Question:How does Logical Decisions help people think about their problem?

How does Logical Decisions help people think about their problems...?

When people think about a decision, they don't really start out with a defined hierarchy of goals, objectives and weights. For example, let's say you want to make a rational choice about buying a sports car. In this case you may be thinking...

Does dominance play a role in training, or is it mearly stupidity?

Q: I've seen several TC and others point out that believing dominance plays a role in training is hogwash cesar millan wolf theory, and doesn't really apply to actual training. I've seen some say they don't believe you need to show dominance over your dog, that dogs know and understand we aren't dogs and don't expect us to act like such.I was curious in others views on that? Should we follow a more wolf-like attitude in training, or is that just stupid? I know opinions on training vary GREATLY.My brief opinions: I believe that the study of wolf behavior can greatly help training and the study of canine behavior. We have basically bred dogs to be giant puppies, they should never be viewed as funny looking wolves completely, but that pack instinct is still there among them, as is very evident in feral dogs that form packs and act like any wolf pack out there (minus the extreme hunting methods, I have noticed). I believe you definitely have to have dominance over your dog, and in some dogs, you must do more to show that then others. In most dogs, I believe proper basic obedience training and NILF works great. In 95% of the problem dogs that I have worked with or have watched them being trained, I have noticed that it is usually dominance issues. The owner never did the basic obedience training, the owner allowed that dog to walk all over them and view itself as dominant, and now that dog has undesired behaviors (usually aggression) because of it. I've seen basic obedience training and NILF practices that put that owner in a dominant position over the dog work wonders on many of the problem dogs, in a very short time. Of course, nothing is a quick fix, ongoing training is a must in any dog, but as soon as the owner learns how to properly train and act, I've noticed most dogs turn into wonderful, well behaved companions.As for the "we aren't wolves and dogs know it" comment, that's true but at the same time not, in my mind. For all intensive purposes, we are their pack. Therefor, is it not logical to assume that the dog will fall into a pack order? It is biological instinct that compels this, not a complex decision process in the dog's mind. Even if they do comprehend that we are not the same species, I think it would be better to try to communicate in their "language" then expect them to fully understand our body language. I'm not saying get down on all fours and grab your dog by the scruff and flip him! But to completely throw out a dog's basic instincts because "they aren't wolves", is that the right way to go about training?I'm sorry, I think this came out very confusing, and I don't think I put my thoughts together very coherently, but it's just something I've been curious about. And I am in no way advocating Cesar Millan, or any other "famous dog trainer". I think that some of his ideas and methods on dog behavior are right on the mark. However, I think many of his ideas are stupid, as well. Why the hell would you walk around poking a dog in the neck with your finger? I don't think I've ever seen a wolf do that, makes no sense to me. I think that people need to stop being idiots and stop listening to these people so much. Find a good trainer in your area and allow them to show you! During every episode of The Dog Whisperer, it tells you, "DO NOT TRY THESE METHODS AT HOME WITHOUT CONSULTING A TRAINER FIRST". Yet how many idiots on here tell people to do what he does? If you aren't intelligent enough to listen to simple instructions, you probably shouldn't try to train your aggressive dog.My question is merely posted to find other's opinions. I'm not concerned so much in it having one definent answer. Through my own research and experience I've come to believe certain things in training, but I think all people who work with and train dogs need to keep an open mind and learn from others on what works and what doesn't. Because each dog is different, which is why there are so many methods.I'm not saying I believe in a "dominance method", exactly. I just feel we NEED to be dominant over our dogs, and I know some disagree with that because they feel dominance doesn't play a role in dog behavior. And I greatly respect David Mech, especially his thoughts on canine diets when compared to the natural diets of wolves. There was a very well written paper I found one time that quoted several things from Mech, dissaproving this wild belief that wolves, and therefore dogs, are omnivores.

A: David Mech is an idiot.His opinions change as quickly as the wind.Perhaps do some reading up on wolf Park and the work of the good doctor there.Classes are also offered each season to observe and interact with the wolves.Wolves are highly structured and indeed have alphas to survive.Ask any facility caring for them.Most arrive not as cubs, but as young adults.It takes years of work,trust,never forgetting what is in your yard,reading the emotional weather report through body language and earning the trust & respect.Comparing them to domesticated dogs or treating them as such is an accident waiting to happen.Being dominant does not translate to pinning your animal down-which is highly dangerous.Who provides the food & is at the end of the leash with domestics?Anyone with a true alpha that enjoys a healthy relationship is not a novice.If they are-they seek the help of someone wolf smart or dog smart.