To Buy or Adopt, To Alpha or Not
Kris Hampton, CTC, CPDT-KA
Tip 1: Do I need to be the 'Alpha?'
This question has been floating around since the 1970s, when the term “alpha” first became popular. But where did it come from—and do you really need to prove to your dog that you’re the boss?
In a word: No.
American biologist David Mech studied wolves taken from different packs and placed together in captivity. In that artificial setting, he observed frequent fights for dominance and coined the term “alpha wolf.” In the 1970s, he published a book based on these observations, and the idea quickly took hold in the dog-training world.
Later, Mech discovered that wild wolves behave very differently. They live in family units—typically a father, mother, and their offspring—without constant battles for control. In 1999, he publicly renounced the “alpha” concept.
If you’d like to hear it directly from the man himself, check out this video.
Tip 2: The Great Debate: Adopt or Shop?
There’s often a stigma around getting a dog from a breeder. It’s understandable—many dogs in shelters need loving homes, and unfortunately, backyard or commercial breeders looking to make a quick profit are common.
But there are also ethical, responsible breeders who focus on raising healthy, well-socialized puppies and ensuring they go to the right homes.
Bringing a dog into your life is a huge commitment, whether you choose to adopt or buy from a breeder. If you rescue, support an organization that uses force-free, positive reinforcement–based training. If you go the breeder route, do your homework—look for a reputable, transparent breeder, and steer clear of internet classifieds.
For more guidance, talk to a trainer about choosing the right breeder.
Thought Of The Month:
We often focus on how to stop unwanted behavior in our dogs (and believe me, I get it—there are days I wish the barking would just stop). But what if, instead, we taught them what we’d like them to do instead?
By training an alternative behavior to replace the problem one, our dogs learn that it’s more rewarding to make better choices. For example:
Teach a solid sit-stay instead of jumping up to greet.
Reinforce calm behavior around people and other dogs.
Reward settling on a mat during mealtimes instead of begging at the table.
This approach gives our dogs clarity, instead of simply saying “NO” and hoping they figure it out. Remember—they don’t speak English!
