Origins of the Dog

Through various findings of research conducted by prominent behavioral scientist, it has been established that the sole progenitor of the dog is the wolf (Canis lupus). Other canines (Canidae) such as the oriental jackal (Canis aureus) and the coyote (Cabnis latrans) had no part in its origin. That conclusion is supported by the similarity between the brains of the wolf and the dog, in comparison with the other canines. In their facial expression too, there are many points of correspondence between wolf and dog, although the wolf’s expressions are far more differentiated. Moreover, in the wild, only wolf and the dog and the oriental jackal do not, nor do the dog and the coyote.

How Wolves Live

To understand the dog, it is useful to look at the way of life of its wild ancestors, the wolves.

Life in the Pack

Wolves live in group known as packs. Depending on the habitat and the food supply, these packs are made up only a few animals, although they may have ten or more members. Within a pack, two hierarchies, or orders of rank, prevail: that of the females and that of the males. At that top stand an older she-wolf and an older he-wolf, respectively. They are the so-called Alpha animals. In a pack, it is usually only these two lead wolves that mate and provide offspring.

Behavior with in another: Wolves exhibit highly differential social behavior, which is very important for keeping the pack together.

Communication with one another: Wolves make themselves understood to one another through various means of communication, including olfactory data, visual signals, and sounds. The provision of olfactory information includes making the territory with urine (lifting a leg). In the wolf pack, however, that behavior is reserved exclusively to the high-ranking males. In this way a strange pack knows that a territory is already occupied.

Through their varied facial expressions and different body attitudes as well, wolves are able to speak with each other. When hunting for prey they develop regular hunting strategies and communicate by means of very fine nuances in their facial expressions and body attitude.

Wolves also communication through sound. Their repertoire includes some 6 different basic sounds, which can be modified in intricate ways.

Aggressive disputes also occur, when there is a battle over a place in the hierarchy or when the territory has to be defended against a strange pack.

EDUCATING YOUR DOG WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING, KATHARINA SCHLEGL-KOFLER