Dominance Theory – Fact or Fiction

Why Project Galgo Does Not Support Dominance Theory

At Project Galgo, every decision we make is guided by one principle: the welfare of our dogs comes first.

Many of the Galgos that come into our care have experienced neglect, fear, inconsistent handling, or outright abuse and torture. Some have never lived in a home. Others have learned that humans can be unpredictable or terrifying. Our responsibility is not simply to find them homes—it is to help them recover, feel safe, rebuild trust, and give them the opportunity to become happy, confident companions.

For this reason, Project Galgo is committed to force-free, reward-based handling and training that is supported by modern behavioural science.

As part of both our foster and adoption agreements, we ask everyone caring for one of our dogs to use humane, evidence-based training methods and to not techniques or equipment based on dominance, intimidation, fear or physical punishment.

This is not about judging individual owners or criticising past practices. Dog behaviour science has advanced enormously over the last few decades, and many training methods once considered acceptable have since been shown to be unnecessary, ineffective, or harmful.

Unfortunately, programmes like those featuring Cesar Millan became hugely influential, and many of the dominance-based training methods they promoted are still having a lasting impact today. We continue to see the aftermath in dogs whose trust and confidence have been undermined by these outdated ideas, despite modern behavioural science having long since moved on.

Our commitment is simply to follow the best available evidence in the interests of the dogs entrusted to our care.

Where Did Dominance Theory Come From?

The idea that dogs are constantly trying to become the “alpha” or establish dominance over humans originated from studies of unrelated captive wolves conducted during the 1940s and 1950s.

These wolves were housed together in artificial environments where competition, conflict and stress were far greater than would naturally occur. Researchers observed aggressive interactions and described rigid dominance hierarchies led by so-called “alpha” wolves.

For many years, these findings were incorrectly applied to domestic dogs.

However, our understanding has changed dramatically.

The scientist whose work helped popularise the “alpha wolf” concept, Dr David Mech, spent decades studying wild wolves in their natural environment. His later research demonstrated that wolf packs are not organised through constant battles for dominance. Instead, they are generally stable family units consisting of breeding parents and their offspring.

Dr Mech has repeatedly explained that the term “alpha wolf” is misleading and has encouraged people to stop using it.

If the original theory no longer accurately explains wolf behaviour, it certainly cannot be used to explain the behaviour of domestic dogs, which have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years and differ significantly from wolves in their social behaviour, communication and relationship with people.

Dogs Are Not Trying to Control Us

Modern behavioural science has transformed our understanding of why dogs behave as they do.

Dogs do not wake up each morning plotting to become the leader of the household.

Their behaviour is influenced by factors including:

Learning history
Genetics
Previous experiences
Emotional state
Health and pain
Environment
Reinforcement
Fear, anxiety and stress

A dog pulling on the lead is not trying to dominate.

A dog jumping up is not trying to become the pack leader.

A dog growling over food is not attempting a coup.

A frightened dog refusing to move is not being stubborn.

These are behaviours with understandable emotional or learned causes, and understanding those causes allows us to help dogs effectively and compassionately.

The Problem with Dominance-Based Training

Many traditional dominance-based methods rely on the belief that humans must establish authority by physically or psychologically controlling the dog.

Examples include:

Alpha rolls
Pinning a dog to the floor
Scruff shaking
Leash jerks
Physical corrections
Forcing eye contact
Intimidation
Flooding fearful dogs with situations they cannot escape
“Showing the dog who’s boss”
Shock collars and other aversive equipment, including halti head collars

These methods may sometimes suppress behaviour in the short term, but suppressing behaviour is not the same as teaching.

A dog may stop barking because it is frightened.

A dog may stop growling because it has learned that growling leads to punishment.

A dog may stop resisting because it has given up.

None of these outcomes represents genuine learning.

Why These Methods Can Be So Damaging

Perhaps the greatest concern with dominance-based training is not simply that it is outdated.

It is that it fundamentally damages a dog’s emotional wellbeing.

Dogs learn through association. Every interaction teaches them something about their world.

When force, fear or intimidation are repeatedly used, the lesson the dog often learns is not:

“I made the wrong choice.”

Instead, they may learn:

Humans are frightening.
I cannot predict what will happen.
Expressing fear is dangerous.
I have no control over my environment.

Repeated exposure to fear activates the body’s stress response, increasing levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.

While temporary stress is normal, chronic stress affects almost every aspect of a dog’s wellbeing.

