Writing in the World... A Summary of Research on Alpha versus Positive Training Methods

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Selene.Adam
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Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2016 11:43 pm

Writing in the World... A Summary of Research on Alpha versus Positive Training Methods

Post by Selene.Adam »

An alarming amount of people still use Alpha methods, even though this approach is outdated. It is still widely believed by the public that domesticated dogs have a pack hierarchy, and that it is up to dog owners to be the dominant alpha—the pack leader. One of the most popular techniques that is used to assert this assumed dominance is called an Alpha Roll. What dog owners often do not realize is that it has been concluded that the Alpha Roll is detrimental to the health and mental well-being of dogs, and that it can be dangerous for the trainer (Mifflin). Alpha Rolls are just one of many different detrimental techniques used in Alpha dog training. Although you can get results from this method, it should be considered why one would use force and detrimental techniques when one could get the dog to offer the behaviors willingly, and then reward them for that behavior making it more likely that the behavior will occur again in the future. People often fail to realize the harm that they are doing when they use Alpha methods, and they do not have a clear understanding of positive behavior training making it difficult for them to realize there is a better alternative. This is why it is important to educate the public on how to train their dogs positively as a safer and more ethical alternative!

Works Cited
Mifflin, Krista. "Alpha Rolling Your Dog." About.com Home. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. < http://dogs.about.com/cs/basictraining/a/alpha_roll.htm>
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