The assumption we hear most often
“You use prong collars and e-collars? So you’re one of those alpha/dominance trainers.”
No. We’re not. And this assumption is the single biggest misunderstanding in the dog training industry.
Dominance theory and balanced training are two completely different things. Conflating them is like saying every chef who uses a knife is a butcher. The tool doesn’t define the philosophy.
What dominance theory actually claims
Dominance theory — popularized in the 1990s and 2000s — claims that dogs are pack animals with a rigid hierarchy, and that behavioural problems stem from the dog trying to be the “alpha.” The solution, according to this theory, is to establish yourself as the pack leader through:
- Alpha rolls (pinning your dog on their back)
- Eating before your dog
- Going through doors first
- Never letting your dog on furniture
- Staring your dog down to establish dominance
- Physical intimidation
The theory was based on studies of captive wolves in the 1940s — wolves that were unrelated strangers forced into artificial packs. The researcher who conducted those studies, L. David Mech, has spent decades since trying to correct the record. Wild wolf packs are family units, not dominance hierarchies. And dogs aren’t wolves — they’re a separate species with 15,000+ years of domestication.
Dominance theory is outdated, disproven, and counterproductive. We agree with the scientific consensus on this completely.
What balanced training actually is
Balanced training has nothing to do with dominance. It’s based on operant conditioning — the same learning theory used in every psychology textbook and every animal training program from marine mammal training to service dog work.
The principles are simple:
- Reward behaviour you want. Your dog sits when asked? Treat, praise, play. The behaviour increases.
- Provide clear feedback for behaviour you don’t want. Your dog pulls on leash? Leash pressure, correction, or e-collar stim at a communication level. The behaviour decreases.
- Be consistent. The rules are the same every time, in every context.
- Use the minimum effective tool. Start with the least intrusive method. Escalate only if the dog needs more clarity.
There’s no pack hierarchy in this. No alpha rolls. No staring contests. No eating before your dog. Just clear communication: “yes, that” and “no, not that.”
Why the confusion exists
The confusion exists because some trainers who call themselves “balanced” do use dominance-based methods. They roll dogs, they use excessive force, they frame everything as a power struggle. These trainers give balanced training a bad name — and they give R+ trainers legitimate ammunition for criticism.
We’re not those trainers. And we think it’s important to say that clearly.
We also understand why R+ trainers push back against balanced methods. They’ve seen the worst of it — dogs trained with excessive force, shut-down dogs, fearful dogs. Those outcomes are real and unacceptable. Where we disagree is the conclusion that any correction, at any level, is inherently harmful. That’s not what the science shows — and it’s not what our 10,000+ dogs demonstrate.
What we actually believe
Dogs are not trying to dominate you. When your dog pulls on leash, they’re not asserting pack authority. They’re going where they want to go because nothing has taught them otherwise.
When your dog growls at you, they’re communicating — not challenging you. A growl means “I’m uncomfortable.” Punishing the growl doesn’t remove the discomfort — it removes the warning. That makes bites more likely, not less.
Structure is not dominance. Having rules — no jumping, wait at doors, off the couch unless invited — is not about being the alpha. It’s about creating predictability, which reduces anxiety and builds trust.
Corrections are not punishment. A low-level e-collar stim is information. Leash pressure is guidance. A verbal “no” is feedback. These are communication tools, not expressions of power. The intent and the intensity matter.
The relationship comes first. If your dog doesn’t trust you, no tool will work. We build relationship through play, rewards, consistency, and fair expectations. The tools support the relationship — they don’t replace it.
Why this matters for you as a dog owner
When you’re choosing a trainer, the label matters less than the philosophy. Ask these questions:
“Do you believe in dominance theory?” If they say yes, look elsewhere. If they say no, ask what they do believe.
“How do you handle a dog that doesn’t respond to a correction?” A good answer: “We lower the intensity and find a level the dog responds to calmly.” A bad answer: “We increase the pressure until they comply.”
“Can I watch you work with a dog before I commit?” A confident trainer says yes. A trainer hiding behind a philosophy says no.
“What does a successful outcome look like for my dog?” A good trainer talks about your dog’s specific situation. A bad trainer gives you a one-size-fits-all answer.
The bottom line
We use prong collars. We use e-collars. We use leash corrections. And we don’t believe in dominance theory. These things are not contradictory — they’re complementary.
Balanced training is about clear communication using every tool available, applied with skill, timing, and empathy. It’s about giving your dog a “yes” and a “no” so they understand the rules completely. And it’s about building a relationship based on trust and clarity — not fear and force.
If that sounds like the kind of training you’re looking for, we should talk.