Is there yellow-ray love?

[manniz]

I used to use the alpha roll, where I flip him on his back, much like another pack member would. But I thought it was too intense for him.

With your dog's size, the "flip on the back" may very well be too intense. Vocal commands with patient training can work wonders sometimes. Dog whisperer kinda shows have put too much emphasis on alpha dominance. Your dog is beautiful though, but then which dog is not. Such open acceptance, and they hold no grudges.

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I don't believe his growls will turn into aggression.

Then, let him be. So many times, growls are simply fun, and harmless communication, even if they think they might be dominating you. If he has growled at you three times only, it should not even be an issue. Big dogs certainly do not like to be flipped suddenly, and may react aggressively, just out of pure defensive instincts.

You are the best judge though. Enjoy his all-accepting love, and let that determine your response naturally.