Rethinking the Dominance Myth in Dog Training: What It Gets Wrong and What Actually Works

For many years, dog training has been influenced by the concept of “dominance.” You may still hear statements such as “your dog is trying to be the boss” or “you need to show them who is in charge.” These ideas remain common in general discourse, despite significant advances in our understanding of canine behaviour.

Current behavioural science does not support the view that dogs are motivated by a desire to dominate humans in everyday contexts. Instead, what is often labelled as “dominance” is more accurately understood as behaviour arising from emotional states such as fear, stress, frustration, or unmet needs.

Misinterpreting these behaviours can lead to training approaches that are not only ineffective but may also compromise welfare and the human–dog relationship. This article explores the limitations of the dominance framework and outlines evidence-informed, welfare-led strategies that support more effective and ethical training outcomes.

The Problem with the Dominance Framework

The dominance model has contributed to widespread misinterpretation of normal canine behaviour (Jackson-Schebetta, 2009). Behaviours such as barking, growling, or snapping are frequently framed as attempts to challenge authority or gain control. In practice, these behaviours are more reliably understood as communication signals reflecting underlying emotional states.

Consider the example of Rodrigo, a one-year-old Dachshund presenting with barking and occasional nipping behaviour when visitors entered the home. Within a dominance-based interpretation, this might be described as territorial or controlling behaviour. However, a more detailed behavioural assessment indicated a different explanation.

Rodrigo had experienced limited early socialisation and had undergone repeated, stressful veterinary interventions following a spinal injury in puppyhood. Over time, unfamiliar people became associated with discomfort and uncertainty. As a result, visitor arrival triggered a fear-based response rather than any attempt to exert control over the environment.

When his behaviour was addressed through punishment-based responses such as shouting “no,” the underlying emotional state was not resolved. Instead, his behavioural signals were suppressed, and his anxiety increased over time. This pattern is consistent with what we often see when behaviour is addressed without consideration of its function.

Why Reframing Behaviour Matters

A key shift in effective training occurs when behaviour is interpreted as communication rather than defiance. This reframing allows practitioners and owners to move from a control-based mindset to an understanding-based approach.

Instead of asking how to stop a behaviour, the more productive question becomes: what is this behaviour telling us about the dog’s emotional state and current needs?

This shift is central to improving welfare outcomes and supporting learning. When underlying causes are addressed, behavioural change is more stable, and the dog is better able to engage in training.

Evidence-Informed Approach: Reward-Based Training

Reward-based training is widely supported within contemporary behavioural science as an effective and welfare-consistent approach to learning. Rather than suppressing behaviour through aversive means, it focuses on reinforcing desirable responses while modifying the dog’s emotional associations.

In Rodrigo’s case, counter-conditioning (Jones, 1924) was implemented. Visitors were initially introduced at a distance where Rodrigo remained under threshold, and their presence was paired with high-value reinforcement such as food rewards.

Over time, and at a pace dictated by the dog’s comfort level, the distance to the trigger was gradually reduced. This process supported a shift in emotional response, whereby the presence of visitors began to predict positive outcomes rather than threat.

The outcomes observed included improved confidence, reduced reactivity, and increased trust in both the environment and caregivers.

Research supports the use of reward-based methods, demonstrating improvements in learning efficiency, motivation, and the human–animal bond (Bremhorst et al., 2018). Importantly, these methods also reduce the risk of fear-based responses commonly associated with aversive approaches.

Reducing Confrontation in Everyday Handling

Training effectiveness is also influenced by how humans physically and socially interact with dogs in everyday contexts. Certain common handling practices may unintentionally increase perceived pressure or conflict from the dog’s perspective.

Simple adjustments can significantly improve clarity and reduce stress:

• Using a neutral or side-on body orientation rather than direct frontal approach

• Avoiding prolonged direct eye contact

• Maintaining calm, consistent verbal cues

• Reinforcing desired behaviour rather than relying on physical correction

For example, asking a dog to move off furniture can be achieved without physical removal. A clear cue such as “off,” combined with reinforcement when the dog complies, provides a less confrontational and more effective learning experience.

The Limitations and Risks of Aversive Methods

Aversive training methods, including punishment, intimidation, or physical correction, are often rooted in dominance-based interpretations of behaviour. While such approaches may suppress behaviour in the short term, they do not address underlying emotional causes and can introduce additional welfare concerns.

Evidence indicates that aversive experiences are associated with increased fear, anxiety, and behavioural reactivity (de Castro et al., 2020). In some cases, dogs may become less willing to offer early warning signals such as growling, increasing the risk of escalation.

From a learning perspective, punishment may reduce clarity for the dog, as it does not provide clear information about alternative behaviours that are expected.

Individual Variation in Behaviour and Learning

It is essential to recognise that dogs vary significantly in their behavioural responses and learning trajectories. These differences are influenced by a combination of genetic factors, early developmental experiences, socialisation history, and prior learning.

Some dogs respond quickly to behaviour modification when appropriate support is provided. Others require longer-term intervention and more gradual progress (McEvoy et al., 2022). In cases where early experiences have been significantly compromised, full behavioural resolution may not always be achievable (Draper, 1976).

This highlights the importance of individualised training plans that are realistic, welfare-focused, and responsive to the dog’s needs.

Conclusion

The dominance myth has had a lasting influence on dog training practices, often leading to misinterpretation of behaviour and the use of less effective or inappropriate interventions.

A more accurate and welfare-aligned approach focuses on understanding behaviour in context, rather than assigning labels based on outdated hierarchical assumptions.

Effective training is built on:

• Understanding behavioural function rather than appearance

• Reward-based, evidence-informed methods

• Reduction of unnecessary confrontation

• Individualised approaches based on the dog’s needs and history

Ultimately, successful training is not based on establishing control, but on supporting the dog to feel safe, understood, and able to learn. This foundation is what enables meaningful and lasting behavioural change.

References

Bremhorst, A., Bütler, S., Würbel, H. and Riemer, S., 2018. Incentive motivation in pet dogs–preference for constant vs varied food rewards. Scientific reports, 8(1), p.9756.

de Castro, A.C.V., Fuchs, D., Morello, G.M., Pastur, S., de Sousa, L. and Olsson, I.A.S., 2020. Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. Plos one, 15(12), p.e0225023.

Draper, D.D., 1976. Improper Puppy Socialization and Subsequent Behavior. Iowa State University Veterinarian, 38(2).

Jackson-Schebetta, L., 2009. Mythologies and commodifications of dominion in The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. Journal for Critical Animal Studies, 7(1), pp.107-31.

Jones, M.C., 1924. The elimination of children's fears. Journal of experimental psychology, 7(5), p.382.

McEvoy, V., Espinosa, U.B., Crump, A. and Arnott, G., 2022. Canine socialisation: a narrative systematic review. Animals, 12(21), p.2895.