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Originally Posted by JackiesZoo  Is this really a myth? Though they are a lot smaller I have seen my own dogs doing this. When Ash is doing something that baby doesn't like, she pins him and holds him down till he is calmer. Doesn't last long and they don't bite each other, but it does happen. Not saying that anyone who is not experienced should be trying this method...only stating that I have seen this behavior among dogs. |
The Monks of New Skete were among the first to advocate the alpha roll. Years later they went on th regret it because of how it become overused. Since then, much of what was believed to be a linear hierarchy among dogs has been proved to be inaccurate. Along with what was thought to be stereotypical alpha behaviors.
It's a myth because the alpha dog would not use physical force unless it was absolutely necessary...it's too energy taxing if he/she did. A simple glance would be all he/she needed to diffuse a conflict, and more times than not the instigator willingly submitted to the alpha. However, in a pack, middle ranking dogs do tend to squabble the most frequently and use physical force. This may be what you're observing.
So the argument is, if middle ranking dogs are the ones using physical force, do we want to use physical force? Or will we, in the eyes of the dog, show him how we are unpredictable and insecure as middle ranking dogs are?
Usually when you see a dog respond to an alpha roll by a human, you're not witnessing a dog that understands rank. You're witnessing a dog that doesn't know what to do next, so he submits to the pressure. And then there are those dogs who freak out, and dogs who will shut down. Not a good way to illustrate our behavior if you ask me.
