I have been doing much reading and research about Domination Theory. What does it mean to dominate someone? It means to make that person subordinate, inferior. Those who use domination theory as part of training advocate for making the dog subordinate to humans. Why is this necessary? Do humans fear that their dog is plotting to over throw the humans in the household?
The other part of dominance theory is that dogs actually view humans as part of the canine pack. The humans must become the "alpha" or dominant one in the pack.
Dogs are smart and do know that humans are a different species and do not want to gain control, if for no other reason than the fact that the humans can open the fridge, use the can opener and have better food.
In nature dominance is fluid. This means that who is the dominant or alpha in the pack today, can change due to a variety of factors.
In dog training, employing the dominance theory invariably means using aversive (physical punishment) and forcing the dog to be subordinate. The dog performs out of fear of punishment, not for the pleasure or anticipation of a reward.
In positive dog training humans employ an understanding of canine behavior and the dog performs as he knows that by doing what is asked he is rewarded. Not performing the requested task does not get him a reward. It is a simple equation and makes perfect sense in doggie arithmetic.
What it all boils down to is this: Would you rather have a dog that is afraid of you or a dog that enjoys doing what is requested of him.
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