Last update: April 2019.

How to cite: Barata, R. (2012). Dominance in Dogs: A Comprehensive Scientific Compilation. Human-Animal Science.

We have a world of knowledge to explore in real and virtual life. However, sometimes, it is hard to find reliable evidence and facts about some subjects.

Let’s use science models impartially, regardless of our moral beliefs.

Through defining terms and concepts, we become responsible professionals. We will know how to distinguish science from popular myths and allegories and learn to respect each species. Different species communicate differently.

I have compiled a set of subject matters and research studies from authorities in animal behavior. I will update it regularly.

I expect that these articles will help you to create your educated opinion.

Give a little time to the reading of the following references. Build up reliable scientific knowledge that will enable you to engage in meaningful discussions. Please, click on the articles to read them.

Articles

• Dominance, submission, hierarchies, ethograms, and all scientific definitions on the subject. Article by Dr. Roger Abrantes.

• Dominance and aggressiveness – Critical reasoning. Article by Dr. Roger Abrantes.

• Canine Ethogram—Social and Agonistic Behavior, by Dr. Roger Abrantes.

• Dr. Simon Gadbois’s article on dominance and punishment.

• Canine Etogram-Social and Agonistic Behavior. Article by Dr. Roger Abrantes.

• Article by Dr. Marc Bekoff with the testimony of Dr. David Mech stating that he never rejected the notion of dominance.

• Dominance and Pseudo-science. Article by Dr. Marc Bekoff.

• Dogs display dominance—article by Dr. Marc Bekoff with several studies and other essays on the subject.

• Study the ontogeny of social play and agonistic behavior in selected canid species.

• Study with quantitative analysis of dominance in domestic dogs.

• An article by Dr. David Mech in 2011 stated that there is no problem using the term “alpha” with wolves in some cases and that the problem was the complete misrepresentation of the term (page 8).

• Another study about dominance in domestic dogs.

• Study about Age-graded dominance hierarchies and social tolerance in packs of free-ranging dogs.

• Various articles and studies about Social Hierarchies.

• Use wrong wolf generation time in assessments of domestic dog and human evolution.

• Dr. Mech: Alpha Status, Dominance, and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs.

• Dr. David Mech: Leadership in wolf, Canis lupus, Packs.

Recommended Reading

Abrantes, R. (1997). The Evolution of Canine Social Behavior. Wakan Tanka Publishers.

Abrantes, R. (1997). Dog Language. Wakan Tanka Publishers

Coppinger, R. and Coppinger, L. (2001). Dogs: a Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution. Scribner.

Eaton, Barry. (2002). Dominance in Dogs: Fact or Fiction? Dogwise.

McFarland, D. (1998). Animal Behaviour. Benjamin Cummings. 3rd ed.

McFarland, D. (2006). A Dictionary of Animal Behaviour. Oxford University Press

Székely, T. (2010). Social Behaviour, Genes, Ecology, and Evolution. Cambridge University Press.

Watson, J.C., Arp, Robert. (2015). Critical Thinking—an introduction to reasoning well. Bloomsbury Academic.