy or stressed.
If your dog is showing behaviours that make your life together difficult and stressful, it is nothing to do with them being a dominant dog. Whatever the difficulty is, finding an ethical, science based force free professional canine coach or behaviour professional will help identify what is going on and help formulate a plan to return the human/canine relationship to a harmonious one.
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Canine Principles offers both self-paced and time sensitive courses.
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Students are also encouraged to support each other through built in student community and private Facebook Study Group. where discussions and new information are shared daily.
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Student Guidelines
Welcome
Welcome to Canine Principles
Thank you for enrolling on your learning experience. Your enrolment includes entry to the Canine Principles Facebook Study Group which is a highly positive group, filled with a vast range of experience. It would be great to have you join us.
Canine Principles welcomes students of all ability, experience and previous education. Whether you are a seasoned professional who wishes to further their personal development or an enthusiastic beginner with a passion for dogs, your self-paced study will be supported and guided with the same care and attention.
We appreciate it can be difficult and even daunting taking on a new study route. Education should be an enjoyable experience where the student is encouraged to thrive in their chosen field. We are far less concerned about grammar, spelling and formatting than we are about understanding the course material and demonstrating your knowledge of dogs.
Please don’t worry if you haven't studied for a while, you’re here now and that’s great. We aim for you to find this learning experience empowering and enlightening. With this in mind, we have prepared a short guide to help you achieve the most from your study.
Each individual has their own strengths, weaknesses and acquired skills that will help or hinder in their study. This guide is intended as an example of best practice that can easily be included in your current study routine.
Each individual has their own strengths, weaknesses and acquired skills that will help or hinder in their study. This guide is intended as an example of best practice that can easily be included in your current study routine.
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Sally Gutteridge
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Study Tips
Get Some Exercise
In 2014, A University of Illinois Study, led by Dr. Chuck Hillman, found that as little as 20 minutes of exercise can lead to better cognition and memory, and higher scores on tests and examinations. This is great news for dog owners and something that you can definitely take advantage of as a daily walker.
Limit Distractions
Distractions can easily break our train of thought or pull us away from study all together. Find a suitable place to study that is conducive to learning. Set some time aside, ask for some privacy and turn off your phone.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration contributes towards fatigue and poor memory. A 2012 study, conducted by the universities of East London and Westminster, found that results improved by an average of 10% when students kept hydrated throughout exams.
Read Out Loud
n 2015, Professor Victor Boucher of the University of Montreal completed research that suggested you are 50% more likely to remember information that has been read aloud than reading to yourself. You can either find a quiet place to read aloud to yourself or read directly to a friend or family member.
Teach as You Go
A step beyond reading aloud is to describe the lesson to somebody else. Try and make the subject understood and invite questions. If you don’t have the answer to the question, you have a new area of understanding to explore and study which will help to further your knowledge in a given subject.
Make Notes and Diagrams
Keep a pen and paper close to hand and be ready to note down specific areas of interest. Even if you are not artistic, a quick diagram that only you understand is a great aid to the memory and allows you to process the information in a different way.
Research
Even when you feel that you have fully understood a subject from the course material, take some time to research further by looking online, reading books or talking to others who are involved in the subject. The study group is a great place to meet like minded people who are also learning new topics.
Review
Going back over previous course topics and modules, with the benefit of newly acquired knowledge, can help us to understand the connection between subjects. If we only focus on one subject in isolation, the connection may never be made.
Create Flash Cards
Flashcards are a great way to test your knowledge. Write a subject on one side of the card and then explain the subject on the opposite side. You can either draw the cards randomly and test your own knowledge or ask a friend to help.
In 2014, A University of Illinois Study, led by Dr. Chuck Hillman, found that as little as 20 minutes of exercise can lead to better cognition and memory, and higher scores on tests and examinations. This is great news for dog owners and something that you can definitely take advantage of as a daily walker.
Limit Distractions
Distractions can easily break our train of thought or pull us away from study all together. Find a suitable place to study that is conducive to learning. Set some time aside, ask for some privacy and turn off your phone.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration contributes towards fatigue and poor memory. A 2012 study, conducted by the universities of East London and Westminster, found that results improved by an average of 10% when students kept hydrated throughout exams.
Read Out Loud
n 2015, Professor Victor Boucher of the University of Montreal completed research that suggested you are 50% more likely to remember information that has been read aloud than reading to yourself. You can either find a quiet place to read aloud to yourself or read directly to a friend or family member.
