S2E3 - Debunking Dominance

Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle

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In this episode, we explore the roots of dominance theory, beginning with Schjelderup-Ebbe’s 1922 research on domestic hens, and discuss how it has shaped our understanding of animal behaviour.

The episode also dives into the intricate dominance behaviors within and between species, from wolves and primates to birds, showcasing the complexity of their social structures. Additionally, we scrutinise the scientific evidence that challenges traditional dominance-based training methods for dogs and horses, advocating for the more humane and effective approach of positive reinforcement/learning theory.

Whether you're an animal enthusiast, a pet owner, or a behavioural science aficionado, this episode is packed with valuable information to transform your understanding of animal social structures and training techniques.

Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share your thoughts with us on social media. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to our listeners. Join the conversation and let’s reshape the future of animal training together!

🔗 ISES position statement on the use/misuse of leadership and dominance concepts in horse training
🔗 The Ethics of Using Dominance-Based Training Within the Equine Leisure Industry

References:

• Bradshaw, J., Blackwell, E., & Casey, R. (2008). Dominance in domestic dogs: Useful construct or bad habit? Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 4, 135-144.
• Westgarth, C. (2016). Why nobody will ever agree about dominance in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 11, 99-101.
• Dierendonck, M. C., Vries, H., & Schilder, M. B. (1994). An Analysis of Dominance, Its Behavioural Parameters and Possible Determinants in a Herd of Icelandic Horses in Captivity. Netherlands Journal of Zoology, 45, 362-385.
• Houpt, K. A., Law, K., & Martinisi, V. (1978). Dominance hierarchies in domestic horses. Applied Animal Ethology, 4, 273-283.
• Chase, I. D. (1982). Behavioral Sequences During Dominance Hierarchy Formation in Chickens. Science, 216, 439-440.
• Piper, W. (1997). Social Dominance in Birds.
• Drews, C. (1993). The concept and definition of dominance in animal behaviour. Behaviour, 125, 283-313.
• Mitman, G. (1990). Dominance, leadership, and aggression: Animal behavior studies during the Second World War.
• Kamath, A. (2020). Territoriality.
• Hinsch, M., & Komdeur, J. (2010). Defence, intrusion and the stability of territoriality.
• Mitani, J. C., & Rodman, P. S. (1979). Territoriality: the relation of ranging patterns and home range size to defendability, with an analysis of territoriality among primate species. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 5(3), 241-251.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧[e-mail] ☎️[phone]

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 [e-mail] ☎️[phone]