The Dominance Myth in Dog Training Explained
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
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A Step by Step Guide to Teaching Your Dog or Puppy: • Playlist: A Step by St...
Extreme Leash Pulling Lesson: • How to Train your Dog ...
He presents training in 7 days. Each of 7 items are commands that he believes a dog should know. They are presented in part ii of the book ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxK8-VQWpYThx4IC6MiIvb6VS1ebTzzdxq . The parts of the guideare divided: part i know your dog part ii the seven commands part iii cures for 7 behavior problems. Each chapter presents a topic, a dog's story, and a "what to do". It was written simply and you can jump from chapter to chapter to review anything as needed.
I love his show and thisjust summarizes and lays out all of the basic methods he uses on the show. What i love about this guide ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxKkYeOoCV_w2vPX0CSyVWkhew2c4FYk0d is that you don' need to read the whole book cover to cover ... You can skip to the chapter (lesson) you want to read about. The book is arranged almost as a problem-solving guide ... Here is the problem and here is what you need to know/do to correct it. This man knows his stuff ... But more importantly knows how to teach people how they can work with their pups themselves!
I don't understand how people can look at my rescue dog who used to be shy, reactive and terrified of everything, and is now happy, confident, focused, and obedient, and tell me that positive reinforcement doesn't work.
I don't understand how some people can only see in black and white.
PP is the only way VS Cesar Millan is the only way
Some techniques work for some dogs and don't for others. Every dog and owner is different, so each case needs the technique that is right FOR THEM.
Mizzkie positive reinforcement is one of the four quadrants of operant conditioning. All animals can learn using positive reinforcement. Positive means to add something and reinforcement increases the chance of the behaviour occurring again. Doesn't necessarily have to be food. It's been proven in all species that animals learn easier when they earn something they want with their choice in the matter than being forced into it using negative reinforcement or positive punishment.
So, I think and agree that while one way of training works for your first dog may not be the route with the next. My dachshund was super easy only on inside accident and I don't even have to have her leashed to listen she literally was the easiest dog ever...Now I have a pup who is beagel....Heaven help me he's a totally different dog ...
Mizzkie exactly finally a reasonable person. I personally use a little of both
That speaks more about you! Sure, some dogs learn more quickly than others, but the way you say your rescue is now is evidence of the time and patience you invested in your rescued dog! That's awesome, nice work! Everything you explained, obedience, happiness, confidence, I think, are the BEST things we help our best friends achieve. A well behaving and happy dog is liked by people, and we get to take them to more places with us! :) I just got another puppy, why do I always forget what it's like to train a puppy!? But rewarding.
i spent a whole minute wiping my screen to remove the smudge that turns out is on ur wall lmao [facepalm]
Same 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♀️
Same
Hahahahah I was doing the same
I thought I was going mad. Didn't just use the underside, fleshy bit of my thumb to get rid either. No, I got myself into such a state that I progressed to using my nail to get rid of "The Smudge".
saaaaaame
Thanks so much making a video that encourages people to look at dog training from another angle. My boyfriend and I were actually fighting over how to train our 3 month old Aussie/Lab mix, Tigger, until we found your channel. He wanted to go full on "dominant leader of the pack" but that included alot of snout taps and "no"s. I personally baby the pup and sort let him 'do his thing'. Your methods have helped us find a wonderful middle ground where my boyfriend feels Tigger is getting the discipline and structure a dog needs but I can rest easy that he's not being "broken" into submission. Tigger thinks everything is a game and hes always happy to 'play'! LOVE your channel!
who else is watching this 5 years later in 2020?
Hello! Do you have a puppy or are you just watching this vid? I’m getting a cavapoo and I want to know what kind of dogs people have
Memow Da kitty i have a 7 week old labradoodle puppy
Angelo Snapped awww cute!
@@mooiioo8094 I have a 4 month old whippet x greyhound :)
I got a puppy 😍
I'm so glad I found your channel! Will be having a new puppy next week and I absolutely can't wait! It's been about 17 years since we had a pet dog and all your videos are sooo helpful with everything that we need to know about communicating and training our new family member.
Thank you you're awesome!
All the ones that dislike this video are stuck in their own belief system... Their feelings do not equal facts. Period.
This is the reason why I follow you! You do your research!
save yourself and dont read the comments....just watch the video and learn from him.
Visesh Velagapudi thanks for the warning dude
My healthy brain cells thank you sir
Visesh Velagapudi Thx almost drowned here
Im on mobile
Phew. Thank you kind sir. I have an allergy to idiots you may have saved my life.
Zak, thank you so much for your guides!! You are so well spoken and make everything so much easier! I appreciate how much work you put into this channel to help all us dog owners and our dogs.
As a fellow trainer and behaviorist very well said.
don't know if you still check these comments but thank you for your videos, they are simple and great and teach us how to treat our dogs as family not slaves and not simple minded pets. Keep up the fantastic work.
You have my utmost respect Zak. Thank you for spreading this positivity
The way you talk just captivates me every time. Very intelligent.
You're a really good person, Zak George's Dog Training rEvolution
Thank you Zak! Just brought our new puppy home after not having a dog in the house fro many years. Your videos have given our family so much confidence in raising and training our precious new family member with love and lots of positive reinforcement.
Dominance means to have authority/influence over. That doesn't always mean it has to be aggressive. So when your using positive reinforcement training you reward the dog for good behavior only. You are showing the dog what YOU want it to do and what is okay. That's still dominance.
+Kelly Holt Exactly
I need help I tought my dog everything from a very young age. But now he's showing aggressive behavior when I try to put him outside and around food. And the strange thing is he will leave food and I can walk out of the room. I do not no what to do. I was told by most people to have him castrated but someone told me not too. I have had a few dogs but have not been through this before
+YouWhatMate28 Jesus, get him neutered. You are dealing with a dog that has a lot of testosterone that likely has no outlet for it. Imagine if you were forced to live a life of chastity . . .
After that, you will need to use a lot of positive reinforcement to help the dog learn that listening to you is the right thing to do. You can also try negative reward in limited ways. You can withhold attention, but you should be very cautious to take it as far as forcing the dog into another room like a bathroom.
