Why “Balanced Training” Gets It Wrong: The Alpha Dog Myth and the Case for Positive Reinforcement
Introduction
If you’ve ever searched for dog training advice online, you’ve probably come across the term balanced dog training. Supporters of this method claim that to train your dog effectively, you must show them who’s boss—or risk your dog trying to dominate you. It’s an idea rooted in outdated dominance theory, often used to justify harsh tools like choke chains, prong collars, and e-collars.
But here’s the truth: the science behind balanced training doesn’t hold up. In fact, research shows that dogs don’t need force, fear, or intimidation to learn. Positive reinforcement—or reward-based dog training—works better, builds trust, and never damages the bond you share with your dog.
The Myth of the Alpha Dog
Where the “Alpha Dog” Theory Came From
Do you see yourself as the “alpha” or pack leader that your dog must respect and obey? If so, you’re leaning on a concept that doesn’t actually exist in the wild—yet it’s still being used today to justify harsh, outdated dog training methods.
The “alpha” term was first introduced in the 1940s by animal behaviorist Rudolph Schenkel. Observing captive wolves in a zoo, he noted what appeared to be a dominant male and female at the top of the group. This became the seed of the idea that one wolf “fights its way to the top” to dominate the rest of the pack.
Later, biologist David Mech popularized the idea in his 1970 book, The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species, which quickly became a bestseller. For decades, the public—and many dog trainers—latched onto the concept of the “alpha wolf.”
Why Science No Longer Supports Dominance Training
Here’s the problem: both researchers were looking at unnatural wolf groups—unrelated animals forced to live together in captivity. When biologists later studied wolves in the wild, they found something very different. Wolf packs weren’t gangs fighting for dominance. They were families. A mother and father led their offspring. As the young wolves matured, they eventually left to find mates and establish their own packs.
David Mech himself has spent years trying to undo the spread of his original book, saying plainly: the alpha wolf doesn’t exist.
Why This Myth Hurts Dogs
How Positive Punishment and Negative Reinforcement Harm Dogs
Despite being debunked, the “alpha” idea still fuels force-based training methods. The logic goes: “If dogs are pack animals ruled by dominance, then I must dominate my dog to gain respect.”
But this line of thinking is deeply flawed. Dogs are not wolves. And even wolves don’t live this way.
Why “Being the Alpha” Damages Your Relationship
Using fear or intimidation to control a dog may stop a behavior in the short term—but it comes at a cost:
It damages trust between you and your dog.
It suppresses behavior instead of addressing the root cause.
It increases anxiety and fear, which can actually cause more aggression.
It chips away at your dog’s confidence instead of building it.
A dog doesn’t misbehave because they’re plotting to overthrow you. They’re simply doing what works for them in the moment—whether that’s barking, chewing, jumping, or pulling on leash. They’re not trying to be the boss. They’re trying to meet a need.
Why Positive Reinforcement Works Better
The Science Behind Reward-Based Training
Science-backed, reward-based training takes a different approach: instead of punishing what you don’t want, you teach and reward what you do want.
Benefits for Confidence, Trust, and Lasting Results
Here’s why it’s more effective:
Builds trust: Your dog learns that good choices lead to good outcomes, making them eager to learn.
Strengthens the bond: Training becomes a partnership, not a battle.
Encourages confidence: Dogs are more likely to offer behaviors when they’re not afraid of being punished.
Lasting results: Behaviors learned through positive reinforcement stick, because the dog understands and enjoys the process.
Modern dog training is about communication, not control. It’s about teaching dogs how to navigate our human world in ways that work for both of us—without fear, pain, or intimidation.
Choosing the Best Training Method for Your Dog
Why Force Is Never Necessary in Dog Training
The “alpha” wolf idea is a relic of outdated science, yet it continues to give cover to harsh dog training practices. You don’t need to dominate your dog. You need to teach them.
How to Start with Positive Reinforcement at Home
When we replace punishment with positive reinforcement, we stop treating dogs like opponents to conquer and start treating them like family—which, ironically, is exactly how wolves live in the wild.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balanced Dog Training
Q: What is balanced dog training?
A: Balanced dog training is a method that uses both rewards (positive reinforcement) and aversive techniques (like leash corrections, choke chains, prong collars, or e-collars). While it claims to be “balanced,” the use of punishment and intimidation often overshadows the rewards, which can damage trust and harm your dog’s well-being.
Q: Is balanced training effective?
A: Balanced training can sometimes stop unwanted behaviors in the short term, but it does so by suppressing them through fear or pain. This doesn’t teach your dog what to do instead, and it can lead to anxiety, stress, or even aggression. Positive reinforcement is more effective for long-term learning and building a healthy relationship with your dog.
Q: Why doesn’t dominance training work?
A: Dominance training is based on the outdated “alpha wolf” myth, which has been debunked by modern science. Dogs aren’t trying to dominate humans—they’re simply responding to their environment and experiences. Training through fear or intimidation often makes behavior problems worse instead of solving them.
Q: Is positive reinforcement enough to train a dog?
A: Yes. Positive reinforcement alone is both effective and humane. It teaches dogs which behaviors earn rewards, motivates them to repeat those behaviors, and builds trust. Unlike punishment-based methods, it avoids the risks of fear, stress, or aggression.
Q: What’s the best way to start positive reinforcement training at home?
A: Begin by rewarding behaviors you want more of—like sitting politely, walking calmly, or lying on a mat. Use treats, toys, or praise that your dog loves. Keep training sessions short and fun, and gradually raise the difficulty as your dog learns. If you need help, consider working with a certified positive reinforcement trainer.
Ready to Train Your Dog the Positive Way?
If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, you don’t need to rely on outdated dominance methods or harsh tools. With positive reinforcement, your dog can learn faster, feel more confident, and strengthen their bond with you.
👉 Book a consultation with Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, certified professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Savvy. Alexandra offers positive dog training in Salt Lake City and personalized online dog and puppy training anywhere. Whether you need help with puppy separation anxiety, leash manners, or behavior problems, you’ll get science-based, compassionate solutions that really work.
About the Author: Certified Dog Trainer, Alexandra Bassett
Los Angeles dog trainer, Alexandra Bassett, is the lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a private dog and puppy training company specializing in game-based dog training and positive training solutions for issues such as dog separation anxiety, leash reactivity, excessive barking, and aggression.
She is certified as Knowledge Assessed by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is available for online dog training sessions via Zoom.