Teach as You Go
A step beyond reading aloud is to describe the lesson to somebody else. Try and make the subject understood and invite questions. If you don’t have the answer to the question, you have a new area of understanding to explore and study which will help to further your knowledge in a given subject.
Make Notes and Diagrams
Keep a pen and paper close to hand and be ready to note down specific areas of interest. Even if you are not artistic, a quick diagram that only you understand is a great aid to the memory and allows you to process the information in a different way.
Research
Even when you feel that you have fully understood a subject from the course material, take some time to research further by looking online, reading books or talking to others who are involved in the subject. The study group is a great place to meet like minded people who are also learning new topics.
Review
Going back over previous course topics and modules, with the benefit of newly acquired knowledge, can help us to understand the connection between subjects. If we only focus on one subject in isolation, the connection may never be made.
Create Flash Cards
Flashcards are a great way to test your knowledge. Write a subject on one side of the card and then explain the subject on the opposite side. You can either draw the cards randomly and test your own knowledge or ask a friend to help.
Grading
Each course will have a unique grading system, dependant on the number of questions and exercises available.
Assessments will begin by advising the maximum possible score for each section and how this score can be achieved. Every module has an overall pass mark of 80%. Whilst the pass score is 80%, any assessment that scores below this will be returned with constructive feedback. Feedback is intended to describe where further marks can be achieved. You can re-submit a revised assessment to improve your score.
Assessments that score between 80% and 100% will also be returned with feedback, however, there will be no further grading as the threshold for passing the module has been met.
Each assessment will be marked and returned within 3 - 5 days of receipt by your tutor. If you have submitted an assessment and have not received any correspondence within 4 days, contact us here, via email or the study group to confirm the assessment has been received.
Assessments will begin by advising the maximum possible score for each section and how this score can be achieved. Every module has an overall pass mark of 80%. Whilst the pass score is 80%, any assessment that scores below this will be returned with constructive feedback. Feedback is intended to describe where further marks can be achieved. You can re-submit a revised assessment to improve your score.
Assessments that score between 80% and 100% will also be returned with feedback, however, there will be no further grading as the threshold for passing the module has been met.
Each assessment will be marked and returned within 3 - 5 days of receipt by your tutor. If you have submitted an assessment and have not received any correspondence within 4 days, contact us here, via email or the study group to confirm the assessment has been received.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as:
“the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own”
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/plagiarism accessed online February 2018
Canine Principles has a duty of care to identify and deter plagiarism in order to comply with accreditation standards.
Before marking, all work is checked against Copyscape, an online plagiarism detection service. To avoid plagiarism, all work should contain original writing with the exception of small quotes and properly referenced research.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/plagiarism accessed online February 2018
Canine Principles has a duty of care to identify and deter plagiarism in order to comply with accreditation standards.
Before marking, all work is checked against Copyscape, an online plagiarism detection service. To avoid plagiarism, all work should contain original writing with the exception of small quotes and properly referenced research.
External Research & Referencing
External research is a great way to improve your knowledge on any subject. Often, a course subject will be focused on the specific area that is relevant to the type of course. A course that covers the topic of scentwork may describe the scenting ability of a dog in great detail, whereas a course that covers dog training in general may only include a foundation knowledge of the same subject. For this reason, external research can provide an invaluable way of expanding on specific course subjects.
When you choose to include external research as part of your assessment, it is important that the work is clearly referenced. If you have previously studied at a higher level, you will be aware that there are many ways to reference your research. For the purpose of Canine Principles assessments, we are happy for you to include your references at the end of each answer.
References from online research can be included as a link to the source of the information:
When you choose to include external research as part of your assessment, it is important that the work is clearly referenced. If you have previously studied at a higher level, you will be aware that there are many ways to reference your research. For the purpose of Canine Principles assessments, we are happy for you to include your references at the end of each answer.
References from online research can be included as a link to the source of the information:
Example:
...During a stressful experience, the canine immune system will begin to shut off nonessential functions in order to maximise the chances of survival. “The body sees no point in digesting food when danger is upon it. Neither does it place emphasis on fighting disease, for it is putting all that effort into fighting the threat on life itself, so the immune system shuts down.”...
(https://canineprinciples.com/fear-dog-physical-illness/ accessed online Feb 2018)
References from printed publications can be included in the following format:
Example:
A common mistake made by dog owners is to misinterpret canine communication in a way that suits our own style of communication and body language. “Anthropomorphism, the attribution of Human characteristics to non-human creatures – to phenomena such as weather, and even inanimate objects like rivers and mountains – is an intrinsic part of human nature.”
