[LisaT]

Great thread. I am so tired of "alpha" and "dominance". They are so misused in dog training that they have lost what their true meanings, in my opinion.

I think the above posts are right on.

What I see on a lot of training boards is justification for the need for dominance and being alpha. The argument usually goes something like, "dogs are individuals and you have to modify the training to the type of dog. that is, some dogs require more dominance and you have to be the alpha". This arguments is then used to justify the harsher techniques of dog training to try to get the dog to submit more by physical means, than by training and establishing the right relationship.

Hard to train dogs absolutely need different techniques and tools, but I don't think that the definition of terms change, only the techniques. I think that often these terms take on a more violent definition in some circles, and they use the dog's behaviour to justify that. I don't know if I'm explaining this well at all.

In terms of alpha, one of the few things I do agree with Cesar Milan, is a calm, assertive nature. I think it also means being able to apply a consistent leadership program, suited to the dog, to develp a partnership.