pack theory is rubbish?

[r2d2ismyidealman]

I'm new. Any guidance would be welcome. I've had a trainer who was all about pack theory but I just read on here that is old school. What is the current thinking called so that I can look it up?

This is a good place to start. why won't dominance die?

You need to look for a trainer who teaches positive reinforcement ideal and possibly clicker training.

Positive reinforcement, used with or without the clicker, is a reward based training method in which you work with the dog rather than trying to dominate it.

It's way more effective than dominance methods and, more importantly kinder.

A lot of dominance methods of training will result in a fearful dog. Much better to train your dog to respond because you've made it worth his while than because he's frightened of the consequences if he doesn't.

Pack and dominance concepts are based on a completely flawed and false understanding of a dog's motivation, so is never as successful a training method. If you can't understand (because you're attributing the wrong motivation to it) why your dog does what it does, how can you have a solid and resilient bond with your dog? Among many other reasons not to practise it.

Check out an excellent FB group called Dog Training Advice and Support.

Thanks all for your input I'll follow up on the suggestions!