For the love of dogs, neuter him.
You don't understand what Zak is referring to when he talks about the "dominance myth". The myth is that dogs instinctively seek to gain a higher ranking in some kind of hierarchy, and that the highest ranking dog is dominant over the others. In reality, dominance is simply a word used to describe the outcome of a particular conflict between two dogs over a desired resource. The winning dog is said to be dominant over the other. Contrary to popular belief, dominance is not a personality trait. Dogs don't actually acknowledge any kind of pack hierarchy. The illusion of hierarchy is just an outcome of simple associative learning. I highly suggest picking up John Bradshaw's book "Dog Sense". The audiobook is very well-made. It is all about the science of dog behavior and the human-dog relationship.
Dogs look for structure, if it's not found they make their own. I suggest any book by Caesar Milan. Look up the definition of dominance and it's very clear. Any training/interaction with any animal (this includes humans), there is always someone who's dominate, again I will repeat myself; dominate is not always aggressive, it's to have authority or influence over.
Hi, Zak! I am writing from Serbia. Man, I've just found your channel and started watching your videos - got a pup couple of weeks ago - so I needed some help and ideas... Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the videos and the knowledge I've got from them, it gives me a chance to have the best possible relationship with my doggo... One more thing, I choose to write under this particular video cause it was the one that gave me a clear, full perspective on your philosophy and ethics regarding dog training, and that just made it easy for me to trust your every advice - you obviously know what you're talking about - there is clearly so much thought and analysis and science in this - and love - I wouldn't want it any other away for my puppy. Keep up the good work, mate!
Hi Zak, just discovered your vids, awesome, congrats on putting together all this great, research-based, ethical information. You are doing a great service both for dogkind and mankind. THANK YOU.
I am stunned by the inappropriate and even hateful comments on here, but I guess it is all part of the degradation of our culture. Just want to encourage you not to be discouraged. You Rock, and haters gonna hate. They deserve to be ignored. Keep on keeping on. I am contributing to your efforts, and it is a privilege to do so.
+Looper K Thanks! It's great to have you here :)
I second that your video's are great
Online culture encourages to live in a bubble and immediately ignore or invalidate the opinions or disagreements with others. Even when they do share the same qualifications or experience (dog training).
Those comments are from those dogs that are still running out of the gate when you open it.
You’re so well-spoken. Clear, concise, coherent.. I truly enjoy watching your videos and stealing your concepts to expand my training toolbox. Great video, amazing insight. Thank you
Awesome, informative video!! I feel like this quote sums up this video: "Leadership is the art of getting someone to do something you want done because he wants to do it." -Dwight D. Eisenhower This can only be done by leading through Love and Patience not force.
I really don’t hear it often enough that that dogs can suffer from mental illness like ptsd, depression, adhd, etc.. just like we can. It didn’t even occur to me at first but it explains so much. They’re not “bad dogs” just like someone with a behavior problem isn’t a bad person, they just need the proper guidance
The trainer I worked with said dogs don't follow the "dominant one" or "alpha", they follow the fun one so be the fun one. It completely changed everything about the way I interact with dogs.
Getting my German Shepard puppy in a month. I haven't had a puppy in years so watching your video to update my knowledge. thanks so much!
How's the dog now?
I was watching the video and I was scratching on my screen because I thought it was something on my mine but it turned out to be the hold in the wall😂
Same😂😂
Yep
omg same
ApPlEsaRe. ReD x xxdscsdddcx
Ha I just did that!
Hey Zak,
Even I have a high energy dog who s a 4 months old golden retriever. I face the same issue with my dog but your videos have been a great help for teaching her. You are the best brother... Thanks a lot for sharing this video.
I have been breeding, training and living with dogs for over 50 years now. I currently have 3 dogs living with me. All 3 are well trained, they know all the basic commands, and stay where I want them to until I tell them to move. They will lay down if I leave the room or go around the side of a building and stay there until I come back. They all walk beside me and do not pull on the leash and give eye contact during the whole walk. I used marker training with a strong NO, toy removal, walk away or time out in their crate as their only punishments. No physical punishments besides turning them around when they were puppies and going through the teething stage and redirecting it to a toy or treat. Which is why I like these videos because they are pretty similar to what I use, but without the understanding that training is dominance of the dog. It's always good to watch others so you can get more perspective even if you don't completely agree with their methods.
I know for a fact that dominance is not a myth. When I let the dogs out into the back yard, which I have recorded. The more dominant of the 3 dogs does an alpha roll among other things to the other dogs when they do something he doesn't like, doesn't follow him right away or plays with something he thinks is his. After which the other dog follows him around trying to look into his eyes so they don't miss what the dominant one, Duke, wants them to do. When a human is around, Duke, is submissive to the human in the same way Sandy and Rex are to him when they are alone. Some might call this behavior being a bully, but I have yet to meet a bully who gains the respect of the bullied to the point of licking/kissing them in respect.
I see this as Duke taking over as pack leader when a human is not around. I believe marker training is the best way to train a dog and you can't just ignore a dogs nature just because you want to be an all positive dog trainer. So when you say that pack leaders, alpha dogs, and dominance doesn't exist in the modern/domesticated dog world you either don't really know what you are talking about or you are lying. Training a dog to do anything is an act of asserting your dominance over that dog. You tell him what to do and when to do it, when to eat and shit, and if he does this or that he gets a treat if done correctly. If the dog respects you, he is accepting your dominance over him as pack leader which is something he understands because it's a natural instinct for a dog(and all animals, humans included) to submit and follow a stronger alpha/leader figure then themselves. Even with marker training a dog needs corrections at some point when they do something that could get them killed or that is unacceptable. Meaning you are being dominant toward that dog which they understand and respect, just like when a puppies mother picks him up by the back of the neck or denies him food when he bites too hard is being dominant. If a dog doesn't respect your authority (meaning you are at the top of the pack hierarchy) and wants to please you even without a treat present, then when he finds something that is more interesting then the high value treat you are offering, he will ignore you and that treat, and that could lead to him running out into traffic.
The training Zak uses will work and is better then most I have seen on youtube, but his stance on dominance and pack leaders I do not agree with.