Research has shown that prolonged stress can:

Reduce learning ability
Impair memory
Increase anxiety
Reduce confidence
Affect immune function
Increase vigilance and reactivity
Make aggressive responses more likely

Instead of creating calm, confident dogs, aversive methods often create dogs that are fearful, uncertain and emotionally overwhelmed.

For rescued Galgos, many of whom already carry emotional trauma, these effects can be particularly profound.

The Hidden Danger of Suppressing Warning Signals

One of the most dangerous misconceptions in dog training is believing that stopping a behaviour automatically solves the problem.

Take growling as an example.

Growling is communication.

It is a dog’s way of saying:

“I’m uncomfortable.”

“I’m frightened.”

“Please give me some space.”

If a dog is punished for growling, the underlying emotion does not disappear.

The fear remains.

The discomfort remains.

Only the warning has been removed.

Veterinary behaviourists frequently describe aggression as the tip of an iceberg. Long before a bite occurs, dogs usually display numerous signs of stress—lip licking, yawning, turning away, freezing, stiffening, whale eye, avoidance and growling.

If those signals are repeatedly ignored or punished, the dog may learn not to communicate them.

The next warning may not be a growl.

It may be a bite.

Suppressing communication does not make dogs safer.

Listening to communication does.

Learned Helplessness Is Not Obedience

Sometimes dominance-based methods appear to “work.”

A dog becomes quiet.

They stop resisting.

They appear calm.

However, behavioural science recognises another possible explanation: learned helplessness.

Learned helplessness occurs when an animal repeatedly experiences situations where it cannot avoid or control unpleasant events.

Eventually, they stop trying.

This state can look like obedience, but it is actually a recognised psychological condition associated with chronic stress and poor welfare.

A dog that has emotionally shut down is not relaxed.

They have simply learned that nothing they do changes the outcome.

At Project Galgo, this is not the relationship we wish to build with our dogs.

What the Science Shows

Over the past twenty years, research has consistently demonstrated that reward-based training produces better welfare outcomes and is at least as effective—and often more effective—than punishment-based methods.

Dogs trained primarily using positive reinforcement are more likely to:

Learn more quickly
Retain behaviours more effectively
Show greater confidence
Experience lower stress
Display fewer behavioural problems
Develop stronger relationships with their owners

Conversely, studies have repeatedly linked aversive training methods with increased stress, anxiety and fear-related behaviours.

For these reasons, major professional organisations advocate reward-based training, including:

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
RSPCA
British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)
Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE)

These organisations represent specialists in veterinary medicine, animal behaviour and welfare. Their recommendations reflect decades of scientific research rather than opinion or fashion.

“But It Worked for My Dog”

This is one of the most common arguments in favour of dominance-based training.

The answer is simple.

Compliance does not tell us how the dog felt.

Dogs often continue to obey despite fear.

They may comply to avoid punishment rather than because they understand.

Behavioural science asks a more important question:

How did the dog experience the learning process?

At Project Galgo, we believe the emotional welfare of the dog matters just as much as the end result.

Our goal is not obedience.

Our goal is confidence.

Trust.

Security.

Why This Matters So Much for Galgos

Galgos are often among the gentlest and most sensitive dogs people will ever meet.

Many have experienced lives where they had little control over what happened to them.

Most have known hunger.

Most have known neglect.

Most have experienced punishment.

Many have simply never learned that humans can be kind.

These dogs do not need someone to establish dominance.

They need someone who provides safety.

Every gentle interaction teaches trust.

Every reward builds confidence.

Every predictable experience helps replace fear with security.

Trust cannot be demanded.

It must be earned.

When Galgos begin to feel emotionally safe, remarkable things happen.

They begin to explore.

They become curious.

They play.

They seek affection.

Their personalities emerge.

That transformation is one of the greatest privileges of rescue.

Our Commitment

Project Galgo will always promote training methods that are supported by modern behavioural science and place welfare at the centre of every interaction.

The welfare of our dogs is non- negotiable. The use of dominance-based training, intimidation, physical punishment, or any aversive techniques or equipment is considered a serious breach of our contractual agreements between us and our fosters and adopters.

It reflects our commitment to continual learning and to giving every dog in our care the very best opportunity to recover, flourish and enjoy a lifetime of trust with the people who love them.

Because every Galgo deserves nothing less.

PROJECT GALGO

Registered Charity 1197487