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Another article, with another respected author on canine behavior questioning the dominance theory. Canine Dominance: Is the Concept of the Alpha Dog Valid? | Psychology Today
I guess I don't like where he says "applying force" and the range of actions that could entail .. I just have a bad attitude about that guy for some reason!Sher,
The idea of dominance (the definition of it) implies force or aggression is used to take/maintain control. So if we are saying a person or dog is alpha within this theory of dominance, by definition that person/animal is using force. Here is the definition of alpha from dictionary.com
–adjective
8.
a.
(esp. of animals) having the highest rank of its sex in a dominance hierarchy: the alpha female.
b.
being the most prominent, talented, or aggressive person in a group: the alpha male of investment bankers.
So while you may not view alpha in this manner, the people who are looking at scientific studies to make a commentary on dominance and alpha are utilizing the above definitions.
I'm confused as to why you don't like his choice of words here. He is not advocating applying force. He is talking about how trainers who use methods such as "alpha rolls" are applying force in a desire to seek dominance which is an outdated and debunked theory of how human and canine interactions should be managed.I guess I don't like where he says "applying force" and the range of actions that could entail .. I just have a bad attitude about that guy for some reason!![]()
Again, you can't take your personal definition of alpha and apply it to an article which is based on the scientific definition (which the scientist community studying canine ethology has accepted). It is a shared language of this realm of study. To say that a person is alpha within the theory of dominance means they apply force/aggression. What you personally feel the term alpha means to you is fine and dandy, but seems to be leading to a misinterpretation of what this article is about.I guess I don't like where he says "applying force" and the range of actions that could entail .. I just have a bad attitude about that guy for some reason!![]()