Some interesting things about Dogs and Wolves

[Christie M]

Hey all,

I found these articles very interesting. So much of what we think about dogs is based on research (often bad research) conducted on wolves. We base diets on what wolves eat, training and interaction based on pack structure. The push from the clinical behavior side of things to see dogs as completely separate animals and treat them as such has had slow progress. Here are a few studies that show that dogs and wolves are completely different in many ways, and we (as owners/trainers/groomers) might benefit from a change in our view of things. Especially since we find ourselves in a position to give advice.

This first study looked at the genetic composition of dogs and wolves. The conclusion is that dogs did not evolve directly from wolves of any kind. In fact, dogs and wolves evolved along different paths from a common ancestor. Therefore, those that evolved coping mechanisms to better live in the presence of humans became the modern dog. Those that developed solitary behaviors including only associating within the species became wolves. I think this is very interesting because behaviorists have been trying to derail the "pack" structure thought process people have when dealing with their dogs. The pack structure of wolves is very complex (and WAY over simplified by most "trainers.") Dogs are equally sophisticated in their social interactions, but it has nothing to do with a "pack" and alpha, beta, omega...blah, blah, blah. Link to study information - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 190137.htm.

That study further supports a previous study that showed that dogs (of every single breed around the world) have the ability to digest and utilize carbohydrates, like those found in grains and starches. No wolves have the gene to produce the appropriate enzyme to breakdown carbs, but all dogs do. It makes sense inherently. Dogs ate our trash, and humans have always eaten lots of carbs (when available) for energy. Those dogs that could digest them did better and reproduced more. I am sure they don't need grains as a primary source of their calories, but it definitely dispels the "grain-free is the only way" myths. Meat and bone is not all they use, and vitamins/nutrients/carbs found in fruits, veggies and starches can contribute a lot to a healthy dog's diet. Link to that study - http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v4 ... 11837.html.

Both of these were published in peer reviewed journals and are based on genetic analysis. I found it all very, very cool!!

[Stacy_R]

Thanks for the links. I am very interested in reading both studies.

[Raven]

You've referenced at least some of this information in the past. Thanks for giving new life to it. The world wasn't flat because we thought it was.

[Dutchringgirl]

ohhhh great, going to check it out

[Raven]

Bump.

Want to make sure people see this. Not many have responded.

[Dutchringgirl]

I read the articles, very interesting. There is a dog food commercial that goes on the idea that dogs and wolves are the same.

[Christie M]

I read the articles, very interesting. There is a dog food commercial that goes on the idea that dogs and wolves are the same.

So much of what we have been brought up thinking is based on wolves. Even the most popular dog training TV show (and one of the very most dangerous in my mind) is based on treating our households like dog packs. to me, it is very sad the amount of damage that show - and that mindset - can do to someone's relationship with their animal. "Dominance" is all about instilling fear. "Resource control" is so much more effective, clear to the dog, and promotes trust which leads to overall more consistent behavior. Unfortunately, because of how we are programmed, many people can't even see the difference between the two.

[Stacy_R]

Even the most popular dog training TV show (and one of the very most dangerous in my mind) is based on treating our households like dog packs. to me, it is very sad the amount of damage that show - and that mindset - can do to someone's relationship with their animal. "Dominance" is all about instilling fear. "Resource control" is so much more effective, clear to the dog, and promotes trust which leads to overall more consistent behavior. Unfortunately, because of how we are programmed, many people can't even see the difference between the two.

Hear, hear!!!

[Dutchringgirl]

I second that !!!!

[Tappy4me]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!