The Alpha Myth: Why Dogs Don’t Follow Egos
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In partnership with OzcorpK9
Expert dog behaviourist and trainer Ryan King from OzcorpK9 dissects how empowering yourself leads to a successful relationship with man’s best friend.
Modern men are often told to be the alpha. Take charge, dominate and don’t show weakness. This false narrative is also often applied to the world of dog training, but as any experienced dog handler can tell you, dogs don’t follow egos. They yearn for clarity, calm confidence and consistency, much like people.
The cultural message of suppressing emotion and power to prove a man’s worth might look like strength on the surface, but it often hides a vulnerable and low in confidence individual. When that energy is brought into dog training, the dog doesn’t sense a leader – it feels instability, confusion and pressure without purpose.
Dominance isn’t the problem; it’s the misunderstanding of it. Real leadership in dog training isn’t about overpowering – it’s about guiding with fairness and timing. Once a foundation of trust is built, dogs can handle pressure. Controlled exposure to challenges (when delivered with purpose) builds resilience and sharpens understanding. It teaches the dog how to recover, how to think under stress, and how to grow stronger. This also applies to men.
Hard times aren’t something to fear – they are something to work through and overcome. When approached in the right way, small exposures to stress, paired with support and recovery, become growth opportunities. With a growth mindset, a person sees these moments as stepping stones. I’ve come to realise that by implementing a positive mindset and putting in the work to develop as a person, I have become a better trainer, business owner, father, partner and friend. The better I am, the more I have to give.
It’s not about barking orders. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up better than you did yesterday, with honesty, with intention, and with the courage to learn.
The truth is, your dog doesn’t care about your fancy car or expensive clothes. Your dog doesn’t follow your ego – they follow your example. Dogs care about how you carry yourself. How present you are. How you lead with calm strength. The better the man you become, the better everything in your life around you becomes.
If you’re wondering where to start, it’s here, with you. Invest in yourself first. Train yourself as you would train your dog, with patience, purpose, and a clear vision. The world needs more men who lead with presence, not a fake performance, because when you empower yourself, everyone around you rises too.
OzcorpK9 is located at 57 Lyons Road, Windsor Gardens. For more information, visit ozcorpk9.com.au.
OZCORPK9 SERVICES
Dedicated to empowering dog owners with the required knowledge and tools to help foster a loving bond with their animal, Ozcorpk9 offers five interactive courses to assist all types of dog owners.
THE OZDOG
This fast-tracked course can turn the average dog lover into an amateur trainer in no time. King says this is “20 years of education, research and experience packed into a seven session course” that will bring you and your dog closer than ever.
K9 ACADEMY
Nicknamed the Harvard of Dog Day Schools, this modern take on doggy daycare provides your four-legged mate with a structured day comprising exercise and mental stimulation under the guidance of Ozcorpk9’s trained professionals.
5-WEEKS FOUNDATION
Raising puppies can be difficult, which is why this course is a must for new owners to gain the knowledge and skillset required to bring up their new family member as a loving, playful and obedient dog.
REACTIVE GROUP CLASS
There’s nothing worse than a dog who overacts when confronted by people, objects or other canines. This handy class introduces helpful tactics you can implement to assist in the management of your dog’s behaviour without having to worry about them blowing up when out for a walk.
OZDOG 2.0
If you’ve completed Ozcorpk9’s seven session course and want to add more strings to your coaching bow, level up with this extra program that will evolve your play training.
