[german sheep]

DOGS AND WOLF

How closely related are these two animals? To understand fully the domesticated family dog and what motivates it, we must delve into its ancestral past, for this we must consider its origin: the wolf.

Wolves, unlike the dog, live separately and independently from us humans. They can fully fend for themselves, and are not committed to the same expectations that we want from our pet dog. Everything that does not belong to the pack is considered as a concurrence, irrespective of its origins, including, we humans and wolves from other packs, especially when this involves territory or resources.

We humans expect our pet dog to accept all other pets as equal, regardless of that is a cat, rabbit, hamster etc, even though in normal circumstances these fall into the category of prey for the dog. It must accept the presence of unfamiliar other dogs, and also “play” with them. Our dog is considered as happy and contented, when (according to our definition of freedom) we take it for long walks, off the leash, where it can roam around and make its own decisions.

The result of this thinking is that the dog becomes even more independent, there is no reason for the dog to orientate itself on its owner, or any other human person, because we overwhelm it by constantly stroking it, giving it lots of toys, to much food and allowing it as much free room as it wants. A puppy is given all the time it needs to acclimatize to its new home, and we remove ourselves from accepting the responsibility, for its upbringing, as pack leader, because we are of the thinking that, dogs should sort things out amongst for themselves.

We can be relaxed, they do it……without any assistance from us!

From the wolves point of view all this makes no sense, the waste of energy that is required for this “playing” and useless rampaging around. It can only lead to a conflict situation. Notably with regard to saving its own skin, defending its own territory, protecting its food resources, and ultimately the survival of the rest of the pack. We on the other hand wish our household pet to “play” and have exercise, without thinking what significance all this has for the dog.

Communication in wolf packs is reduced to complex body language, whereas we humans have learnt to use speech and generally overreact with useless gestures. Thankfully the wolf, due to the fact that it has little or no contact with us humans, is totally independent, it does not have any relationship with speech, the way we move, or our weaknesses, therefore conflicts between humans and wolves are minimal should an encounter occur. In the first instance it is in the character of the wolf to flee whenever coming into contact with humans. The domesticated dog on the other hand seeks our nearness.

The domestic dog has often no other chance, but to show aggression, when we humans make an error in not reading the dogs outward expressions correctly. Unfortunately the next reaction is for us humans to overreact and use unnecessary force by punishing the dog.

The hierarchical system in nature, works in the opposite direction than we homo sapiens generally expect, that means an animal that is weak will automatically accept a stronger one, and the stronger does not need to demonstrate his position continuously. This genetic tendency is accepted by all breeds of wolf. A pack leader never needs to fight for his position, as he sees no grounds to weaken the group by unnecessary injuries.

When we compare the wolf to the domestic dog, it is clear from these studies why the training methods, used by alleged experts, cannot be applied on our household dogs. Not only is this negligent it is also extremely dangerous.

For example the grabbing of the snout – which is practised by the canine species – cannot be used on an animal, (that has taken 130,000 years to develop), because we humans are not in the same group, but at best a social partner. Our grounds for using this technique of punishment can never be understood by a dog. Which serious leader, in the animal kingdom, punishes correct behaviour of his followers?

If we acknowledge that: a speechless, peaceful, bodily intensive, and distance ourselves from active involvement, is absolutely necessary for the meaningful and appropriate association with our dogs, then the results would be much effective.

Quote from Gerhard Wiesmeth, Head trainer Hundewelten, Germany.
The human race can learn an immense amount from the wolf, but even more from the carnivore that we take for a walk each day.


Quote from Gerhard Wiesmeth, Head trainer Hundewelten, Germany.
The human race can learn an immense amount from the wolf, but even more from the carnivore that we take for a walk each day.
copyright Cornelia Benford

[Lara's mom]

I know someone way up in northern Ontario who is raising two wolf/shepherd hybrids. They are very much domesticated dogs. In fact, my border collie Bailey had a grand time doing the canine version of "bitching" at the younger one although, she was very respectful toward the older one. We were there visiting and the older of the two took it upon himself to ensure that Bailey followed the rules. I wasn't worried about her wandering off of the property because every time she came too close to what he considered correct, he'd herd her right back onto the property in no uncertain terms! They are both very gentle and well mannered. If I had even the slightest inkling that they may not be, I'd never have let Bailey anywhere near them!

On the other hand, they are both avid hunters and catch much of their own food, even though there is always food in the dishes for them. This is my only experience with anything "wolf-like." Their dad seems to have been able to bring out the best characteristics in both the dog and the wolf. BTW, they are both incredibly beautiful!!!