Puppy Time: The Alpha Roll

The Alpha Roll

An alpha roll is a technique used in dog training to discipline a misbehaving dog. It consists of flipping the dog onto its back and holding it in that position, sometimes by the throat. The theory is that this teaches the dog that the trainer is the pack leader (or alpha animal).

The alpha roll was first widely popularized by the Monks of New Skete, in the 1976 book "How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend". The book itself is widely regarded as a classic in dog training literature and highly recommended for people trying to better understand their dog. In the original context, the alpha roll was only meant to be used in the most serious cases. It is now considered to be risky and is highly controversial among animal behaviorists, since the theory of canine dominance has been drawn into question. The theory behind the alpha roll is based on a research study of captive wolves kept in an area too small for their numbers and composed of members that wouldn't be found together in a pack in the wild. These conditions resulted in increased numbers of conflicts that scientists today know are not typical of wolves living in the wild. Behaviors seen in wolves (specifically the alpha roll) living in atypical social groups and crowded conditions does not translate to dog training especially since using the technique can be harmful to the handler and the dog.

Effects

It has been argued by some that a dog will only forcibly flip another animal onto its back during a serious fight where the intent may be to kill the opponent. Many dogs, not only aggressive ones, will instinctively try to defend themselves, which can be very dangerous or even fatal to the trainer.

Further, the name alpha roll is considered a misnomer by top wolf experts, such as David Mech, because the practice as used as a behavioral correction bears little relation to the natural behavior shown by wolves in the wild. Dr. Mech refers to this behavior as pinning, which he describes as a dominance behavior. These dominance behaviors are shown significantly more often by the breeding pair of the pack, but the purpose or role of the behavior is controversial.

On one hand, there is evidence to suggest that this behavior is initiated by the submissive dog as a ritual, and is not resisted. This suggests that this ritual does not serve as a behavioral correction or punishment, nor as a reinforcement of the dominance of the breeding pair. On the other hand, dyadic play between wolves involves behavior like pinning. Wolf puppy play patterns demonstrate that puppies prefer to assume the dominant role in play (see dog behavior), and avoid the submissive roles such as being pinned. This suggests that dogs do not instinctually panic if they are forced into this submissive position against their will. Although neither of these positions speaks directly to the issue of whether the alpha roll is an effective correction tool, it does call into question the behavioral validity of the technique.

Contemporary use

The alpha roll is currently still in use by some trainers, primarily only with the most aggressive dogs to correct very serious transgressions. Many, however, feel that this method is outdated and extremely dangerous, especially given the position statements on dominance released by AVSAB and APDT in 2009, which draw into question the science behind techniques that rely on dominance theory. It should never be used by inexperienced trainers, and never to correct undesired behavior caused by the dog's failure to understand your command. This will increase anxiety in the do, which may lead to aggressive behavior. Used in a controlled way and coupled with praise and rewards when the dog changes its behavior appropriately, it may have some positive effect, but there is disagreement about its long-term effectiveness and safety. A 2009 study by University of Bristol’s Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences showed that methods of handling that relied on dominance theory actually provoked aggressive behavior in dogs with no previous known history of aggression.