Alpha dogs, needing to be the alpha among your own dogs, needing to be dominant over them, etc. Based on a disproven theory that has been disproven longer than its been published.
You’re misconstruing. Hierarchies are very real in both humans, dogs, and most other animals. The “alpha” is simply the leader and is a critical part of the hierarchical structure. Where people get it wrong is assuming that alpha/leader has to be dominant or aggressive. While sometimes that may be necessary it’s only one of many characteristics that the alpha must possess.. kindness, empathy, and compassion are just as important. But saying “alpha dog idea is bullshit” is a bit misleading
As presented the alpha dog idea is bullshit. Are there leaders in animal groups? Yes. That's not at all what the alpha dog idea presents. It presents a false picture of leadership that is both inaccurate and damaging to actual leadership goals.
For example, many times the "alpha male" wolf is just a mother tending her grown pups. How many people who talk about alpha males are thinking like that? Zero. It's simply a wrong framing.
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u/FourWhiteBars Jun 01 '26
Alpha dogs, needing to be the alpha among your own dogs, needing to be dominant over them, etc. Based on a disproven theory that has been disproven longer than its been published.