Dangers of Alpha Rolling
Greta Kaplan, CPDT, CDBC
I read a tragic news article: “Puppy Owner Pleads Not Guilty for Choking Animal to Death,” Associated Press, February 26, 2010. According to the article, the owner admitted holding the 10-week old Labrador puppy down for 20 seconds after the puppy bit the owner’s girlfriend on the nose, causing what the Animal Services officer called “a minor scratch.”. According to the officer, the puppy was taken to an emergency vet where he “couldn’t walk, was breathing poorly and had reddish saliva and blue gums.” The puppy died.
Without further information, of course, we do not know what motivated the owner. Perhaps he was really angry and lost his temper, badly enough to kill the puppy. Certainly, this does not match the description given.
If we acce
pt the description given, the owner deliberately held the puppy down, using quite a lot of force. It appears this holding-down maneuver was intended as a consequence for a bite to the girlfriend’s nose. It’s reasonable to conclude that the owner believed two things: First, that the bite to the nose was a seriously unacceptable, even aggressive act that justified severe discipline; and second, that holding a puppy down with severe force is an appropriate way to discipline a dog, including a ten-week old puppy.
Both of these propositions are false. First, puppies this age bite. It’s developmentally normal and almost never “aggressive.” (Serious aggression in puppies this age is so rare that it causes a flurry on trainer email lists if observed; many trainers simply never have seen it.) Second, holding a dog or puppy down as a form of discipline is dangerous and unnecessary.
The danger can be to the person if the dog is an adult, particularly a large one. Holding a large adult dog down puts the person’s face near the dog’s mouth, and a dog who panics, or decides not to put up with the human aggression, is very likely to target the face simply because it’s nearby. It can also be dangerous to the dog, as in this case, where the size and strength disparity was extreme.
This type of discipline is unnecessary. Dogs simply do not use “holding each other down” or “rolling other dogs over” as a way of punishing or enforcing status. Wolves may do it, but they do so extremely rarely; but in any case, dogs are not wolves; and even if they were, we are not wolves and do not remotely understand how and when to apply this type of serious, dangerous consequence. There are numerous other safer, saner and more effective ways to influence your dog’s behavior.
Where, then, would an owner get the idea this was a good tactic? One popular dog training book by The Monks of New Skete advocated the “alpha roll” in its first edition, about three decades ago. The second edition, much more recent, retracted that advice with an apology. However, the original edition is still out there; I recently saw a client who’d done a few alpha rolls on her young dog, based on that very book, which she’d picked up secondhand.
Realistically, though, not many people read that book any more. On the other hand, every week, millions of people watch a television star who often performs maneuvers very like the one that killed this puppy. You can watch, on YouTube and the National Geographic website, as this entertainer grabs dogs and pushes or slams them onto the ground. In some clips, you can literally see the dog’s tongue turning blue after some time on the ground. No wonder many pet owners might get the idea that this is a potentially 
appropriate response to perceived aggression from the dog.
And, this same performer often delivers this type of consequence for behavior described as “dominant.” I don’t doubt that he might describe normal puppy biting as “dominant.” So again, it’s no wonder that a pet owner might be led to perceive normal puppy biting as “dominant,” and to respond in a way he’d seen repeatedly modeled on TV.
I do not know whether the owner of the dead puppy, who is being charged with felony animal abuse, has watched “The Dog Whisperer” on TV. However, I don’t know one competent behavior consultant who did not immediately, on seeing this tragic news story, make the same guess I did. This type of human behavior is repeatedly modeled by a charismatic, persuasive, and apparently effective role model on an extremely popular television show. It is inevitable that someone was going to “try this at home” with disastrous results; and this puppy’s death might be that disastrous result.
May 26th, 2010 at 6:34 am
[...] Behind the Behavior » Blog Archive » Dangers of Alpha Rolling [...]
May 26th, 2010 at 8:23 am
I agree that alpha rollovers are not warranted and a reprehensible action ( I can’t bring myself to call it a training technique). It does not hurt us to be reminded of this from time to time. But I do find a couple of things bothersome about this article.
First, in my days as an AHT I worked in an emergency veterinary clinic for seven years and I was married to a police officer for 13. That gives me disturbing insight into things humans are capable of, especially when they loose it. Reading this article, I could imagine this person choking this pup to death or hanging by a collar, killing it without using the alpha rollover.
Second, stating that alpha rollovers can be seen in books, on videos,and even on television is enough without name blasting.
I think the person mentioned gets enough press without talented trainers who use safe, humane methods giving him more. People read that name, and the googling begins. When it does, good press does exist about this guy and when read could indicate our motives are in question.
