Myth: Go Out the Door First to Be Alpha

MYTH

Humans need to go through doorways first to be Alpha

There are benefits to manners around doorways, but establishing dominance or being Alpha isn’t one of them. (And you actually don’t need either of those things to have a well-behaved, obedient dog!)

To read more about dominance, check out these articles:

• ”’Dominance’ Mythologies, Suzanne Hetts” by Patricia McConnell

• ”Why ‘Dominance’ Shouldn’t Be a Dirty Word” by Victoria Stillwell

• Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
  

TRUTH

Doorways are check points for safety and listening

When - and if - I formally teach doorway manners, I teach the dog to wait at the open door, go through when cued and then automatically turn around to face me. This means:

• I’m less likely to trip going through the door because the dog isn’t rushing through at the same time

• the dog is calmer and better able to listen outdoors because I’ve checked that he is calm and thinking at the door—just before we leave

Watch Cesar demonstrate some lovely door manners!