Do you believe in dominace theory?

[Freedom]

My dogs are expected to be on the bed,

LOL, love this.

I learned a LOT from reading everyone's replies. I didn't understand what you were asking about in this poll when I replied first; I didn't realize how formalized this theory gets. Guess I need to do a bit more reading.

Thanks for teaching me something (again) today!

[Giselle]

I chose "No" because of how terribly the "dominance theory" has been misunderstood and misconstrued.

Dogs may be very well related to wolves, but they are NOT wolves. They've been domesticated. And I don't think the dominance theory can really apply when you're dealing with mixed species. I'm sure you can apply leadership to a certain degree with pet dogs, but most social animals have a certain 'pecking order' anyways. It's natural for most social animals to choose and follow a leader (even humans). However, I don't believe that there are dogs who are in a constant state of trying to gain dominance. Lack of clear rules and leadership? Sure, but I don't think you have to necessarily "dominate" a dog.

Clear as mud, eh?

ETA: Yeah, my dogs leave the house first. They eat in separate rooms from us so it doesn't matter to them whether the humans or dogs eat first. They don't walk beside/behind me when on leash. They have furniture privileges. BUT, they also wait before their dinner. They have concrete "Gives". They've never growled or bitten me. They allow me to poke/prod them. I can brush their teeth, clean their ears, grind their nails, and I don't get a single peep from them.

So I guess I should say, I believe in a benevolent leader theory (thanks Pat McConnell )

[Suki Wingy]

As long as my dog respects me as the leader and has manners, I'm fine. Every once and a while I get down on my hands and knees and "play like a dog". He loves it, and I don't always play the big dominant leader, but he isn't a very testing dog.

I expect my dog to sit when I tell him, go out the door only when I tell him he is allowed to, and he is not allowed on the upstairs furniture (my parents' choice)

When I was younger I would subconsciously NEED to go first, have him walk behind me, do exactly as I said, etc, and it was way too harsh. I realized what I was doing and backed off.