Keep spreading the good word!
May 26th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Puppies need nurturing and guidance not cruel confrontational episodes from people who do not understand dog behavior and communication. Puppies chew, try to bite and of course, their are kinder ways to show pup what to do, the right thing. Great blog article Greta!! Forced alpha rollovers are never necessary and I say that coming from the point of working with aggression, reactivity, shy/fearful behaviors daily.
Humans are and can be much more horrible than any aggressive dog I’ve met to date. Very sad people take these techniques as gospel, because incidents like this will continue to happen. I think showing what to do instead is the mission of all positive reward-based trainers and just understand wherever this particular person learned the method, they were using the only knowledge they understood – confrontation. Hoping this poor puppy’s death wasn’t for nothing and a way to get the word out as to how some techniques can go terribly wrong and are never needed.
Thanks Greta for writing this!
May 26th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Thanks for the comment, Cathy. You’re right; the person I mentioned certainly gets a lot of press. I think if I hadn’t mentioned it explicitly, someone would have asked me to, so instead of beating around the bush I just said it.
Anyone who wishes to question my motives is free to do so; I don’t silence debate. I work with so-called “red zone” dogs, and have saved dogs’ lives, I’m not losing any business because of this person, and I’m not envious of his alleged success. My only motive is to expose dangerous techniques and promote safe, effective training; if someone wants to expose that, they are welcome to!
Thanks for adding your perspective from your ER vet work and your husband’s work. I agree; this could have been simply anger, but the story certainly didn’t have that feel about it. We may never know. I went with what was reported, and I hope that by disseminating the contents of this news report, I can prevent other puppy owners from thinking an alpha-roll technique could possibly be a good idea with a tiny puppy.
Greta Kaplan, CDBC, CPDT
Companion Animal Solutions
May 26th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Greta, that was a good article. thank you for putting it out there. We need the media to spread more accurate information and education about living with pets, particularly dogs. Most families in the U.S own dogs, and it is about time that good information like this is available to all, so dogs and their families can have long lasting, fulfilled lives together. More education could lead to less dogs being harmed, euthanized, or sent to spend their lives going from one foster or owner to another…or even behind bars. It could also lead to less bites to people, particularly children. Thanks for being such a rational, educated advocate for canines!
May 26th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Thank you, Bonnie. Although the event that prompted this essay upset me greatly, I’m glad to be able to help get this important information out.
Greta Kaplan, CDBC, CPDT
Companion Animal Solutions
May 26th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Thank you for your comments, Diane. Of course I explain to all my puppy clients how normal their puppy’s behavior is (usually), and show them gentle, clear ways to start helping the puppy use other ways of communicating with us. If only I got more chances to do that, preventing the problems I otherwise end up seeing later. I’m sure you know what I mean.
Greta Kaplan, CDBC, CPDT
Companion Animal Solutions
May 27th, 2010 at 5:25 am
Hey, cool website. I actually came across this on Yahoo, and I am really happy I did. I will definately be returning here more often. Wish I could add to the post and bring a bit more to the table, but am just absorbing as much info as I can at the moment.
Thank You
Dog Toys and Clothes
May 29th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Thank you, Greta, for this greatly informative post. I especially like the terms you use for the TV ‘trainer’ – you call him an entertainer and performer. Perfect!
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:45 am
Thank you, Berta, for visiting. We try to provide a variety of informative articles and welcome visitors, old and new.
Thank you, Skye, for your comment. As you allude to, this topic is a touchy one to discuss. I wrote it the same day I read the article, and really had to struggle with my tone! I’m glad this article, and similar ones, are getting some visibility as we struggle to bring appropriate training to a wider audience.
Greta Kaplan, CDBC, CPDT
Companion Animal Solutions
June 3rd, 2010 at 5:06 am
Please, can you PM me and tell me few more thoughts about this, I am in fact fan of your blog…
June 19th, 2010 at 10:31 am
I am enjoying your blog…however, in my dog’s case, the “alpha roll” technique has worked great.
My dog is an Australian shepherd mix (retriever?) about 14 months old now. Very much bigger than his litter mates, he has always been very “alpha”, especially when he thinks activities should be going in a different manner. He is a very smart, high energy neutered male, and has been a pleasure for the most part. But, sometimes he blows a fuse and runs wild, nipping at any family members nearby.
He responds well to verbal commands and positive rewards (food/toy) under almost all situations except when he “blows the fuse.” Under that circumstance, I have found NOTHING works except grabbing him, and essentially pinning him. At this point in his development, he expects it, he accepts it, it is no big deal. He almost goes down willingly. Almost like a relief.