Be warned though, all positive training does not work. I know from experience. My sister tried all positive training on her dog Arya, and her dog ran out into the road and was killed because she saw something on the other side of the road more interesting then the sound of my sisters voice and the treat waiting for her.
If you want a more positive training experience to make yourself feel better without going all positive, Zak seems to at least add corrections in his training.
This is why I approve of Zak's training method, but not his stance on dominance...
The reason dominance training works has nothing to do with being Alpha. It runs on the principle of positive and negative re-enforcement, by punishing a dog for a behaviour it eventually learns to avoid that behaviour. However, there are ways to train a dog without negative re-enforcement such as Zak does. The dominance approach also promotes an alert and responsive demeanour which is essential for dog training. This is why it is effective, not because dogs are pack animals (which they aren't).
Dogs have personalities, some may be confident, wild or shy. If a person was shut in a room with someone much more confident and bold, they would likely take the back step, but among their friends they could be just as confident. This does not make us pack animals who need to be dominated, just as dogs do not.
The treat should not be necessary later on in training, if you are still at the stage where you need a treat to coax your dog to do a certain behaviour, its training on that behaviour is not complete and you shouldn't be bringing it out without a leash.
@@roxyspence Just for humor's sake here.....You seriously think if a person was shut in a room with someone more confident and bold, that a back step would happen? Nah, maybe duct tape and a push out the nearest window might occur, or these two people might find common interests. Who the heck knows, lol. If it's an obnoxious loudmouth, I will boot the guy out the window.
Zak you are a champion..
we have a 12 week old american staff, we've had him for 2 weeks and thanks to your videos especially this one we have a greater understanding on how to raise our pup properly.
your logic is undeniable. we were caught up on the alpha dog thing so I'm glad we got this info from you.
thanks heaps
marc and lauren,
sydney australia
+Marky Marc His information is incredibly flawed if you know anything about dogs but it makes people feel good to lie to them and say you can build real work reliability under great distraction and pressure through positive only "training" and bribing the dog with food. How many dogs have been rehabilitated from extreme reactivity and aggression or dog fights have been broken up with treats? Zero.
Domestic dogs are no more like their wolf ancestors than humans are the same as cavemen. Modernizing scientific theories of evolution is something that we accept in our species but, for some reason, are not so willing to accept in other species. Thank you, Zak, for not only providing outstanding dog training information but for enlightening dog owners to the newest scientific information available about interacting with our canine family.
Thanks Zak George! your videos have helped me with being better with my full grown dog and training my new puppy! my friends and family both are always astonished with how well behaved both dogs are. two thumbs up, thanks#
I have been training my dogs using this method many times and it was draining my energy, not theirs. And I also couldn't walk my pack, they are very powerful. Later I tried to imitate the dominant behaviour displayed by the wolfs in the packs and it worked like magic. At first it was hard to change my behaviour, but now I can walk the whole pack OFF-LEASH. It's amazing and I don't think that this method should be denied. It just requires some phisical force at first
In my opinion, it isn't that it doesn't work. It's that it teaches out of fear and submission which does little to further a positive bond.
+Bookworm Gamer
It is virtually IMPOSSIBLE to walk a pack of strong dogs off leash with fear-based control. It would become a bloodbath after a few sessions.
You PP freaks need to stop assuming that aversive training techniques is all about fear. Ugh.
Are you referring to a magical shock collar? In the absence of the magic collar, there has been NO CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR .
I agree. It works 💯
This video changed my whole relationship with my new puppy. Thank you a million times!
Absolutely! Thank you! I had one of those “old fashioned” trainers train my dog and I found myself back at square one once the training ended. He used a prong collar (popped it) but it had absolutely no effect on my dog. It was hard to watch but in the end I just think wow, what a freaking idiot. It’s true these trainers always keep that prong collar on because that’s the only time they feel like they have control of dogs... there’s no emotional bond he has with the dogs so my dog was always trying to escape from the bastard and get back to me. That type of training is not substantial, it fades out because the dog was not rewarded to repeat good behaviors, only punished for bad ones. I’ve had to start from the ground up but my dog is starting to be more attentive and listen to me. (And less anxious) Reward based training is much more effective for most dogs because dogs thrive on praise and they love being rewarded (doing a good job) but it takes a lot of repetition to teach an old dog new tricks (I adopted my lab mix from a shelter- he’s 2 years old)
SIDE NOTE: Some trainers use the prong collar lightly and incorporate treats, I think that method can be very effective for creating positive behaviors so I’m ok with that. I’m just talking about people who are rough with prong collars and preach about showing your dog you’re the dominant one. Like dude stfu. Dogs don’t care about all that shit they just want love and to be rewarded for good behavior
Prong collars are for preventing asphyxiation during walks, not for training. It's for dogs that chew their harnesses.
I have been mislead, but i just got my first puppy since growing up with my shephards 2 decades ago. Soaking in all the new info i can. A lot of work to do with this little guy.
Hi Zak, I subbed your channel a while ago. I received my BA in Cynology at the university of Dortmund Germany in 2001. I am currently working in the field of training police and combat dogs for tactical work with the police in Austria. I have spoken at the International Symposium on Canine Behavior, sponsored by Animal Learn in Aschau, Germany in years gone by and although i don't spend much time online looking at videos I did want to see what your site was about. I have watched a couple of other dog trainers online too. I am basically writing to say that a lot of what you are saying here is not yet proven. We are still learning a lot in this field and while some of your points are valid most of what you are saying here is still just theories that need to be studied a lot more. You appear to be more genuinely interested in building up your youtube site more than really addressing how to correctly train a dog. I was hoping to learn something from watching your channel but it all appears to be a lot of hype with little or no actual useful content. Sorry to sound negative. I don't mean to be rude.
when I was growing up we had a prong collar on our 1 year old german shepherd/huskie mix. She was definitely a handful when trying to walk her but once we utilized the collar she showed dramatic improvement and we removed the collar within a month and some change. She never pulled again and we never had to use the collar again.
