Tackling the D Word

By Doug and Elizabeth Simpson, Owners of Tenderfoot Training

So much talk about such a simple little word. It’s all over the television and the Internet in discussions on forums and blogs. People are either trying to defend or attack the theory of dominance, or hierarchy in pack mentality. In many circles the words dominance and submission have become the antichrist of dog training lingo, while others have made them the dog training buzz words.

Dom-i-nant: noun

• 1. Commanding, controlling or prevailing over all others. (Wikipedia)
• 2. The power or right to make decisions. (The Free Dictionary)
• 3. Dominant position especially in a social hierarchy. (Merriam-Webster)

Sub-mis-sion: noun

• 1. The condition of being humble or obedient. (Merriam-Webster)
• 2. An act of submitting (yield or surrender) to the authority or control of another. (The Free Dictionary)

Do dogs behave in dominant and submissive ways? Of course they do, but it is not all they do. Dogs are cooperative and highly social creatures who rely on each other when grouped together. They learn to form a social hierarchy in order to create cooperation and harmony in their lives. If you live with more than one dog, you know this to be true.

When your dog leaps on you every time you walk in the door, he is not trying to dominate you, he simply doesn't respect your personal space and he has learned that it gets him the attention he desires. Dogs are opportunists and do what works at the moment, and when it works, they do it more. When you correct your dog and teach him to greet calmly, he needs to listen to your guidance and comply, which may be interpreted as a form of submission.

When people buy into a theory of dog training, they are inclined to jump in with both feet and see training only through that one theory. So when people think dog training is all about dominance and submission, then every act a dog does is immediately tossed into that arena. This is rather like teaching a person to use a hammer—everything becomes a nail.

People’s interpretation of dominance is the greater issue here. People generally assume dominance involves a level of harshness or cruelty, when it may be simply used as a method of establishing who is in charge and leading the way. A good teacher does not need to be harsh with the children in order to be effective; a good trainer doesn’t either.

Are there times for dominance between a trainer and a dog? Sure, there can be moments when the behavior of a trainer can be interpreted as dominant and the dog’s as submissive. You want your dog to sit/stay when a squirrel dances in front of him, while the dog would prefer to chase the squirrel; therefore, the desires of the person are dominant over the desires of the dog.

In the real world, actions have repercussions, be it good or bad. Drive too fast and get a ticket. If an officer waits for speeders every day at the same location, you will probably drive by at the correct speed. Why? Because you know the repercussions, so you submit to the rules and drive properly. The law takes a dominant position in your thinking and behavior. In some ways you are being rewarded for not speeding, because your insurance rates won't go up either, which is an equally good reason to submit to the law.

This may also be compared to a teacher walking into a classroom of unruly children; the teacher is in charge. Does the teacher dominate the children? In some respects yes, because the teacher sets the rules and structure of the classroom. Ideally the teacher has the best interest of the children at heart and is the decision maker for the group. Does that dominant position have to be harsh? No. A good teacher/leader is clear, patient, fair, consistent, sensitive, compassionate and trustworthy. But he or she is always ready to have an opinion about a child’s behavior, to be willing to correct bad choices, and guide a child in a better direction, while always encouraging the child to choose better behavior on their own. The same relationship should exist between you and your dog.

The very best relationships are built on a foundation of love, trust, and respect. If your dog doesn’t listen to you then you haven’t earned his respect, and if you cause pain or fear you will lose trust. Love is the easy part; trust and respect must be earned over the lifetime of the relationship.

In a well-run classroom the children should look to the teacher for advice and guidance just as your dog should look to you, the leader, for advice. You are the ultimate decision-maker in the relationship, and when your dog looks to you for advice before reacting then most of your problems are solved in advance. Relationships are built on good communication and understanding, not harsh dominance. When you learn to create a balanced relationship, both you and your dog will be better for it.

Love Them & Lead Them,
Doug & Elizabeth Simpson

For more information or to contact:
Doug and Elizabeth Simpson
(303) 444-7780
www.tenderfoottraining.com

Phone: (303) 444-7780