Old outdated training methods advocate asserting your dominance over your dog to enforce your role as alpha. New modern methods prescribe positive reinforcement training techniques which have proven to be very effective. is the and Most people are firmly on one side or the other and discount the other side. The word “alpha” has even been given a bad context.
The truth of the matter is that dogs need structure and routine and to recognize you as their leader. Once they do, and they know that you have things under control and they don’t need to protect you or assume the alpha or leader role your dog will most likely be relieved and you will see improvements in behavior.
To learn more about calm assertive leadership and the benefits it can bring please in the words of world renown trainer Dr. Sophia Yin here. Her website also contains a wealth of great training materials including training videos. Dr. Yin teaches that dogs respond most favorably to positive reinforcement and of equal importance is that it is very detrimental to reward unwanted behavior.