I know that may seem odd. But, it is as if he doesn’t know how else to end his frustrating moment, and is relieved to have it end in our little ritual. I am not rough, but firm (and gentle). These occasions are more and more rare now that he is maturing of course, but this technique was helpful to us, and believe me, I would welcome a different solution if there was one!
June 19th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Hi Edward,
Given that dogs (and wolves) don’t use rolling or pinning among each other to control behavior, why do you think this rolling technique seems to work so well with your dog?
Greta Kaplan, CDBC, CPDT
Companion Animal Solutions
Portland, OR
June 20th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@Edward . . . and if it “worked” then why do you have to keep doing it? It would be great to find a trainer that is knowledgable and can help you find out how to communicate with your dog so that you never have to use an “alpha roll” again. I have worked with clients who have done this, supposedly “successfully” (that never is correct in my experience) then one day the dog snaps and wa-la you have a dog with some serious problems!
You say you would welcome a different solution and I can honestly say there are tons of them! Find someone to help you thru http://www.apdt.com!
June 20th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Totally awesome….i am still amazed at the great info i come accross on the web….this is very helpfull…thanks
July 21st, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Two things. I think you were absolutely right in naming this ‘charismatic’ TV performer who advocates the alpha roll. Many people aren’t aware that this and other procedures he advocates are not only counter-productive but dangerous. Second, regarding the alpha roll itself: in the 1980s, my wife and I had a Bouvier pup. The Monks of New Skete book had just been published, to great acclaim, and I’m sorry to say that we, not knowing any better, followed most of its recommendations, especially the use of the alpha roll as a ‘training’ technique. Before many months had passed, I was ‘flipping’ a 70-80lb. dog and pinning it to the ground with my hand at its throat. Luckily for me–but probably unluckily for him–he didn’t decide that two could play at the ‘dominance’ game, but neither did he learn from having a naive 150lb. human’s behaving that way.
We’ve since had two Wheaten Terriers, one of whom lived past fifteen, but by the time they came to live with us positive reinforcement had become the guide for training, and the fictions generated by a mistaken understanding of wolf behaviour had mostly disappeared.
September 8th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
There are many trainers and as many techniques for training our canine companions – it seems obvious that this fellow did not know a thing about puppies, training or discipline. It is tragic that the puppy died.
For each dog and each circumstance an experienced trainer/ dog person will tailor the techniques he or she uses to fit that dog. Alpha rolls even among wolves are not meant to harm or kill just put said animal in its place, it is usually brief and may even involve eye contact or a snarl. With a youg pup or any dog putting pressure on the throat with enough force to cause injury – is heinous, under any circumstance.
September 9th, 2010 at 12:32 am
Hi Beatrice, thank you for your comment. I agree with you that the man in the article did not know anything about puppies or about training.
I don’t agree with your other premise, though. Wolves do not use alpha rolls to put another wolf in its place, period. There is, in fact, no animal species that forces another animal onto its back as a method of showing dominance or discipline. If you see a wolf on its back, it rolled itself there as a gesture of submission; a very different action! It is simply a myth, and an unfortunate one, that wolves roll other wolves.
If wolves don’t use this technique with each other, it boggles the mind to think that humans could use it successfully. First, dogs aren’t wolves. Behaviorally, they are very distinct species. Dogs descended from wolves, but the split took place long enough ago in evolutionary time to achieve speciation. If you take a newborn wolf pup and cross-foster it with a Labrador mom, socialize it like a Labrador, and completely and utterly pretend it’s a Labrador… it will still be a wolf, with rigid social rules, a high degree of predation, a long flight distance, and so on. So, applying an (alleged, and false) “wolf technique” to a dog doesn’t make sense. Dogs also do not alpha roll each other to establish discipline and dominance, by the way — again, a dog who ends up on its back during a social interaction has rolled itself that way in a submissive signal.
Finally, WE are not dogs, OR wolves. And they know this! It’s absurd to think we can accurately execute such a dangerous (not to mention mythical) move appropriately to achieve dominance or discipline, especially since it’s a completely foreign notion to the dog or wolf in question.
With respect to the Dog Whisperer, there are a couple of episodes I’ve seen where not only did he use this completely artificial technique, but you can actually see the dog’s tissues losing pink color as anoxia sets in. This takes a fair amount of force to the neck! Again, this is what leads me to conclude that the man referenced in the article had been watching the TV show to learn how to care for his puppy.