I take my hat off to you, Zak. I find this explanation, logical, understandable, respectful and downright GREAT! Thanks for all your work and allowing me easy access to your training approach. Cheers, Lauren in Switzlerand
I love your talk on dog dominance. I just got through trying to watch a dvd I bought from a infomercial-Don Sullivan's "Secrets to Training the Perfect Dog". I was so uncomfortable watching his approach. I stopped the dvd and went searching on You Tube and here you are giving the best speech I have heard in a long time. I love your approach. It is completely opposite of the abuse I saw on Sullivans dvd. It's very clear you love and respect dogs. Thank you so much for your work.
I just got off the phone with a trainer who swore that I was doing wrong by my dog for using positive reinforcement. He wants me to use an e-collar and "a special touch" for to correct a bad behavior. No thanks. My doberman has been through 2 positive reinforcement dog training classes and mostly, I've used Zak George's videos to help me along the way... More so than the class. I am ready to advance his training into more reliable/advanced training since I have MS. It's not noticeable, but sometime I get off balance and he is tall and great to lean against when there are no distractions. So I guess I'll continue my search for the right hands on trainer and watching ZG's vids for help until then.
Yeah there may be something seriously wrong with that trainer. (Not Zak)
Sam Macd who are you to say
As a dog owner I have all the say in the world because of my particular opinions. I'm just saying that I don't agree with that particular trainer in the decision of using a e-collar.
Sam Macd Well, some e-collars actually spritz water and some "special touch methods" are vibrations. They are pricey, and not a shock collar. I've never used one and would only use the extra cash if my dog's life was in danger, however.
I'll never use any type of shock collars. I used positive reinforcement training with my dogs (many of Zak's techniques) along with a local trainer and my three dogs have turned out pretty good. I never quit training... Always positive.
Perfect! I work with problem horses and this is spot on. People that have the dominance theory for horses don't care to find out that 95% of horse to horse conflict is solved without contact while 85% of horse to human conflict involves contact. You don't have to dominate to make changes, you do have to earn their respect as a fair, consistent and caring leader while teaching them a new language so you can communicate with them. That may mean some have been taught by their owners to require a firm hand in the beginning, but not with pain. Pain is never a teaching tool. It takes their mind away from the lesson and learning stops. Keep up the great work!
The information in this video was very important for me to hear. Very effectively communicated. Thank you so much.
Hello Zak,
Just want to thank you for all the light you are giving me right now. I just rescued a dog and I feel in the dark now that I got him. I share 100% your philosophy and your videos are a great and so easy to understand.
I did some exercises with him base on you explications and he already answer his name and catch my solicitation when I interact with him.
We will keep on watching you 💜🐶
THANK YOU THANK YO THANK YOU💐
hi Zak !
i am gonna be honest , the first video i saw of you was with the white pitbull going for a walk. In the beginning i was like "what the hell is this guy doing ? " your method seemed silly trying the dog to work with you with a piece of chicken. This thought came of watching ceasar milans show all the time. But watching more and more of your videos i saw that your technique is the one i go for now. All the leash pulling ceasar does will not really adress the behaviour i think. The episodes where he goes back to "rehabilitated" dogs they are still have some issues... while your technique just works quicker and is more fun! Thanks for showing me zak and sorry for my english !
Thank you Samuel! I really appreciate you sharing your feedback. :)
Samuel Van Bladel I used to like Cesar too but now looking back... idk why I did
@lostinabook you liked him because he doesnt just train a good happy dog thats already balanced so its impressive to watch and means he knows what hes doing.
Not that i dont like Zak George i think hes great, but Cesar uses his way to help that german shepherd that wanted to kill any and everything that stepped foot in his yard..cant do that with pieces of chicken and a "yes good boy"
you can rehab aggressive dogs using reinforcement. well you probably can't but qualified trainers do it all the time.
How can you even compare these two? Cesar takes care of the most dangerous dogs, agressive ones, that otherwise would be put to sleep. Zak shows how to teach a nice dog a trick. You have a good dog? Great, you're lucky, teach him a trick. But if you have a problematic dog - you better call Cesar before it kills someone, or will be killed.
I have a fear reactive (aggressive) dog and it was ONLY positive behavioral tactics that helped. We worked with trainers who believed that we're effective leaders, and teachers when we train dogs to exhibit desired behaviors voluntarily. When my dog was physically "corrected", after lunging at other dogs, all it did was erode his trust in me and strengthen his belief that other dogs should be feared, because they caused bad things to happen! Later, when we chose to reward the desired behavior (before his anxiety rose too high), he slowly learned to make positive associations with other dogs... far more lasting and effective. It takes longer to work this way, but the results are worth it. Training this way builds trust and respect. It just makes sense to build positive associations with the things our dogs fear; it's usually fear that drives aggression. Most certified trainers, trained in the last decade use the same type of methods Zac uses.
Many people in the comments say that this was aimed at Cesar Millan - funny fact is that he never has a need to post something against other trainers or behaviorists, heck he even included other trainers in his DVD to show different aproaches to teaching your dog/puppy.
The term dominance is just highly overreacted, jumping to conclusion that people who believe in a pack structure or want to be a pack leader to their dog(s) automatically use force, discomfort or even e-collar is not needed. The way I look at this "dominance theory" is that I better show the dog that there are rules in the house or he will create his own. That doesn't mean that I'm going to beat him up if he chews on something he shouldn't (any person that beats up their dog is just plain stupid and probably using a dog as an outlet for their frustration and anger, and this sort of video wouldn't change them anyway). It only means that I'm going to make sure that he has enough opportunities to spend his energy the way that is appropriate for us both, without him destroying the house, or destroying me outside on the walk. Lots of playing, lots of patience, lots of training (yes, positive one), because that is what me as a pack leader have a responsibility to do to ensure my pup is happy. And then there are rituals, before feeding, before and after walking, before playing, he always has to show me that he knows how to be patient and wait, and only then what he wants becomes his reward. I don't give him things just because he wants them, there must be some structure and respect. All of that without using any force or correction. And that's the way I think a pack leader should be. But in fact, that term doesn't mean anything, because even if you don't give it a name, it stays the same. Dog without rules makes his own.
