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History of the Hierarchy
A linear hierarchy, where the social structure revolves around
priority access to resources, was first described in chickens,
resulting in the term “pecking order.” In the 30’s
and 40’s a couple of short-term studies of wolf packs were
performed and these referred to conflict resolution between members
in terms of dominance. One animal was presumed to physically roll
another over and pin him or her on the ground to assert rank.
What was not known at that time is that appeasement gestures,
which inhibit or cut-off aggression in another animal, are willingly
offered by the subordinate animals, not forced by the superior.
There is not one documented case of a wolf (or a dog) rolling
over or pinning another animal on the ground. Nor is there one
case of a mother wolf or dog “scruff-shaking” puppies.
In spite of the flimsy evidence, the concept of dominance was
very catchy and trickled down over the years into the dog training
culture. Scores of books and methods sprung up that admonished
owner to be “leader of the pack” and warned of the
misbehavior that would ensue if the dog was allowed to assume
the “alpha” position.
The one long-term study on dogs found their social organization
to be much more subtle. However, the dominance concept continued
to spread. Training methods that relied heavily on aversives such
as pain and startle, to motivate the dog used dominance rhetoric
to justify the harsh techniques – one needed to put the
dog “in his place.”
Think
Leverage, Not Dominance
In the last ten years or so, training
methods have begun to be more strongly influenced by animal learning
theory – operant and Pavlovian conditioning – with
a resulting move toward fewer and fewer aversives. The increased
and more sophisticated use of rewards allowed trainers and counselors
to solve problems and install obedience more efficiently than
before and without confrontations of any sort.
A more useful way to think about modifying dog behavior is in
terms of leverages, rather than dominance. Paying attention to
and taking control of what the dog wants – attention, walks,
food, access to the yard, access to other dogs and smells on the
ground, door opening services, play, etc. – and providing
them a desired rather than undesired behavior, will achieve a
well-trained dog as well as positive associations with both the
training process and trainer.
Reprinted With Permission
of the San Francisco SPCA
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Behavioral Index
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