For decades, dog owners have been told they need to be the "alpha," establish dominance, and climb to the top of their dog's social hierarchy. But what if that foundation was never true to begin with?

In the very first episode of Resident Wild, Kim and Neri unpack one of the most influential, and misunderstood theories in the history of the dog world.

Together they explore:

Where the dominance theory actually came from.What modern wolf research has revealed about wolf families.Why wolves don't live in rigid dominance hierarchies.How understanding wolves through the correct lens changes the way we understand our own dogs.Why relationship, safety and connection create lasting behaviour change.In Debunk a Myth, they also tackle the long-held belief that you should never let your dog stand over you.

Whether you've owned dogs for years or have just welcomed your first puppy, this episode may completely change the way you see your dog and your relationship with them.

Listener Questions 2:00

Debunk a myth 22.56

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Why does your dog ignore you when you call? Is it stubbornness... or is something else going on?

In this episode of Resident Wild, Kim and Neri answer a listener question about one of the most common frustrations for dog owners—a dog that simply won't come back when called.

Rather than focusing on obedience, they explore what recall can tell us about a dog's emotional state, relationship, and motivation. Could your dog be making a choice based on how they're feeling in that moment? And what role does connection play in creating a reliable recall?

In Debunk a Myth, they tackle another widely misunderstood behaviour: eye contact. Is direct eye contact a sign of trust, a challenge, or are we interpreting it through a human lens? By looking at dogs through the perspective of the wolf and understanding natural social behaviour, they reveal why eye contact is far more nuanced than we've been led to believe.

Whether your dog has selective hearing or seems completely distracted by the world around them, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the most common challenges dog owners face.

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Is your dog struggling when you leave home... or are they trying to tell you something deeper?

Separation anxiety is one of the most talked-about behaviour concerns in the dog world, but what does it actually mean?

In this episode, Kim and Neri explore a listener question about why some dogs struggle to cope when left alone and why the answer often lies far beyond simply teaching a dog to "get used to it."

Together, they discuss emotional security, relationships, and what dogs may be communicating through behaviours such as barking, pacing, destruction or vocalising when their family leaves.

In Debunk a Myth, they unpack the long-standing advice that you should always eat before your dog to show them who's boss. Where did this belief come from, and does it have any place in our understanding of dogs today?

This episode invites listeners to see separation anxiety through a completely different lens—one built on understanding rather than control.

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