Should I be an alpha to my dog? Is dominance training truly safe?

Question

What does side submitting dog do? Are there any benefits? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 16 lbs

Jeffrey Milner · Accepted Answer

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. As for the theory behind making Oscar perform submissive behavior, the thought process is that you, as the owner, must place yourself as the "alpha dog" in your home. As is the case in many instances with things we hear, see, or are made to believe, there is much more to it than what meets the eye. Most of the major veterinary behavioral publications in today's literature suggests that establishing an alpha role over your dog's is more likely to cause damage than any good, particularly if left to folks who do not have an expertise in dog behavior or dog training. The majority of dogs will do all they can to escape a forcible submission into any position regardless of the level of comfort they might feel. Dog's will often prefer to fight or run than submit. In terms of achieving behavioral goals in your home and in order to best obtain the most rewarding relationship with Oscar, I would recommend positive reinforcement training. I would try something else only if that has shown to be ineffective over the course of many months with the assistance of a professional. Dominance training, punishment, and negative reinforcement training have all failed to produce results nearly as successful as positive reinforcement. Hope this makes sense.

Should I be an alpha to my dog? Is dominance training truly safe?

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