Alpha rolling (or pinning down in any way) is really dangerous advice and could easily make matters many many times worse.
I've never heard it called that. This was quite a few years ago, and things have changed. There were quite a few things done in years past that wouldn't be acceptable now. However, I have to say that it did nip the behaviour in the bud. It's the only time I have ever done that. And also, as I mentioned on another thread, I had five Scotties, the eldest of which was the number one dog. The first four all dwelt in harmony, but when number five was introduced she took on each of them in order to get to be number one. They acquiesced until she got to the oldest Tessa, who was having none of it, and she did exactly what I did to Finn, she flipped the 'upstart' Scottie over on her back and actually stood on her while giving her a growly telling off. as IPS said, it's what mothers do to their pups or cubs.
I'm not advising anyone one way or the other, one must do what seems right for their dog. I can only say what worked for me.
I took Dylan to puppy classes two years ago to socialise him, particularly after he had been pounced on by a jack Russell the first time he went out, and was terrified of dogs consequently. The first place I went wanted me to put him on the ground in the hall where the other dogs, mostly quite large ones, were tearing around off their leads, which was the last thing Dylan needed. This trainer ran the KC scheme, so I imagine she had some sort of accreditation, but this seemed madness to me and needless to say I did not go back.
The second place I went was much better, and the trainer was very good, but methods had changed a lot in the thirteen years Since I had last been to classes, some for the better, but some not. Same thing I guess with children, what was OK sixty years ago is not OK now (though some of the little darlings would benefit from a bit of old school
). New doesn't always mean better in every case.
And I would never shoot down in flames my friends on COL , we've all had different experiences so will have different opinions, so,shouldn't be afraid to express what we think. The nice thing about this group,is that we can do that without the flaming that goes on in so many online groups, as has been mentioned in another thread. Your opinions as all respected
Lesley and Dylan