Do you ever say your dog is Dominant?

A common phrase I hear often “She’s dominant” or “She’s boss”. Did you know this is actually a really outdated way to think about dog behaviour?

The idea of dominance comes from early studies of wolf packs, where it was believed that wolves operate with a strict hierarchy, with one "alpha" wolf at the top.

Unfortunately, this concept was applied to domestic dogs, but it doesn’t really reflect the complex nature of dog behaviour. In reality, dogs are social animals that are driven more by their needs, emotions, and environment than by a desire to "rule" over others.

Dogs do not form rigid hierarchies, but instead engage in fluid social interactions. Unlike the outdated idea of a fixed "alpha" or dominant dog leading the pack, dogs’ relationships with each other are more dynamic and flexible. They adapt to the situation, responding to changes in their environment, the individuals involved, and their own emotional states.

To better understand this, think about human social groups. In any given workplace or group of friends, there isn’t always one person who is always in charge or constantly at the top. People may take on leadership roles depending on the situation—someone might lead a meeting because they’re the expert on the topic, but another person might take charge in a crisis situation because they’re more experienced in handling stress. These roles shift and change fluidly depending on context, and the relationships are based on cooperation, respect, and communication, not rigid hierarchy.

Similarly, dogs adjust their behaviour depending on their context—who they're with, what’s happening around them, and their own emotional state at that moment. For example, a dog might act more confident or assertive around certain dogs or when it feels it needs to protect its territory, but it may also display submissive or passive behaviour in other situations, like when interacting with a calm or older dog.

So, when you see your dog exhibiting certain behaviours that seem "dominant" or "alpha," remember that it’s likely a reaction to the situation, not an inherent drive to be in control.

Why does it matter?

The problem is, I see this phrase used to explain away behaviour challenges or concerns, like “dominant” is a personality type. Here are some examples below:

Resource Guarding (Food or Toys)

• Explanation: "My dog is dominant because she guards her food or toys."

• Reality: Resource guarding is often a sign of anxiety or insecurity. The dog might feel the need to protect valuable items, especially if it’s unsure of access to resources. It's not about dominance but about feeling threatened.

  
  

Pulling on the Lead

• Explanation: "She pulls because she’s trying to lead the walk—she thinks she's in charge."

• Reality: Lead pulling is typically a result of lack of training or excitement, not dominance. Dogs naturally pull toward things they’re interested in, and they haven’t learned how to walk politely on a leash.

  
  

Refusal to Follow Commands

• Explanation: "He’s being stubborn and refuses to listen because he’s dominant."

• Reality: What may appear as stubbornness could be a lack of motivation, poor training, or confusion about what is being asked. It could also be a sign that the dog is not clear on the expectations or that the reward system isn’t appealing enough.

  
  

Jumping Up on People

• Explanation: "She jumps up because she’s trying to assert dominance over people."

• Reality: Jumping up is usually an excited or attention-seeking behaviour, not a dominant one. Many dogs jump to greet people or to get attention, and this behaviour can be easily modified with consistent training.

  
  

Not Allowing Others (Dogs or Humans) Near Certain Spaces or People

• Explanation: "He doesn't like other dogs or people because he wants to be the boss."

• Reality: These behaviours are often about feeling insecure, scared, or protective, rather than an effort to assert dominance. The dog may not feel comfortable or safe around certain individuals and may need more positive socialization. Some dogs may be less tolerant of puppies, rude behaviour, overly exuberant behaviour etc and therefore corrects these dogs. This is not dominance, but simply a preference to not be harassed.

  
  

Ignoring cues or House Rules

• Explanation: "He ignores commands because he’s trying to assert his dominance."

• Reality: Ignoring cues is more likely to be a result of inconsistent training, lack of clarity in what is being asked, or a misunderstanding of the rules, rather than an intentional power struggle.

  
  

Lack of Eye Contact or Avoiding Interaction

• Explanation: "My dog won't look at me because he's trying to assert dominance."

• Reality: Avoiding eye contact is often a sign of discomfort. Dogs that avoid eye contact may be feeling anxious, or not sure of how to interact, not trying to control the situation.

  
  

Aggression Towards Other Dogs or People

• Explanation: "He’s aggressive because he wants to dominate others."

• Reality: Aggression can stem from fear, anxiety, poor socialization, or a lack of proper training, rather than a desire to control. It’s a defensive reaction rather than an offensive attempt to establish dominance.

  
  

Excessive Barking for Attention

• Explanation: "He barks a lot because he’s trying to control us."

• Reality: Excessive barking is often a sign of a dog seeking attention, needing exercise or stimulation, or trying to express anxiety or frustration, rather than a dominance-related behaviour.

  
  

Refusing to Move Out of the Way or Blocking Doors

• Explanation: "He’s blocking the door to show he’s in charge."

• Reality: Blocking doorways or refusing to move is often a sign of insecurity or a dog trying to get attention. It can also be a sign of territorial behaviour, but not necessarily dominance—more likely a reflection of a dog wanting to control its environment.

  
  

Humping Other Dogs

• Explanation: "He’s humping other dogs because he’s trying to assert his dominance."

• Reality: Humping is often misunderstood as a dominance behaviour, but in most cases, it’s actually a normal part of canine social interaction. Dogs may hump to show excitement, relieve stress, or simply engage in playful behaviour. It can also be a sign of arousal or an outlet for excess energy. Humping is not about trying to control other dogs It's also worth noting that some dogs may hump as a way of expressing nervousness or uncertainty in new situations.

  
  

Resting Their Head on Other Dogs’ Backs or Pinning Other Dogs Down

• Explanation: "He’s resting his head on their back or pinning them down because he’s trying to show he's in charge."

• Reality: Resting a head on another dog's back or pinning them down can be a sign of comfort or reassurance rather than dominance. In many cases, the dog is simply engaging in a social behaviour that conveys a sense of relaxation or trust. Pinning a dog down, especially if it’s done gently and in a non-aggressive manner, can also be part of normal dog-to-dog play. Dogs often engage in these behaviours to communicate and establish boundaries in a way that’s non-threatening, like a form of social interaction rather than an attempt to control or dominate.

  
  

Next time you find yourself stating your dog is being “dominant”, have a think of the behaviours they are doing (remember, dominance isn't a behaviour) and delve into what is actually happening with these behaviours and why they are happening. Let’s rethink the “dominance” narrative and start focusing on understanding the real reasons behind your dog’s behaviour. This leads to stronger bonds and happier, healthier pets!

Author - Holly Adgo - Cultured Canine Dog Services - Dog Trainer in York