The Lie That Shaped Dog Training For Decades: The Truth About Dominance in Dogs + Why It’s Misunderstood

What if everything you were told about being your dog’s ‘alpha’ was built on a misinterpretation of stressed-out wolves in captivity? In this eye-opening episode of The Walk & Talk , I take you on a deep-dive through the shaky science behind dominance theory, the myth of the ‘alpha dog,’ and the long-lasting impact this outdated ideology still has on modern dog training. You'll learn: 🐾 The real story behind those infamous wolf studies 🐾 Why dominance-based training harms trust, learning, and safety 🐾 What leadership should look like in a healthy dog-human relationship 🐾 How to recognise stress-based behaviours and unmet needs in your dog 🐾 The empowering truth: your dog isn’t trying to rule you—they’re trying to connect with you If you’ve ever felt torn between harsh training advice and doing what feels kind and intuitive, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to lead your dog with compassion and structure. Let’s rewrite the rules—and reclaim the joy. 💡 Want to dive deeper? Explore my digital dog training courses designed to give you the exact tools to build connection, teach essential skills, and support a truly happy life with your dog—without the confusion or conflict. Browse all courses at www.listendogtraining.com ✨ Free training tips, tutorials & support ⬇️ → Instagram: @listendogtraining → TikTok: @listendogtraining