The Alpha Dog Myth: Does Your Dog Really Need to Know Who’s the Leader?

Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)

Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

It had been a long day and I called in my last appointment, a routine vaccination for a German Shepherd.

The dog was wagging his tail, curious about every smell in the room. But something was very strange. 

Every time his wife tried to walk the dog toward the scale or exam table, the man would stop her.
“Wait,” he’d say. Then, after a pause: “Okay… now you can walk.”

It wasn’t just once or twice, it was every single movement. Into the room, onto the scale, off the scale. 

I had never seen anything like this and I couldn't help but ask “Why are you doing that?”

He looked at me as if the answer was obvious.
“Well, he has to know who the leader is.”

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Where the Alpha Dog Theory Came From

For decades, the alpha dog training approach has shaped the way many people think about dogs. The idea came from old studies of captive wolves, which seemed to show constant battles for dominance and “alpha” status. 

Because dogs are related to wolves, trainers assumed they must behave the same way —, so owners were told things like “Always eat before the dog”, “Walk through doors first,” “Never let the dog on the furniture,” or the worst of all (one that still gives me chills): “If a puppy pees on the floor, rub their nose in the urine.” 

This dog leadership myth became mainstream thanks to books, TV shows, and even some veterinary advice in the past.

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Why Modern Science Says Dogs Don’t Need an Alpha

Over time, researchers realized the original wolf studies were very much flawed. In the wild, wolf packs aren’t made of strangers fighting for rank. Actually, they’re families, with parents guiding their puppies.

Dogs, in the  meanwhile, have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. I can guarantee you that your dog is not constantly look for a way to “take over.”

Actually, we like it or not, most unwanted behaviors in our domestic dogs are caused by the challenges of living alongside humans, such confusion due to unclear communication, lack of exercise or mental stimulation, fear or anxiety and unmet basic needs (if you are out of the house 12 hours per day, that could be the reason why your dog is chewing the sofa)

This is why dominance-based dog training is now considered outdated by modern trainers and behaviorists.

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The Downside of the Alpha Mindset

When owners constantly try to “be the boss,” they can unintentionally damage trust. Instead of seeing you as a safe and predictable guide, your dog may see you as a source of anxiety and stress.

That man in my consultation room was acting more like a military commander than a calm and consistent partner. We wouldn’t want someone treating us that way, so why should your dog?

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A Better Way: Positive, Science-Based Dog Training

If you’ve ever been told you need to “be the alpha,” I recommend reading this excellent book. It explains exactly why the alpha dog theory is a myth, how it became popular, and how you can replace dominance-based rules with positive reinforcement training.

Think of your role as a guide who shows your dog what’s expected, a provider who meets their needs and a partner who builds a bond based on trust rather than fear. No dominance games required.

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Final Thoughts on the Alpha Dog Myth

The “alpha” or “pack leader” idea still has a grip on dog culture, but science tells us it’s not how dogs actually think. Your dog doesn’t need a boss, they need a loving human to help them navigate the world we put them in.

So next time you hear, “He has to know who’s the leader,” you can smile and say:
“This isn’t Game of Thrones, it’s just a walk in the park.’”