Alpha theory vs. Positive training...HELP...so confused!

[Julie Mison]

Many of you know that my mom and I have posted on and off about our Chewie who is now 15 months.  We have used trainers that first taught us about Alpha theory/dominance to more recently complete positive reinforcement training.  Our recent trainer has given us literature disputing the dominance theory and alpha research.  However, we continue to struggle with Chewie and are very overwhelmed.  We know, in part, we need to be more consistent, however, it feels like Chewie runs the show and we always have to use treats to get him to listen.

 

Chewie does display very challenging and dominant type behaviors.  He barks at us when he wants something, paws at us, jumps at us and mouths us to try to get us to do things.  When he doesn't like something...he will bark at us.  He has had a history of resource guarding and handling issues since he was very young.  First time he growled and snapped...he was just over 8 weeks of age when we tried to pick him up when he was tired at night.  He is like this with his high value items and at times when handled.  We typically know his "triggers" but nonetheless it feels like we always have to watch out. 

 

We have two young girls....7 and 8.5 and we love Chewie very much.  He loves the kids but gets very demanding with them as well.  Interesting, he is very well behaved when he goes to day care/camp and they even use him to help temperment test the new dogs.

 

Lately, he has been more defiant...not sitting when asked (he knows basic commands) and will not come when called to get his leash on. 

 

So...we are so conflicted.  All dogs need training but for CHewie it is imperative.  We just heard about a trainer who is willing to do "Doggie Bootcamp" where he would live with her for 1 week and she trains him and then brings him back and trains us and helps us to integrate it into the home.  I have to say...we are a bit exhausted and it sounds wonderful to have someone help us get him to a more managable point and then we could maintain it.  However, this trainer believes and subscribes to the Alpha theory and pack order which we have been disuaded against.  But...when you observe Chewie..he truly does not seem to respect us and rules the house in many ways.

 

I know there are many opinions out there.  We just don't want to do anything that will make the situation worse.  How do we know which is the right way?   I guess I'm just looking for any insights or experiences any of you have had that would help.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I am kind of leaning with Nancy on this-with a dog that has issues. I have NO research or evidence of any kind that supports one side or the other. But, in this case it is not addressing so much "naughty behavior" or "okay behavior" as much as it is addressing the reinforcing of the mindset of a dog who is confused about his place in the household. Reinforcing in his mind that he, rather than the person, is in charge of the situation.It sounds like one of those things that varies from dog to dog. Nancy had no problems and it wasn't an issue but we felt like it was needed to get ahold of the situation with Tara. She is not challenging us anymore and now, as you say, we can play chase with her-sometimes just chasing her and sometimes with an okay item in her mouth and it is just fine.She isn't going on a power trip over it anymore!! LOL! It was just part of the rehab package that we put together for her and I am REALLY glad those days are behind us!

Julie/Laura, they will be behind you too before you know it!! :>)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My understanding also is NEVER to play tug-of-war with a dog because they don't understand the difference between tugging as a game and when something needs to be released. You all probably already know this.

[Julie Mison]

We had heard all of that in the beginning and did NOT practice tug, chase,etc due to the power struggle issues/dominance issues. Then...when we switched trainers..she said these things did not make a difference...soooooooooooo...we have a lot to change

I like the idea of the leash also again. We had done that in the house for a long time and had stopped when he showed some improvement for a period of time.

Thanks again!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ehhhh, what do I know? Nuttin' much.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Your heads are surely spinning by now!!!!