100% agree. You've summed it up perfectly and clearly doing it right. It really is that simple. Dog has to work for everything. Nothing comes free, everything he wants is earned. By being the person the dog has to go through to gain access to want he wants, we have a dog who loves to work with us.
It's a simple choice between being a benevolent leader or capricious leader.
Truth.
Thanks for saying it, i was liking this guy until I saw this video, he totally not needed to spend time and money on this crap...... the alpha and dominance subject has nothing to do with science and the Cesar guy has not been in this fiel 10 years like this kid but yes more than 30 years.
dominance is just a nature word applying to all animals, human , wolf, tiger, lion, buffalo, elephant.....
as long as there is a group of 2, fighting over limited resource, like couch, job position, mating right, fresh grass, meat...... "wild" animals use a wild way. "domesticated" animals may sometimes use wild way as well to show "dominance"
i hope u understand
@ComaBerenices i agree well said
May 1, 2021. Zak has been a wonderful teacher for me and my. Cockapoo, who I’ve had since she was 8 weeks old. She is 7 months old now and we both have learned so much from Zak. Granted, she’s not learning as fast as the dogs on these videos, but I’m not a professional trainer. But my friends are amazed at how much she has learned already. We’ll keep working throughout her life, using Zak’s methods be they work! ❤️
While watching this video I thumbs upped it, had to pause it for work, continued watching and went to LIKE Again!
I Really like this video :)
i can see the love and care you have for dogs and the effort u put into understanding them
What an awesome enlightening video . Bravo Zak !!
Thank you Zak for continually pushing the positive reinforcement training movement for dogs. I can't, and never will understand the mentality of some who choose to beat a dog down to the point of compliance - how on earth is that considered healthy? Keep fighting the good fight, and know there are a bunch of people who appreciate you producing this great training advice!
I'm trying to teach a rescue dog to get his Canine Good Citizen certification so he'll be much more adoptable. But I'm also trying to teach myself dog training to be able to train the dog. As for training me, I'm pretty much using the "Monkey See, Monkey Do" approach. Your great and informative videos I believe will prove very helpful. Thank you.
Holy smokes. You speak your mind. Your true. You deserve the recognition your getting. New to your channel. We have a 5 year old daughter. We just got a corgi . Not my first dog, but "my new family's" first dog.
Zak I have been around dogs all my life and was brought up with the "Alpha Dominance" theories ... and seen what appear to be extremely good results with "dominant aggressive" dogs mostly GSDs and Akitas, among others. I find your video really interesting and would like to learn more about your "science" based methods. I have watched many of your videos and love to see you work with the dogs .... like a breath of fresh air!!!! :)
love your videos! please keep up this sane, compassionate and entertaining approach to dog training...
Excellent as ever Zak, keep up the good work.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Our family once dogsat for a person who went on holiday for a few weeks. The dog was a beautiful black working/hunting lab around 8 months old, he came with a shock collar and a warning that he was hyper and unmanageble. Yes he was hyper, but he was also so smart and very food motivated. I felt so bad for him that his owner was trying to train by dominance and force, it took very little time to get him to come to his name and then to return from or stay at a distance using positive training (I think one of the reasons he had been so hyper was that he had never really been allowed to properly RUN) A good long walk with plenty of running, playing with our dog and fetch made him calm right down. He became a lovely dog in a short time and we had multiple people ask after him and even some local people offering to buy him. One good thing is that when his owner returned she was suprised but impressed at his progress and she changed her strategy too.
I absolutely love this video and have watched it a couple of times. I have also recommended it to several people. Thank you for the truly great and helpful videos.
Please don't recommend this! It is all uneducated LIES!
Kameo Hosley If it's all lies, then please refer me to the scientific literature supporting the 'alpha male' idea.
The scientist who came up with the alpha role bullcrap has come forward like 20 yrd later after extensive research (captive wolves in unnatural enviroment doesn't act like normal wolves in wild) and said the whole alpha crap is false and that trainers who use his original research for dog training like Caesar are wrong and he considered training based on the alpha role crap as animal abuse. Fyi
Thank you for this, I’m so proud of my dog and myself, my dog did this following theses instructions, again thank you... i will start doing the clean your paws next! Warm greetings. Here is the official link: tinyurl.com/TrainYourDog77
Hello Zak. I am very impressed with your approach and your techniques in handling dogs. My wife and I are getting ready to work with a rescue organization that deals with court case dogs. It has been a long time since I've handled them. I had some experience, many years ago, working for a company that trained working dogs for a sheriff's dept. They used the Koehler method. What I remember is that it was quite harsh and used the choke collar extensively. I could never get my head around the idea of using pain as a motivator. Your method makes so much sense.
We've avoided owning a dog since we travel so frequently...however working with and helping to train rescue dogs so that they can become members loving of a family and/or help veterans with PTSD is something we hope to be able to do.
Your video series is a big step in that direction. Keep up the excellent work!
I can't hit thumbs up enough times.... this is absolutely amazing! Thank you so so much for making this
This is very interesting! I found your channel when I was searching to revise on puppy training. My old old dog recently died and back when I used to train him, cesar Milan was the most listened to dog trainer because he was on the TV. I learned that my Shadow didn't respond to dominance and we eventually found our own respectful peaceful way of living with each other. He died three weeks ago. Then a puppy needed rehoming and herself I am, learning about puppy behaviour (shadow was grown when I rescued him). So.. Great channel, I've learnt loads and I'm glad that the dominance myth is being addressed.
Hey Zak, Well said . . . Bravo!! keep up the good work and I look forward to getting your new book.
Really excellent! people need more information on the 'differences' between wolves and dogs...you did a great job here and so glad you addressed the 'myths'.
Love your videos Zak.
I have 3 golden retrievers and a Beagle (foster failure) lol. They are so smart and eager to learn. I've applied your techniques and got almost instant results.
I started clicker training as well. My Golden's thrive when being rewarded and not punished. I'm a firm believer in what you preach.. Keep up the great work :) 💜
I love this guy. Inspired me to rescue a puppy and opened my mind to clear, loving communication with my puppy. That you Zak George
I like Zaks vids, they are a great tool for simple tricks and everything, but I strongly disagree with a lot of his statements in this video. Dogs do display dominance. Wolfs live in social packs with a hierarchy, etc.
