Researchers theorize that contrary to popular belief, aggressive dogs are not trying to assert dominance over other members of their canine or human packs. Instead, individual relationships between dogs are learned through experience as opposed to a desire to assert dominance.

After 6 months of studying dog interactions at the Dogs Trust rehoming center, researchers believe that feral dogs (unlike wolves) are not motivated by their dominance or hierarchy within the pack; they are motivated by their experiences. In fact, dogs may learn to show aggression to avoid anticipated punishment from the techniques used, contrary to typical pack theory.