2007-12-15 13:47:31 · 9 answers · asked by heysanj75 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The "alpha roll" is a "tool" often misused by people thinking that it will help them establish their dominance over their dogs -- when, in fact, it usually makes matters worse or gets them bitten.
The dominant member of the pack does not need to forcibly "roll" the subordinates -- the subordinates will willingly submit. Although the "alpha roll" has become a popular method, it is based on a profound misunderstanding of pack behavior.
2007-12-15 13:55:50 · answer #1 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
I think DP covered it. However there is One (1) time I think that an "alpha roll" has any benefit. That's when you cradle a small puppy in one arm with your hand on it's chest, in my experience it does help you know how that puppy is going to be training wise. (IE My current puppy couldn't be held on his back without more effort than it was worth. He's smart but very very stubborn. He needs to know a WHY, whereas many dogs just need the what/when of the equation.) Even then the benefit is debatable. As soon as they are past 16 weeks I don't think that an :"alpha roll" should even be considered let alone attempted. Forcing a dog into a 'submissive' posture for any reason is NOT teaching them or establishing anything other than the fact that YOU are a bully. Mild tempered dogs may not react negatively, high-strung or dogs with high anxiety levels may try to rip your head off.
2007-12-15 14:58:56 · answer #2 · answered by Scelestus Unus 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dogs need to understand that the owner is the pack leader. Having said that the owner needs to understand that part of being a good pack leader is having your pack trust you. The way to gain trust of the pack is by being a friend of the pack. Being alpha is based more on your ability to win in a fight against the other pack members. Which means that the dogs would always be trying to gain alpha because that is canine instinct. Therefore the question is do you really want your dog trying to outdo you and trying to get you to submit to it. I hope this helped.
2007-12-16 14:03:36 · answer #3 · answered by flamerider05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the poster's above summed it up pretty well.
However, you can train a dog to CHOOSE to defer (display submissive posutre, like an alpha roll) with a clicker and treats.
Instead of forcing the dog to roll over which is dangerous and pointless, you teach the dog that is is fun to roll over.
I had a puppy with a very strong dominant personality, so the first thing we trained her with clicker and treats was to roll over and show her belly.
2007-12-15 21:58:34 · answer #4 · answered by buterfly_2_lovely 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Alpha Roll is BAD news, It's not teaching your dog to be submissive and to think you are the pack leader. It teaches your dog that you are aggressive and things can be accomplished thru attacking... You are teaching your dog that aggression is a good thing, and one day you will find that your dog is likely to try it out on you.. If you don't make him a fearful mess in the meantime.
There are far better ways for you to establish alpha with your dog.. Attacking the dog isn't the way to do it.
Forsaken : I do agree with the puppy and putting him on his back. I got a girl right now, who would HATES to be put on her back and she is smart as a whip, but she needs to know everything about everything, then she'll think about whether or not she agrees :)
2007-12-15 13:55:11 · answer #5 · answered by DP 7 · 9⤊ 2⤋
I don't like it because it's forcing "dominance." There are better ways to establish your authority that don't freak the dog out and have a much lower risk of you getting hurt, like "nothing in life is free." My old roommate alpha-rolled my dog. I was PISSED.
2007-12-15 13:57:41 · answer #6 · answered by a gal and her dog 6 · 6⤊ 1⤋
It's a good way to get bit. I won't put my face down by the mouth of an alligator and growl either.
2007-12-15 14:06:04 · answer #7 · answered by tom l 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Alpha is the leader of the pack...I have a female that is a alpha...She,s the boss,she doesn,t like other females...WE foster dogs and have to get only males because of her....It,s kind of like geese flying,the strongest is in the front...The strongest is the alpha...
2007-12-15 13:57:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
Excuse me... some of you need to look at the agressive typically agressive breeds you are posting and you will soon understand why you would say that you "may get bitten by your dog" if you use the alpha roll phylosophy. Use common sense first. Any time you discipline your dog for whatever you are showing the dog you are alpha. If you don't discipline you WILL get bitten sooner than you think ! As long as you are physically capable of handling your dog IF it gets a hankering to bite, set yourself as the alpha individual. All you are showing your dog is that it WILL BE submissive to YOU.
2007-12-15 14:09:22 · answer #9 · answered by swim2james 1 · 0⤊ 10⤋