Is My Dog Trying to Be “Alpha”? (Spoiler: Nope.)

This morning, when I woke up, my little dog, Chobani, climbed onto the bed, stood proudly on my chest, and gave my nose a big lick. I joked to myself that this must mean he’s claiming “Alpha” status for the day. And later, on our walk, when I tried to step in front of him, he stopped in his tracks, only to start walking again once I was behind him. It was as if he were saying, “Excuse me, I’m Alpha today. I get to lead.”

Sounds a little ridiculous, right? That’s because… it is.

The Myth of the Alpha Dog

The idea that our dogs are constantly trying to dominate us or climb a social ladder is one of the most persistent misconceptions in dog training. It originates from outdated research on unrelated, captive wolves, a study that has been debunked multiple times and even renounced by the researcher who first proposed the idea. Modern behavior science shows that dogs aren’t motivated by a desire to control us or become the “leader of the pack.”

Chobani licking my nose wasn’t a power move; it’s affection. His stopping when I stepped in front? That’s not a dominance struggle. It’s simply a dog reacting to unexpected changes in movement, space, or routine. Most dogs pause when something shifts in front of them; they’re checking in, processing, or waiting for information.

So What’s Really Going On?

Dogs communicate with us through body language, small behaviors, and learned patterns. When something interrupts the pattern, like you suddenly moving in front of him, your dog might pause to figure out what’s happening or adjust to the change.

Here’s what Chobani’s behaviors actually mean:

• Nose-licking wake-up call: Affection, attention-seeking, excitement, maybe even “Good morning! Let’s get moving!”

• Stopping when stepping in front: A moment of hesitation or expectation. Many dogs wait for cues when we step into their path.

• Walking when stepping behind: The route is clear again, the pattern makes sense, and off he goes.

None of these behaviors points to dominance. They point to communication, connection, and normal dog behavior.

Dogs Aren’t Competing With Us, They’re Cooperating With Us

The most reliable science tells us that dogs evolve to work with humans, not against us. They want clarity, predictability, and reinforcement—not power.

So when Chobani “decides” he’s the leader for the day, the truth is much simpler: He’s a dog being a dog. Not an aspiring pack dictator (though, at mealtime, he sometimes acts that way.)

Why Letting Go of the Myth Matters

When we assume a behavior is about “being Alpha,” we might:

• Misinterpret natural behaviors as problems

• Respond with unnecessary corrections

• Miss the opportunity to understand what our dog really needs

But when we look at behavior through the lens of modern dog science, everything becomes clearer and kinder.

So, is it ridiculous to think Chobani was trying to establish dominance this morning? Absolutely. But it is incredibly charming. And just maybe… that nose lick is his way of saying he’s ready to start the day with me.

"Here's how it's gonna go...first, you feed us, then you give us a treat. Then, we go for a walk and get some treats. Then you feed us..."