Dog Dominance Types

The dominance theory of dog behavior has fallen into disfavor since it originated in the 1930s. According to dog trainer Angelica Steinker, this early theoretical position was based on wolf pack behavior, which is not an accurate representation of dogs' interaction with humans. Although most behaviorists agree that some dominant behavior exists in some dogs, what causes this behavior and the best way to treat it remains a topic of heated discussion. It is best to have a professional animal behaviorist involved when training or treating a dog exhibiting dominance toward its human family, since some training methods are dangerous if misused.

  1. Dominance Theory

    • Dominance, whether in humans or in dogs, has to do with conflict. In terms of our relationships with dogs, human beings use the term "dominant" to refer to a dog that needs behavior modification. Violence, such as muzzle grabbing, alpha rolling, scruff shaking or hanging the dog from its leash, is often thought to be necessary to perform this behavior modification. It is also assumed that dominant behavior can be prevented by eating before the dog eats or by avoiding certain games with the dog such as tug of war. In truth, dogs do not associate dominance with objects because they are not in conflict with these things. A certain degree of dominance may occur between dogs in terms of "critical resources" such as food, certain toys, or human attention. This behavior referred to as "resource guarding." It is an aggressive behavior and is often associated with insecurity, not dominance.

    Social Dominance

    • Canine "social dominance" refers to the need for the dog to find its place in the "pack" to which it belongs. According to Roger Abrantes, Ph.D., dominance and submission "are probably the only viable options to establish an evolutionarily stable strategy for highly aggressive social animals" Dominance, what Abrantes terms "social-aggression," derives from the drive needed to compete for mates. This kind of aggression is typically characterized by ritualistic postures, as well as facial expressions and specific vocalizations. Both dominance and submission are required for a social hierarchy to be established; neither form of behaviorist is inherently undesirable.

    Dominance Aggression

    • Canine dominance aggression is both an environmental and an inherited trait. Some breeds are more aggressive than others: terriers exhibit same-sex aggression, breeds used as guardians are territorial, and herding breeds exhibit dominance aggression by nipping small children and other animals to "herd" them into a particular area (See References 1, 2). However, while certain breeds demonstrate particular aggressive traits, it is important to note that dominance aggression is not breed specific (See References 1).

    Physical Dominance: Dominant Canine Body Language

    • A dominant dog will have an upright stance, holding its body in a "tall" posture. It may appear to lean forward or stand high on its toes. The dominant dog also holds its ears forward, as opposed to the folded, flat ears of an aggressive dog. The eyes are wide open and the dog may stare openly at the dog or person it is addressing. A dominant non-aggressive dog will hold its mouth closed or only slightly open; its teeth are not bared.