I adopted a one year old Pit that was mistreated and neglected. At first I tried to shower her with love, teach her a few tricks, meet nice people and have good experiences. This was not enough. Finally I looked around at different dog trainers. The first one I tried had "Zak's" approach of treats and high pitch voices. This did not work at all. She only learned to boss me around, knock food down and do what she wants.
Then I called a dog behaviorist. He showed me how to truly make my dog happy. Show her rules, boundaries and limitations. Have her earn love and rewards at first, recognize displays of dominance (Always trying to sit or stand taller than you, lean against you while standing in front of you which is claiming. Running at other dogs full speed, chest out ears back tail up, trying to make them move.
Since the behaviorist came over and showed me these things our relationship is great! We have moved on to off leash training, she has basically no anxiety any more and is always by my side, happy and eager for our next adventure!
There are more behavioral trainers on the internet (Like Cesar) than there are these people like Zak. They all have amazing success. I have only seen Zak train a dog that is already balanced and happy. I would love him to take a dog that is controlling a house hold and turn them into a good dog with high pitch voices and treats.
I really detest the tone you used with me, like I'm a simpleton who just doesn't get it.
Dont assume because Zak's techniques didn't work on my dog, that I did everything wrong. But I guess the handful of trainers and experts I have spoken to (like Mans Best Friend, the number one dog training facility in Dallas) that I have a dog that pushes to be dominant and I have to learn body language, signals, and do drills to show her I'm the leader. But then again its easier just to say "It worked for me so you must be doing something wrong" then end your comment with an ironic winky face.
+Kevin B Social Justice Warriors ruin everything, you really shouldn't take them seriously unless you want to drive yourself crazy. The arrogance of self-righteous fools talking about what "science says" while never bothering to provide citations or even explain their methods of testing hypotheses is borderline intolerable. Discipline and rules = animal abuse because feelingz. "Does that make sense?" Give me a break.
+Kevin B I'm with you.this nice and smile style works on some stuff and on balanced nice dogs.
I use it to teach my dog commands. I took a 3 years old dog, she wants to kill cats. I didn't have her as a puppy, when I got her she wanted to kill cats, there is nothing in Zak's arsenal to show me how to teach my dog to leave cats alone. With dominance on the other hand I managed to get my dog to walk next to cats in a couple of weeks.
This is an absolutely fantastic explanation of the 'dominance theory' and living dynamic of the dog. Absolutely wonderful, thank you!
Ever hear of The Monks of New Skete? They have been successfully training dogs since the early 1970's and wrote their first dog training book in 1978. They talk extensively about the nature of dogs and their origins in wolf packs,and how many of these innate behaviors still exist. They ALSO emphasize the absolute necessity of bonding with the dog. Their methods of training incorporate positive reinforcement and communication, as well as corrective action (usually mild) when necessary. Of all the dog training books I have read, (and I have read quite a few!) my now six month old Rottweiler has responded best from their methods.
After much study, The Monks of New Skete also renounced the dominance method of training. They openly stated that their research was based on wolves in captivity versus wild observation. They also stated that after much observation of this training with domesticated dogs that in many circumstances it caused psychological damage to the dogs.
Love what you have to say. Your passion is obvious. We need so many more like you helping us train our dogs!
great vids. "those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act" - albert einstein
Hey it's raven. I've been practicing what you have shown me with the leash pulling with Zeus, and it is work big time. He doesn't pull me as bad. I might get 1 or 2 pulls out of him and that will be it. Thank you so much for helping us Zeus. You're the best!
Awesome! You're such a good trainer! Give Zeus a big hug from me! He's great!
Zak, you mention multiple times the approach and advise on dogs and dog training you are giving are based on science. I'd like to know what scientific studies you based this video on. I agree with the benefits of positive based training, however I'm not sold on your views on dog psychology and their social behaviors and processes. You state in your video sharing science is important to learning and I completely agree with that statement, please share.
If only the community would be they say that it's not based on science without providing any studies to prove what they have stated...
So perfectly put I totally agree bc it's common sense just like with a child if you keep scolding or treating your pet negatively it won't have positive feedback only fear and insecurity. I'm so happy that we are in this modern society where ppl like you believe in positive reinforcement. Itis the same with kids too. Everything positive has a more thriving result and makes everyone happy.
Great public service!! Nice work, so beautifully articulated. Thanks.
I really liked when you talked about not accusing anyone of abuse or saying your a bad owner. I try to educate " old dog trainer" thinking people that positive reinforcement is necessary an just as necessary is knowing what your dog needs. Without hurting their feelings or making them feel any negative type of way. People ask why my dog is so well behaved an can walk without a leash next to me an its because he respects me an doesn't fear me.
Zak, r u talking about the Dog Whisperer when u say this about dominance?
+The Official ET Whisperer Channel - Rob Gauthier He is certainly referencing Cesar. What people forget is that Cesar works with dogs which are already either out of control or who have really bead behaviours. Training a dog from the beginning is a very different thing to retraining a serious case of bad behaviour. Someone has to be the boss - it might as well be you - it doesn't mean doing an alpha roll, or being in any way physically dominant. Positive reinforcement all the way, but I'd be interested to see this guy turn a seriously crazy pitbull around with bouncy positivity.
I like both your videos and Cesar. Cesar teaches how ppl should be it’s not about the dog. Being calm and good leader. For ppl. Not to get frustrated. Same as your videos. A lot can be learned from both. Cesar. Has saved many dogs, when positive training doesn’t work. Most trainers will tell these owners to put dog down. Being a good leader and using positive training can make a person a good dog owner. I hate that ppl fight over who’s right and who is wrong. Every dog is different,every owner is different. Using training that works and having happy owners and dogs is the outcome everyone wants.
I don't think the dominance theory is a myth. I have nothing against positive reinforcement but I think we should have a balance of both. It is important to have a bond with your dog but respect is a bond too. Off course you don't have to use an e-collar and choke chain but you should be its leader or guide. I think that it is unfair to directly criticise this theory and I believe that people should be more open-minded about these training methods. I still like to watch these videos and get tips but people like Cesar Millan have helped me tons and it is unfair to undermine them. They aren't cruel, they simply have a different approach which is more instinctive.
