A great discussion on the myths of the "alpha dog" idea and the differences between compulsion/punishment based training methods and positive reinforcement training methodologies.
SUGGESTED READINGS:
The following readings are for the interested lay-person as well as for those who wish to go a bit further into the field of animal behaviour and behaviour modification theory.
Ali Brown
Scaredy Dog!
Susan Clothier
Bones Would Rain from the Sky
Raymond and Lorna Coppinger
Dogs - A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior and Evolution
What is a Dog?
How Dogs Work
Malena DeMartini-Price, CTC
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices
Jean Donaldson
The Culture Clash
Other End of the Leash
Dogs are from Neptune
Mine!
Fight!
Gail Fisher
The Thinking Dog
Temple Grandin
Animals in Translation
Patricia B. McConnell
The Cautious Canine
Leader of the Pack
Family Friendly Dog Training
Pat Miller
The Power of Positive Dog Training
Positive Perspectives
Emma Parsons
Click to Calm
Karen Pryor
Don't Shoot the Dog
Lads Before the Wind
Clicker Training for Dogs
Reaching the Animal Mind
Pamela J. Reid
Excel-erated Learning
Turid Rugaas
On Talking Terms with Dogs
Kathy Sdao
Plenty In Life Is Free
Grisha Steward
Behaviour Adjustment Training 2.0
Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Fired Up, Frantic and Freaked Out: Training The Crazy Dog From Over The Top To Under Control
Nicole Wilde
Help For Your Fearful Dog