The alpha roll is actually VERY old school train of thought. There have been great strides and studies in dog behavior lately, but you can still find those few trainers who are very stuck in the old way of thinking and who will recommend the alpha roll. Its not effective like you think it may be. In wolves, the submissive wolf will roll over and expose his own belly to the alpha. The alpha doesn't go around forcibly throwing other wolves on their back. Also, if you are having leadership problems with your dog, you could be put into a potentially harmful situation by rolling them and pinning them. That is like asking to be bitten. I've worked with many behaviorists and been to many conferences, so this is not just my opinion, but also that of the many many others who have thoroughly researched it.