Is My Dog Trying to Dominate Me?

What science really says and what actually helps dogs learn…

What many dog guardians are told

Many dog guardians are advised that unwanted behaviour happens because a dog is “trying to be dominant” or “take control.” Common advice includes being told to “show leadership,” “be the alpha,” or prevent the dog from “getting ideas.”

It’s understandable that this explanation has stuck around – it sounds simple and familiar.

However, modern behavioural science tells a very different story.

What does science actually say about dominance in dogs?

Research shows that dominance can exist between dogs, but not in the way it is often described in popular training advice. In stable groups of dogs living together, some dogs may show consistent patterns of deference or priority over others, often around resources such as resting places or food (1,2). These relationships are usually stable, subtle, and low in conflict, and are maintained through communication rather than force.

Importantly, dominance is not a personality trait, and dogs are not motivated to “move up a hierarchy” or seek control over others (3,5). It describes a relationship in a specific context, not a dog’s intent or character.

Crucially, there is no scientific evidence that dogs try to establish dominance over humans, or that most behaviour problems are driven by a desire for status (3,4).

Where the dominance myth goes wrong

Problems arise when the idea of dominance is taken out of its scientific context and applied to dog–human relationships. The dominance myth assumes that dogs:

• are constantly trying to challenge humans,
• need to be shown “who’s boss,”
• and will misbehave unless dominance is asserted.

This way of thinking often leads to (normal) stress-related behaviour – such as fear, frustration, guarding, or arousal – being misinterpreted as defiance or stubbornness (4,5).

Why dominance-based training can be harmful

Training methods based on asserting dominance or using Resource Reduction Programmes (RRPs) can have serious welfare and safety implications.

Techniques such as alpha rolls, physical intimidation, forced submission, or confrontational handling:

• increase fear and stress,
• suppress warning signals such as growling,
• raise the risk of defensive aggression,
• and damage trust between dogs and humans (4,6).

Veterinary and behavioural organisations strongly warn against dominance-based approaches because they rely on fear rather than learning and can make behaviour problems worse rather than better (4).

What actually helps dogs listen to you and learn

Modern, evidence-based dog training focuses on teaching skills, not enforcing rank. Dogs learn best when they feel safe, understood, and able to predict what will happen next.

Effective approaches focus on:

• clear communication and consistency,
• reinforcing behaviours we want to see,
• managing environments to prevent rehearsal of unwanted behaviour,
• supporting emotional regulation rather than suppressing behaviour,
• and building cooperation instead of control (3,6,7).

Research into dog cognition and social behaviour shows that dogs are highly social learners who respond best to guidance, reinforcement, and positive relationships with humans (3).

Rethinking “leadership”

Many guardians worry that rejecting dominance-based methods means being “too soft.” In reality, good leadership has nothing to do with force.

Healthy leadership means:

• providing safety and predictability,
• setting clear boundaries without intimidation,
• meeting emotional and behavioural needs,
• and helping dogs succeed rather than punishing them for struggling.

The bottom line

Some dogs may show status-related behaviour with other dogs, but this does not mean dogs need to be dominated, controlled, or intimidated to learn. The dominance myth has persisted because it sounds simple, not because it is supported by modern science.

Understanding behaviour through the lenses of learning, emotion, and welfare leads to safer, kinder, and more effective training – and a better relationship between dogs and the people who care for them.

Dogs are not trying to take charge – they are trying to cope.

Tina B. Kristensen

REFERENCES

• van der Borg J.A.M., Schilder M.B.H., Vinke C.M., de Vries H. (2015). ‘Dominance in Domestic Dogs: A Quantitative Analysis of Its Behavioural Measures.’ PLoS ONE 10(8): e0133978. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0133978
• Pongrácz, P., Dobos, P., Prónik, F., Vékony, K. (2025). A “done deal”: Cohabiting dominant and subordinate dogs form stable relationships. BMC Biol 23, 125. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02232-9
• Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog behaviour, evolution, and cognition (2nd ed), Oxford, UK, Oxford University Press, pp. 223–251
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. (2008). AVSAB position statement on dominance theory in behavior modification of animals. https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/
• Bradshaw, J. W. S., & Rooney, N. J. (2017). Dominance in domestic dogs: Useful construct or bad habit? In J. Serpell (Ed.), The domestic dog: Its evolution, behavior and interactions with people. Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press, pp. 133–159.
• McConnell, P. B. (2002). The other end of the leash. New York, Ballantine Books, pp. 132–158.
• Bekoff M. (2018). Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, pp. 67-86