alpha roll
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

The alpha roll is a
dog training Dog training is the application of behavior analysis which uses the environmental events of antecedents (trigger for a behavior) and consequences to modify the dog behavior, either for it to assist in specific activities or undertake particular ...
technique that is considered outdated by many modern-day dog trainers. The theory behind the training method is that dogs are hierarchical animals. The technique is used to teach the dog that the trainer or owner of the dog is the pack leader (
alpha Alpha (uppercase , lowercase ; grc, ἄλφα, ''álpha'', or ell, άλφα, álfa) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals, it has a value of one. Alpha is derived from the Phoenician letter aleph , whic ...
animal). Methods include when a dog misbehaves to pin the dog on its back and held in that position, sometimes by the throat.


History

The alpha roll was first popularized by the Monks of New Skete, in the 1978 book ''How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend''. However, in the 2002 second edition of the book, the monks recanted and strongly discouraged the technique, describing it as "too risky and demanding for the average dog owner." Although the 1978 book is widely regarded as a classic in dog training literature and highly recommended for people trying to better understand their dog, the alpha roll is now highly controversial among animal behaviorists because the theory of canine dominance has since been disproved. In the original context, the alpha roll was meant to be used only in the most serious cases. The theory behind the alpha roll is based on a research study of captive wolves kept in an area too small for their numbers and composed of members that would not be found together in a wild pack. These conditions resulted in increased numbers of conflicts that scientists today know are not typical of wolves living in the wild. Behaviors seen in wolves (specifically the alpha roll) living in atypical social groups and crowded conditions do not translate to domestic dog training, especially because using the technique can be harmful to both the handler and the dog.


Effects

It has been argued by some that a dog will only forcibly flip another onto its back during a serious fight where the intent may be to kill the opponent. The name "alpha roll" is considered to be a misnomer by some wolf researchers because the practice when used as a behavioral correction bears little relation to the natural behavior shown by wild wolves.
David Mech Lucyan David Mech (; born January 18, 1937), also known as Dave Mech, is an American biologist specializing in the study of wolves. He is a senior research scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey and an adjunct professor at the University of Minn ...
refers to this behavior as "pinning", a dominance behavior. While "alpha rolling" can appear to be effective in the short term, there are serious questions about the safety of implementing this technique, as well as potential long-term negative behavioral effects of doing so.


Contemporary use

The use of the alpha roll is currently viewed unfavorably by the positive reinforcement training community as an outdated technique. In addition, the same scientist,
David Mech Lucyan David Mech (; born January 18, 1937), also known as Dave Mech, is an American biologist specializing in the study of wolves. He is a senior research scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey and an adjunct professor at the University of Minn ...
, who pioneered the theory of "alpha" behavior has since debunked his own theory. Position statements on dominance released by AVSAB question the science behind training techniques that rely on dominance theory. They recommend the alpha roll should never be used by inexperienced trainers, and never to correct undesired behavior caused by the dog's failure to understand a command. Used in a controlled way and coupled with praise and rewards when the dog changes its behavior appropriately, it may have positive effect in the short-term, but there is disagreement about its long-term effectiveness and safety. A 2009 study by the
University of Bristol , mottoeng = earningpromotes one's innate power (from Horace, ''Ode 4.4'') , established = 1595 – Merchant Venturers School1876 – University College, Bristol1909 – received royal charter , type ...
's Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences showed that methods of handling that relied on dominance theory actually provoked aggressive behavior in dogs with no previous known history of aggression. The study also examined the development of hierarchy in domestic dogs and found that no definitive hierarchical structure developed within the group, leading study authors to question the alpha role in this group. Nevertheless, there are some modern-day dog trainers and animal researchers who have argued that the alpha roll is valid because dominance does exist in dogs and to deny it is motivated by
political correctness ''Political correctness'' (adjectivally: ''politically correct''; commonly abbreviated ''PC'') is a term used to describe language, policies, or measures that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in socie ...
. American Adjunct Professor of Zoology
Patricia McConnell Patricia Bean McConnell (born November 16, 1948) is an Adjunct Professor of Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and expert in animal behavior. She has written several books, including ''The Other End of the Leash,'' ''For the Love of a ...
who is an expert in animal behaviour, wrote in her book ''The Other End of the Leash'', “In some training and behavioural circles, all talk of dominance is classed as politically incorrect, and that these people are ardently opposed to anyone using the word in the context of dogs”. Portuguese animal behaviourist
Roger Abrantes ''Roger Abrantes'' (born 1951 in Portugal) is a Portuguese author on the behaviors of animals, with a PhD in evolutionary biology and ethology, and a Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of arts (BA or AB; from the Latin ', ', or ') is a bachelor's degre ...
argues the reasons that many people have difficulty comprehending the theory of dominance are because the term is poorly defined and political correctness. Colin Tennant, who is the chairman of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, said “It is political correctness. If you treat a dog like a human it will treat you like a dog”. Psychologist and dog trainer
Stanley Coren Stanley Coren (born 1942) is a psychology professor, neuropsychological researcher and writer on the intelligence, mental abilities and history of dogs. He works in research and instructs in psychology at the University of British Columbia in Va ...
in the 2001 book ''How to Speak Dog'' wrote, "You are the alpha dog... You must communicate that you are the pack leader and dominant". Mexican-American dog trainer
Cesar Millan César Felipe Millán Favela (; ; born August 27, 1969) is a Mexican-American dog trainer. He is widely known for his Emmy-nominated television series ''Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan'', which was produced from 2004 to 2012 and is broadcast in ...
argues that “Dogs are social pack animals with a leader and followers”.


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alpha Roll Dog training and behavior Ethology