(John Bradshaw, In Defence of Dogs P.148)
In both examples, the external research is highlighted as a quotation and clearly referenced.
Example Questions
The following section includes 3 different answers to the same question. All of these answers are correct, however they will each vary in the level of demonstrated understanding.
Question: Describe how you would apply an emergency improvised muzzle to a dog, for the purpose of performing first aid safely.
i.
Create a large loop in a bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it.
This answer describes the correct process of applying an emergency muzzle. The method is correct; however, no consideration has been given to safety. To improve on this, and answer the full question, we can include more detail...
ii.
Slowly approach the dog, talking gently. Create a large loop in the gauze bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. At this point, it is best to stand behind the dog. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it, not so tight as to cause pain. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it.
This answer has improved and includes personal safety advice. We now have a correct answer that covers the whole question. To demonstrate our understanding of the subject, we can go one step further and cover the whole subject in greater detail.
iii. Any injured dog, no matter how gentle they are normally, can bite when painful or panicked. Unfortunately, an injured animal is highly likely to bite, even if you are trying to help them. You may also be in a situation where you need to help a strange dog during an emergency. It is a useful and important skill to be able to muzzle a dog in an emergency situation. Some people will carry a muzzle in their car for emergency situations. However, you can also use a shoelace or gauze bandage. Slowly approach the dog side on, talking gently to reassure them. Be mindful of the dog’s body language and communication efforts while he is experiencing pain. Create a large loop in the gauze bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. At this point it is best to stand behind the dog to prevent direct eye contact. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it, not so tight as to cause pain. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it. NEVER apply a muzzle if the dog is struggling to breathe or vomiting.
This final version is an excellent demonstration of the whole subject. We have added information about the subject of emergency muzzles and included advice for keeping the dog free from additional pain or suffering.
Support
You will receive positive, personal feedback from tutors who are always available to answer any questions and guide you through your learning experience. If you ever have any questions about course material or assessments, you can contact us here via email
or through the
study group.
Students are also encouraged to support each other, through access to a private study group where discussions and new information are shared daily.
Students are also encouraged to support each other, through access to a private study group where discussions and new information are shared daily.
Study Group
Students are also encouraged to support each other, through access to a private study group where discussions and new information are shared daily.
Time Limits
Canine Principles offers both self-paced and time sensitive courses.
Self-paced - All CPD Diploma Courses, CPD Certificate Courses, Workshops, Webinars and Self Study Courses are completely self-paced learning with no deadlines for assessments or completion.
Ofqual Qualifications - All Ofqual courses inherit a 2 year registration period. The cost of registration is included with initial enrolment. When the 2 year registration period expires, students may re-register for a £70 registration fee.
Self-paced - All CPD Diploma Courses, CPD Certificate Courses, Workshops, Webinars and Self Study Courses are completely self-paced learning with no deadlines for assessments or completion.
Ofqual Qualifications - All Ofqual courses inherit a 2 year registration period. The cost of registration is included with initial enrolment. When the 2 year registration period expires, students may re-register for a £70 registration fee.
Certificates
CPD Courses
Upon successful completion of your course, you will receive 2 certificates. The first certificate is supplied by Canine Principles and the second is supplied by the CPD Standards Office. All Certificates are available to download on successful completion and marking of the final exercise.
Upon successful completion of your course, you will receive 2 certificates. The first certificate is supplied by Canine Principles and the second is supplied by the CPD Standards Office. All Certificates are available to download on successful completion and marking of the final exercise.
Ofqual Courses
Upon successful completion of your course, you will receive 2 certificates. The first certificate is supplied by Canine Principles and the second is supplied by UKRS and the Open College Network, an independent accrediting body. Both certificates will be available as a digital downloads only.
Upon successful completion of your course, you will receive 2 certificates. The first certificate is supplied by Canine Principles and the second is supplied by UKRS and the Open College Network, an independent accrediting body. Both certificates will be available as a digital downloads only.
All Other Courses & Workshops
These courses come with a single Canine Principles digital certificate of completion.
These courses come with a single Canine Principles digital certificate of completion.
You will receive positive, personal feedback from Tutors who are always available to answers any questions and guide you through your learning experience. Tutors will respond to assessments within 48 hours (72 hours during weekends)
Students are also encouraged to support each other through built in student community and private Facebook Study Group. where discussions and new information are shared daily.
Students are also encouraged to support each other through built in student community and private Facebook Study Group. where discussions and new information are shared daily.
Ask Us A Question
Thank you!