How to Alpha Roll an Aggressive Dog

Many dogs exhibit aggressive behavior towards their food, toys, and territory. This tutorial doesn't address dogs who are aggressive towards other dogs or people and tend to physically attack them. Rather, here you can learn to train a dog not to be aggressive towards other pets in your home over things they perceive as theirs. It's best to learn how to Alpha roll your dog when he/she is a puppy when they're small enough for this technique; small adult dogs can benefit from this technique, but large adult dogs will be difficult students! The purpose of the Alpha roll is to humanely teach your dog that YOU, not him/her is the house Alpha, or leader. This technique teaches your dog submission to your control. The Alpha roll is NOT intended to hurt or punish your dog; this is a training method only.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1. A few dog biscuits
• 2. A bowl containing a small amount of food.
• 3. Identify a territory that your dog has staked out as his/hers, such as your lap, a dog bed, or a blanket.
• 4. A favorite dog toy

Identifying When and How to Use the Alpha Roll

1. If you suspect that the Alpha roll may benefit your dog, test him with a few biscuits, a favorite toy, or his usual sleeping spot. Look for these signs: (1) your dog growls and/or shows his teeth to another pet or person who approaches his food, toys or territory, (2) your dog does not respond to your command to "settle," and (3) your dog snaps at other pets or people who he perceives as threats (4) your dog's back hackles are raised.

2. If you believe an Alpha roll is necessary, be sure to use it immediately, when your dog is displaying food, toy, or territory aggression. Follow these steps: (1) roll your dog onto his back - this is the position of submission, (2) hold your dog tightly in this position, not allowing him to escape, (3) use your other hand to firmly hold your dog's muzzle pointed towards your face, (4) hold eye contact with your dog while not allowing him to look elsewhere, (5) In a loud, firm voice, give the "settle" command; repeat this command until your dog obeys and ceases to display aggressive behavior. His body will go limp and he will gaze into your eyes submissively.

3. Once your dog submits to your Alpha roll, release him. If he maintains non-aggressive behavior, be sure to praise, reward and pet him. Use a gentle voice and say "Good dog!" This trains your dog to understand that you are the Alpha in your household, not him. It also trains him that good behavior brings him praise, petting, or a little treat.

4. If your dog does not respond correctly to your Alpha roll, it is essential that you isolate him from other pets and household members. Put him outside in his yard alone or in a room with the door closed. This teaches him that unless he submits to your Alpha role, he will not be allowed to socialize with his family. Since dogs are highly social animals, even the most difficult dog will respond eventually to this training method.

5. Above all, be consistent in your use of the Alpha roll. You must use this technique each time your dog displays food, toy, or space aggression or it will not be effective. This final step is vitally important!

Tips & Warnings

• Use the Alpha roll only when necessary to curb your dog's food, toy or territory aggression. Using it improperly will confuse your dog , rendering this training technique ineffective.
• Larger puppies may need a two-person Alpha roll: while one person holds the dog on his back, the other person should hold his muzzle, make eye contact, and give the "settle" command.
• If your dog is initially unresponsive to your Alpha roll, you can keep him on his back and not release him. Keep pointing his muzzle towards your eyes and face until he makes eye contact with you.
• Don't Alpha roll a large adult dog, such as an Akita, German Shepherd or Rottweiler. If your large dog needs Alpha correction, consult a professional dog trainer.
• Be sure to use the Alpha roll ONLY with aggressive behavior; some dogs complain with soft growls when their territory is invaded, but are not aggressive by showing teeth, hackles raised, and loud growling.

Resources

• dogdow

[vespertinas]

on 10/10/2009 I alpha rolled my sensitive Border Collie who turned out to display fear aggression. Now when she's confused by my commands or is unsure of her situation, she growls much more quickly and stays in this fear state longer because she's become so insecure. The saddest thing is that she'll growl and at the same time take a submissive stance like rolling on her side or putting her head under my lap to show she means no harm. Wrong breed to try this on for sure

[miguelmjm]

on 8/2/2009 I put my dog on her side when she showed agression, and she responded to it immediately. Now she is a confident dog who trusts me and rarely shows agression. It did not ruin my dog.

[thedogshrink]

on 7/13/2009 This is not a good training "method". Altho it is taught by some 'trainers', it's a type of training based on misunderstood wolf behavior & isn't safe. Doing an alpha wolf roll is a good way to turn a dog into a scared, cowering mess. It's also a good way to lose your own face! Any dog that protects its toys, etc, is a dog that might bite. Don't try this.

[kclark9772]

on 5/8/2009 I disagree I have been told my vets and dog trainers alike that this is a good method to use to prove dominance over an aggressive dog. Good article :)

[cemken]

on 4/1/2009 This is shameful. There is NEVER a good time to alpha roll your dog. Alpha rolling is what dogs do in the wild right before they kill. People who choose to alpha roll are teaching their dog not to trust them and that they might kill them. This can cause or worsen aggression in your dog. Alpha rolling is old school dog training, and this trainer should brush up on modern more humane techniques before continuing to give advice.