Katya Alban that's the problem. When people here "dominance" they think it means physically but it doesn't. (Zak's video's he's always talking about) you have to start setting boundaries and rules which dogs need. If you don't create them your dog will for you and that's the problem. Dominance doesn't mean bullying your dog or showing who's alpha. It's about setting rules and boundries for your dog in a structured manner.
I agree with you, it makes so much sense. Domesticated dogs were bred purposefully to be with humans, not to be in the wild. So we need to act like humans when we deal with our dogs. I recently got a cute little Scottish Terrier puppy. I haven't had a dog since I was a child, (which was a long time ago) so everything is new. But she's adorable and I love her and she deserves the best training I can give her. Thanks for your series. I look forward to learning more from you in the future.
+evabellgardens Dogs can go back to wild instincts easily, all it takes is neglect from the human. Thousands of years of breeding does not stop instinct , it just puts it in dormant mode. This is why training works.
+Golden Google Member of America That's actually quite true. We have a lot of street dogs on here, and they wait for humans to throw garbage out. I've NEVER seen one hunt anything at all (of course, the feral ones are probably different coz they are mentally ill)/
I’m a primarily positive reinforcement trainer learning my trade through marine mammals. Drives me crazy when trainers say positive reinforcement is science-based training technique and positive punishment training is not.
Wow, thank you for this. I knew this was how I felt about this subject, but I didn't know how to put the concept into words
Cesar does NOT do obedience training on his show! He does NOT train dogs, nor is he using dominance methods on all dogs!! The episodes I have seen where a dog is shy/nervous he always work on the dogs confidence and never using the alpha role.
Where is this scientific data saying using positive reinforcement only is the most effective way to train from?
If you look at real professional trainers who train police dogs and rescue dogs, you will see that they use both positive and negative reinforcement!
Dogs are individuals who responds different to various training methods.
Please do a show where you train 2 adult dominant powerful dogs with aggressive tendencies using positive reiforcement only.
Don't get me wrong I really like your way of training puppies and obedience training, but when it comes to adult dogs with serious issues I think Cesar is the guy to call.
When the other positive only trainer victoria Stillwell didn't succeed training an agressive cocker spaniel over 6 weeks and the dog ended up biting the girl in the home, she told the family to euthanize the dog!!!
Not cool
Dude Victoria Stillwell is awesome shame you! I'd like to see u train a dog and he doesnt even do Police dog or rescue dog training now does he? You ignorant rotten piece of dog shit
I have to correct you, Cesar himself admits in his series that he is to carry dominance over the dogs. He even uses shock collars at one point. Please do some research before you begin your long essay it's quite misleading. I agree with you that dogs need both positive/negative reinforcements at times just like children. But I don't think you're getting the topic of discussion here since it's certain "method" of negative reinforcement that's being denounced. Even the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior have denounced this "domiance theory" as inhumane and ineffective in the long run since it establishes "antagonistic relationship" between owner and the dog.
Hoochoo River he uses vibrating collars, i thought they were shock collars too but i don't see him using them
Here's your science, as proof: drsophiayin.com/philosophy/dominance/
When we fully understand that dogs learn better with the training methods put out by behavioral scientists, we will then see permanent results. For now, though, sadly we are seeing dogs that are ruled by fear, making them actually more of a future risk because fear is one of the hardest behaviors to train a dog out of... This doctor's work is amazing & on a scientific level, I learned so much about the workings of a dog's mind. They (actual behavioral scientists) don't even use the term "alpha" when talking about wolves because they've learned that the whole concept doesn't actually fit natural wolf behavior! Fascinating stuff!!
top kek
Zak! I'm so glad that you are part of the new style of trainers that advocate partenership and positive communication with our furry best friends! I've been enjoying watching your stuff!
I think that a lot of people like methods such as Milan's because he seems (but not really) to offer a quick solution. But the truth is that building a relationship with a dog and raising it properly takes a lot of time and effort.
A lot of people will rather be lazy and quickly get rid of the barking, pulling, etc. which is just symptom removal, instead of taking the time to work on the underlying problem. Sure you can kick a dog, just like a child will shut up if you hit it. But if you want your dog to grow up healthy and happy and mentally stable, building a positive relationship works much better.
The difference is that what Zak says has been proven time and time again with decent scientific research and the dominance myth is indeed nothing more than a myth.
Dion7 They like them because humans like to dominant things around them. Its how we became the top species on the planet. Its also why so many of them refuse to even try to use positive reward based training :(
Tre ori I don't think we are the top species because of dominance, but simply because our ability to live any way that we may find, with anything that is there, aka creativity.
+Dion7 Great advice - yet it is frightening how many trainers still promote the old pack ideas on being the alpha and bullying dogs. I'm ashamed to say that for a couple of weeks I believed and followed their advice - it had a negative effect on the dogs - their behaviour became worse. I followed Zak's approach and we were all much happier and learning has resumed -quickly! Time, patience and (firm) love are the ways ! best wishes!
+Dion7 If you had taken time analizing the essence of Cesar Millan teaching you'd see that there is no easy-fix to anything, dogs live in the moment and you have to always be calm and assertive to assure your dog that you'll be able to care for him in any situation, to be the "back leader" doesn't mean "beat your dog" it means be someone your dog can trust with his life to protect him in any situation including wit other dogs.
Veronica Agnelli I know very well how Milan works. I've watched his tv show, read most of his books, watched multiple dog trainers and dog psychologists reflect on his methods and spent quite some time myself studying dog behavior, both in books and scientific studies. I am fully capable of understanding how Milan works and how he affects dogs.
You may see something different when you look at Milan, but don't presume that I don't do my homework when it comes to studying dogs.
I am so happy I found this channel. I have been taking more of a disciplinarian dominant approach with my two new dogs and could sense their fear and uneasiness when trying to train them. That was the only approach to dog training that I have ever knew of. I looked up how to get a dog to stop chewing. And your was my choice I've watched 3 videos already. This is amazing! I cant wait to start teaching them in a way thats best for them.
