Elsevier

Journal of Veterinary Behavior

Volume 11, January–February 2016, Pages 99-101
Journal of Veterinary Behavior

2014 CSF/FSF Symposium
Why nobody will ever agree about dominance in dogs

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2015.02.004Get rights and content

Abstract

The concept of dominance in the training of domestic dogs is debated by both scientists and dog trainers but is not an observable truth that can be evidenced by further study. The same observed interactions between animals may be interpreted as dominance within a hierarchy or as an outcome of learning theory, depending on the theoretical perspective taken by the observer. The term “dominance” as used in everyday language may also be applied to the dog-human relationship without the need for interactions to be driven by an implicit hierarchy. Debates around the validity of dominance in dogs should instead focus on the promotion of welfare-friendly training methods that must be used by all.

Section snippets

Point-counterpoint

In this point-counterpoint article I will discuss my thoughts surrounding my conclusion that despite lots of debate, nobody will ever agree about the issue of dominance in dogs. There are 2 aspects to my argument: one concerning the construction of dominance hierarchies by scientists as a tool for explaining animal behavior and the other the everyday use of the word by dog owners.

Regarding the first point, there has been lots of recent debate over whether dominance exists in domestic dogs and

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