The Real Dog Blog

Debunking the Alpha Roll Myth

Here's a quick movie to help debunk the alpha roll myth.  We sometimes hear that to teach dogs, you should grab a "dominant dog" and roll him on his back "likes the wolves do".  The reality however, is that wolves do not go around tossing each other around.  I took a series of photographs recently at Wolf Park in Battleground, IN. 

 

This particular series shows in clear detail that what some people like to call an "alpha roll" is actually a behavior in which a submissive wolf willingly rolls over.  It is not a behavior in which a confident animal physically forces another animal on his back.  In fact, trying to train a dog by alpha rolling him is very likely to create fear and aggression in the animal. For more info about dominance in dogs, check out this article by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

 

Wolf Park

I was fortunate enough to take a trip to 

Wolf Park in Battleground, IN.  It's an amazing research facility. 

Here is one of my favorite shots from today.  

 

I posted some other shots, including a few series of wolves guarding food which include great displays like this one:

Check out a few more shots here.

What Really Happens on "The Dog Whisperer"

This is hilarous...

Dogtopia Indoor Dog Park in Woodbridge, VA

Ok, here is an idea I like.  Exercise your dog in cold weather.....in a warm facility.....WITH people who know about dog behavior.  This is the safe way to have a dog park...indoors with people who can help monitor and supervise the dogs!  Great job, Dogtopia (oh...and yes, this just happens to be the same awesome place where All About Dogs is located and does all of its training).  It's a match made in heaven! 

   

My hope for the new President

I hope he gets a dog with a nice temperament. And I hope he gets training from someone who does positive reinforcement training...clicker training would be great!  A recent article in The Freelance Star highlighted this same fact!  Go APDT!

Starbucks

Ok, this is not dog related...but those who  know me, know it is associated with the next best thing...STARBUCKS!

Get free Starbucks by volunteering to help others.  It's a great idea. 

Click here for more information on Starbucks Pledge 5 concept.

Hugging Lion

This is not about dogs, but it's an amazing story.  

Dog to Dog Introductions

Don't try this at home!!!!  Those who know me know that one of my most often said phrases when it comes to dogs is "AROUSAL IS LINKED TO AGGRESSION."  High arousal or excitement in dogs is a key time when even good play can turn bad.  This is one of the main reasons in a dogcare or off leash dog setting I recommend waiting until dogs are settled before letting them meet.  Here is a great example of what "not to do" when you are letting dogs meet. And incidentally, I don't agree that the dogs are friends now.  Notice the lip licking and worried glances the puppy gives the older dog during the walk!

New Video Game - YUK!!!

Just saw an article about this new game for the Nintendo DS. UGH! It's bad enough that these sorts of traditional training methods are outdated and potentially dangerous (hence the "don't try this at home" warning on every show)..but we think it's ok to create a kid's game out of it? How annoying.

Dirty dog

Took my dog for a walk and this is what happened. That dog can find water (and mud) anywhere.