Pets and Their People

Did you ever wonder how dog training came about, and all the misconceptions that followed, and still do? Let me take you on a journey. A modern updated journey that is backed by science, and facts.

But first let’s look at its past. Unfortunately, early on in the quest to understand dogs, a few people turned to the study of wolves. “However, dogs are not wolves, nor are they descended from modern wolves. The dog split from a common ancestor between 11,000 to 34,000 yrs ago. At best they are more like cousins”. (Stapleton-Frappell, Louise, 2022)

“Rudolph Schenkel conducted a study on non-related captive wolves in the 1940’s. These wolves fought for hierarchy, breeding rights, food resources and the like, for they were forced to live with each other, something that would not have happened in the wild. These non-related captive wolves competed for dominance against each other instead of working cohesively together as wild wolves did, and still do to this day, for they are family members, not strangers. Schenkel coined the term “Alpha and Beta” to these wild competing non-related wolves. In contrast, wild wolves are cohesive family members which are usually all descended from the same breeding pair, so they are father, mother, sisters and brothers who work together to keep the pack fed, and to defend their territory. Status is based on age, not aggression.They need each other to survive.”

(Stapleton-Frappell, Louise, 2022)

A book by the Monks of New Skete in the 70’s called “How to be your dogs best friend“ popularized physical dominance over pet dogs, the Alpha wolf Dominance Theory. They recommended taking the alpha role to deal with undesirable behaviors by using physical dominance over your pet dog. Such as flipping him onto his side and pinning him down, or striking it from under his muzzle. And other such dominant actions. It was founded on the study of captive wolves, by

Schenkel, in the 1940’s”. (Stapleton-Frappell, Louise, 2022)

“The Alpha Myth”

Teaching someone to use physical force to train their dogs to be submissive and to show that the owner is “Alpha” has been called outdated and cruel by organizations like the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.” (Stapleton-Frappell, Louise, 2022)

Pet dogs are not wolves, and these types of dominant actions only serve to cause fear, anxiousness, and frustration in your family pet, and can fracture the bond between you both.

“For only the same species can dominate over others of its own kind, not over a different species with different mental traits, survival skills and emotions to that individual species. Rest assured, your pet dog is not trying to dominate you or anyone in your family”. (Stapleton-Frappell, Louise, 2022)

Dogs have their own body language, and do their best to communicate with us. So let us open our eyes, or reach out to a positive force free, fear free pet trainer for some help. Dogs treat people differently than each other. They are kind, and only want our love, and attention. They don’t want to dominate us, so please let us not dominate them.

Another book which characterized the “Alpha” wolf theory, by David Mech, 1970. “The wolf ecology and behavior of an endangered species”. This kept the science of dog facts on the back burner, for some time. However, “David Mech himself said that the Alpha wolf theory is outdated”.

“He even asked his publisher to stop printing his book without success, unfortunately”.

(Stapleton-Frappell, Louise, 2022)

Dominance Theory Debunked!!

The science of positive dog training is finally being seen and heard… Positive trainers use Rewards for Correct Behaviors! Not punishment! Everyone likes a paycheck…right! You bet! We train in a way the pet understands using patience, empathy and consistency, and high value yummy treats.

”Positive methods work, for they do not cause fear, anxiety, or pain”. Unlike the outdated cruel dominance theory method of training, that uses physical force, shock, prong, and choke collars which cause pain, and can create fear, anxiety, and frustration. Dogs look forward to the fun training game! Think about it, who can learn when they’re terrified, or in pain? Positive pet trainers use science backed information. “Methods that work using tasty treats and fun toys which accelerate the learning process”. We train for behaviors we want the pet to do, not what we don’t want. Positivity goes far! Dogs need mental stimulation and exercise too! Patience, kindness, and empathy for your pet go a long long way, and the strong bond that forms will last a lifetime!

(Stapleton-Frappell, Louise, 2022)

Have FUN with your pup the positive way, he’s ready!!

I am a resident here in Hohenwald, I train locally, and at the High Forest Humane Society. I’ve been owned by my dogs for over 46 yrs! I’ve trained 3 competition agility dogs, 2 boxers, and a boston terrier the positive way over 20 yrs ago. I love training puppies! (8wks to 18 months) Along with some behavior modification. My Dog Training certification is almost completed. (Positive method).