Why we choose ethical and force free

CULTIVATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS WITH OUR DOGS 

Myths about "alpha dog" and "pack leader"

• These terms are rooted in outdated science and misconceptions.

Are dogs just wolves?

• Dogs evolved symbiotically with humans, while wolves adapted to a wild existence.

But wolves have alpha wolves, don't they?

• The alpha wolf narrative doesn't hold; wild wolf packs operate more like families, with alpha pairs assuming parental roles rather than asserting dominance through aggression.

Domestic dog "packs"

• Domestic dogs don't naturally form structured packs, dispelling the concept of an alpha dog or pack leader.

"But dogs are dominant"

• Behaviours labeled as 'dominant' often stem from fear, stress, or anxiety.
• Aggression is then a coping mechanism, not an assertion of dominance.

"We need to punish that behaviour out of the dog"

• Attempts to address fear/stress/anxiety based behaviours through punishment are ineffective.
• Punishment heightens the dog's distress and just suppresses behaviour.
• Instead we can use positive/differential reinforcement to teach our dogs what we want them to do without fear or threat of intimidation.

Compassion and ethics

• Focus on becoming better guardians rather than aspiring to be pack leaders.
• Responsible guardians prioritise empathy and understanding.
• Recognise dogs' individuality, needs, and emotions for a harmonious bond based on mutual respect.
• Make the ethical choice not to use punishment methods when dealing with dogs.
• Using ethical methods helps improve the dog-human relationship by building trust and communication.

Aversive training tools

• Reject aversive tools like shock collars and choke chains.
• These tools have the potential to induce fear and stress in dogs.
• Aversive methods hinder trust development and lead to unintended behavioural consequences.

Seeking help

• Seek assistance from trainers using positive, reward-based methods.
• Choose trainers explicitly associated with ethical codes.

Find more detailed info on these topics in the Position Statements by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior here.