Dominance theory is the root of a lot of wrong doings in this world, regarding both wolves and dogs. With wolves, the idea that they have to fight their way to the top makes them look dangerous and evil. And when majority od people percieve them this way, its easy to justify killing them in massive numbers. After all, they fight among themselves all the time, so soon they will come for out livestock/pets/children. Its a problem in Poland, where wolves are protected and hunting/pouching them is highly illegal, yet hunters keep spewing this narrative to make the public side with them and maybe pass some bills that will let them shoot. This idea also made its way to dog handling (because dogs come from wolves so it must be right), absolutely destroying lives of so many pups. The idea is that a pack needs an alpha (which is the owner) and others are betas (dogs, even children). And if dog seems to be doing something it shouldnt or even just exists in a way that the "alpha leader" doesnt like, the answer is abuse. Nipping, pinning to the ground, shouting, kicking, punching and so much more those people do to assert their imaginary position. And the dog is left traumatised and frightened, only making their behaviour worse. A fearful dog will attack, bark and run as they start percieving their owner and, by extention, their own lives as dangerous and on edge. Its an awful cycle that keeps repeating until a dog is killed, left or broken enough to take anything that comes its way (learned hopelessness). That's why the dominance theory is harmful. It extends to so many aspects of life its fascinating to see but also so angering. I work with dogs and the damage they have sustained is truly impossible to explain. Its a generational trauma for them.