I cant help but feel like this is one big jab against Cesar Milan. He doesn't use choke chains, shock collars, hitting, yelling, anger, or punishing mistakes. He uses rules, boundaries, and exercise the same as any other "modern" trainer. The only difference is that he teaches with a calm and assertive manner. I guess the strict dad approach comes off as mean or even abusive.
I know right, some people are vaginas.
Because the way he treated Shadow was a modern approach to teaching a dog not to be aggressive toward other dogs. He's not just being an "assertive dad" with dogs. He's choked them out before and has caused them serious trauma. Don't believe me? Look it up and see for yourself. I'll even send you several videos if you ask for them.
I see no reason to assume he is talking about any individual trainer. He is careful not to mention anybody by name.
The problem I have with Cesar Milan is he chooses subjects (the humans) who are borderline crazy, talks about new age baloney as if aligning your chi so that your aura is more purple will matter to a dog, and then uses substantial editing to make it look like saying "shhht" cures everything instantly. Many times he takes the dog to his special facilities for weeks, and who knows what happens there. His show is entertainment; it's not really educational.
I believe Zak George is talking about people who train with choke collars, prong collars, shock collars, leash jerking, etc. Those videos are out there.
He does use either collars but only when needed
I completely agree
Thank you so much for making this video. I have worked with animals for many years and never thought about training in this way, but it makes complete sense. Keep up the good work with helping animals and how to teach humans how to interact with them properly ;-) You rock!
Before reading these comments, and especially before posting one, please look up the definitions and understand positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. That's a good start to forming an informed opinion. If you do chose to base your opinion on this simplistic categorization of basic training of behavior, understand that positive reinforcement is the most effective, followed by negative punishment, and in a distant last is negative reinforcement and positive punishment.
Then understand that even the wolf pack is largely misunderstood. Wolf packs are fluid, complex, and not this mindless and strict hierarchy that is often assumed because it's a simple and easy idea to understand.
Every situation is different. Everybody is at least a little right.
Just bought your book and started to watch your videos. They're quite astonishing.
When dogs snarl at each other, stand over one another, climb on each other, and climb on people, what is that called?
Dominance
it's called "aWw puPpeRzZ is soO CuTeE!!"
Stress. Dominance can be ONE PART of behavior. If I have a group with dogs showing this behavior I know that I have failed 😂
Wow! Thank you! I stumbled across your videos when looking for information on labradoodle puppies. My husband and I are planning to get our first dog (meeting our first candidate this weekend) and I have just dove head first into your step by step playlist. I LOVED this information as I have never wanted to be a dominating trainer and wondered how successful I would be training through reward. Thank you, again, Zak!
Thank you so much for this. When i first started learning about dog behavior, everything i read was about being the "pack leader" (i cant stand that term), and all these things that your dog does, is them trying to be dominant over you. I was so disgusted, i stopped reading about dog behavior and said, if all this means my dog is dominating me then so be it, at least i can love and enjoy my dog instead of seeing everything she does as a threat. Its so absurd. Who ever came up with that stuff is really insecure, and has some real issues. It never made any sense to me. If dogs are always trying to assert their dominance over you, why would anyone want one? At what point are you supposed to bond with your dog, and love and enjoy them? The really sad thing is that there is still so much of that misinformation out there. Everytime i read about dog training or even watch videos, i always end up back on your channel, and remind myself that those people are idiots.
You are the dog trainer that should be on the TV.
"...to train from this (dominance theory) mindset is to ignore the entire purpose for why the dog even exists..." I adore this statement
Lovely video Zak! commenting for the algorithm because even though it's an older video it is still wonderfully informative and is exactly what I have been looking for to show those who still believe in these outdated ideas!
I loved this video, I been working with dogs for almost 10 years and I always try to explain why this type of training is so ineffective.
Love seeing videos based on sound reasoning and science. Thank you, Zak! If ever you come to the UK, myself and my sprocker, Holly, would love to meet you!
Different dogs. Different personalities. different techniques for different cases.
Yes
I once tried taking my dog to a trainer but quickly stopped when I like you realized that bonding with my sweet lunabear was 100 times better than being the dominant one, and yes there are still some things we could work on but she is now 7 and I'd rather work with her a little everyday. thanks and keep up the good work!
As long as the all-positive-bandwagon thing doesn't become a reason to be violent (verbally or physically) toward others who think differently, or start to want to police them, I don't see anything wrong with it.
How do you feel about death before discomfort? Shelter dogs are often not adopted and killed for displaying two behaviors, jumping and lunging. If a shelter dog's jumping can be eliminated through pressure on/off techniques of a prong collar in a matter of days so that they're adoptable, should it be done or should the dog be killed?
The problem with the pure positive cure all movement is that they would rather choose the latter because they refuse to go outside their toolbox to create structure and boundaries in a limited time frame because it's they're hung up on a tool being abusive and not the handler.
That's where I draw issue.
***** Of course I'm right there with you on the subject of saving the life of dogs by using the appropriate tools to rehab them. No dog should ever be killed because one couldn't succeed with a particular method of training.
That's my only point when trainers like Zak come along as bash other trainers who deal with dogs that Zak wouldn't even touch. I love positive reinforcement. It's amazing. It's not a cure all.
He's out of line and low on credibility when he's bashing other trainers who do what he doesn't.
If he prefaced every video with,"Hey guys, I'm a great agility and trick trainer so take what I say in reference to that."
There would be ZERO issues with him.
As long as dogs don't get abused by tools designed to cause pain in the name of having a "different view" than scientists and well-educated behaviorists, then I don't see anything wrong with having a different view.
Slumdog except that your inflicting pain on your dog when you have the option to NOT hurt them. You're okay with hurting your friend despite knowing there are other methods and better ways to build the bond and relationship? If your mom slapped you every time you made a mistake or spilled something instead if explaining to her child why something is wrong. She could teach you without hurting you, but she's too lazy so she just slaps you instead. This is what you're doing to your dog- you are CHOOSING to HURT them over NOT hurting them and actually putting some time in.
Youre a great man Zak George. I like how you are so informal about positive and negative training. I look up to you. Keep up the good work!!