The So called alpha roll evolved from a supposed study done on wolves many years ago. It was thought the leader of the pack would force the subordinate wolves on their backs to show his leadership.
Nowadays, in studies done by people who earn advanced degrees studying both dogs and wolves, it has been determined that doesn't happen. The subordinate will sometimes offer submissive behavior, and the canids that do the rolling of other canids are actually just "Alpha Wannabes" or bullies.
2006-12-16 21:12:50 · 9 answers · asked by renodogmom 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I really think that Cesar Millan restarted this trend just when it was about to die out. Most people who watch him on TV don't realize that he has absolutely no training or degree in dog psychology, he just makes up stuff and if it doesn't hurt him, it must be fine.
But you're correct. Forcibly rolling a dog over on it's back is the canine equivalent of someone sticking a gun in your face and screaming "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU". I'm surprised more people haven't been hurt attempting this.
2006-12-17 00:53:05 · answer #1 · answered by Lotus Effect 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Although we do play the "Alpha Roll" with our dogs, we do not force them on their backs nor hold them down in any way until they submit.
However, they do know I go through the door first (whether in or out) and we eat before they do. No tolerance for aggression or dominance is allowed amongst the dogs.
If being "Alpha" and teaching them what is or is not acceptable in "our pack" is cruel and makes me an "Alpha Wannabe", then so be it. I have 4 dobermans, and without a leader of the pack... they would be close to unmanagable.
Playing a dominant roll with dogs is alot more humane than those that prefer to wack their dogs with a newspaper or keep them outside 24/7 on a chain. 9 times out of 10 if the dog has been banished from the home to the yard it's because they are "unmanagable" in the house.... so how is my roll of "Alpha" wrong?
2006-12-16 23:19:31 · answer #2 · answered by Pam 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'd just like to ask one thing, I had never heard of this alpha rolling. My dog rolls over and I pet his tummy, can that be dangerous in the long run? He is very dominant alpha male, is he doing it to show his domination? Should I stop petting his tummy? Please email an answer if you know!
2006-12-16 21:55:31 · answer #3 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I didn't know that but I would never do it anyway. Somehow it seems intuitive that it might cause aggressive behavior later in the dog. I hope Tyke, aka gitemgang, rolls his dogs and gets to enjoy the experience of his dogs turning on HIM someday.
2006-12-17 02:25:16 · answer #4 · answered by porkchop 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Actually, it is often the catalyst of the dogs that become aggressive when they reach full maturity. When they get about 4 years old, they decide that it is their turn to do the alpha rolling, and take over the leadership. It is a very dangerous method of teaching!
And that is exactly as wolves and other wild dogs do..the young try to take over when they reach full maturity...and , as they keep trying, eventually they win..You sure don't want your dog to learn that..
It is as archaic as the suggestion of rubbing their nose in pee or poop..
2006-12-16 21:21:28 · answer #5 · answered by Chetco 7 · 5⤊ 5⤋
It is ignorance. Sheer ignorance and we see a lot of other ignorance on this board as well.
To the participant above petting your dogs tummy is completely different than 'alpha rolling'. Go ahead play and pet away!
2006-12-16 23:23:14 · answer #6 · answered by Proud to be APBT 5 · 2⤊ 4⤋
That's a good question! Old habits die hard I guess. I'm sure some people still feel like bullying their dogs or being physical with them is the best way to train them, when it's so obviously not. I'd much rather have my dog respect me, than fear me.
2006-12-16 21:18:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
Regardless of what people believe, the purpose of the example is to not let you dog be the boss of you. I don't believe in harsh discipline in my animals but I cannot let a dog bear his teeth at me when i need him to move off the bed to make it.
2006-12-17 07:10:49 · answer #8 · answered by eva diane 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
good Question. I guess people want quick fixes for something that shouldn't be fixed quickly. Yeah, Grandma peed herself again, just roll the old lady....
2006-12-16 22:07:37 · answer #9 · answered by rualass 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