Trainers-Alpha vs Leadership Theory

[Sue J]

Just finished Suzanne Clothier's "Bones Would Rain from the Sky", which I thought was excellent. One of the things she says is that she wishes "alpha" was not in a trainer's vocabulary. Says in her opinion it is too often misunderstoond, that a pack has a fluid dynamic and is not as static as people want to believe. Her theory is leadership is a whole different process and always aces. What are your thoughts on alpha theory? Leadership theory?

[Dobs4ever]

Sue - I have never really bought totally into the Alpha theory. I am not a dog and do not want to learn dog psychology to work with my Dobes. But the Alpha theory is what most people can relate to when trying to help a more laid back person understand the dynamics of interaction between you and your dog. I have just always believed that people paid the bills so that meant they were in charge. In fact that is what I used to tell my daughter - when she paid the bills she could make the decisions - until then I was in charge, she followed. Funny thing is now she says all that makes perfect sense to her and we have a big laugh. She was my problem child. Love her dearly.

[Big Dogs]

Sue when working with dogs I believe to some degree people do know dog psychology maybe not as in depth as dog psychologist but when you know the dynamics of dog posturing and how dogs interact with each other in groups or litters that is part of it to. I guess my personal way of training is kind of a mixture of both with out sounding to middle of the road. I only like to use as much force as necessary but with that being said when you have a 100lb plus dog at they end of the leash acting aggressively you have to match that intensity while being as calm as you can. Which is not easy! I believe in using food rewards early in training which is a large part of leadership training theory but do not believe in food rewards after that I want the dog to work for me not the food I may or may not have. Again everyone has there own ideas on how to train and as I always say if it works go for it. I do not believe in dominating a dog on the other hand I want him to understand with out any doubt in his or her head who is the boss. Kind of like my sons interpretation of me I am his friend but foremost I'm his father.

[Sue J]

Dobs4ever & Big Dogs: I think you both use leadership as she explains it too. I don't buy the alpha theory 100% but there are elements that I believe are pertinent to understanding some of their behavior. For instance dogs setting boundaries and then giving corrections that are appropriate, quick, with a very clear message then moving on. She also stresses the importance of "reading" the dog as you pointed out Big Dogs. I'm in kindergarten, but I had to laugh last night when I heard myself say to Jett when she wanted the lion's share of the couch "Off, I paid for this couch!!" Maybe one day I'll get there. LOL