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Why do people insist on thinking dogs are tame wolves, when experts have determined this is not so?

From: http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm Dogs are not tame wolves. The domestic dog is a separate species that evolved from wolves as much as 100,000 years ago. Dogs exhibit behaviors that wolves do not, such as taking directional cues from humans. Basing dog training on wolf studies is like modeling our parenting methods after those of chimpanzees. In Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin Behavior & Evolution, Ray and Lorna Coppinger write: "Today, the popular dog press seems to feel that if dogs descended from wolves, they would have wolf qualities. But the natural selection model points out that the wolf qualities are severely modified. Dogs do not think like wolves, nor do they behave like them...To say that dogs are descended from wolves does not make them wolves. To say we are descended from apes does not make us apes. To say we have 99 percent of the same genetic makeup as chimps does not mean we should raise our kids as if they were chimps.. More from the website: From Coppinger: "To say dogs have 100 percent the same genes as wolves does not mean we can treat them as if they were wolves. Dogs are not wolves, no matter what you call them." Biologists now know that leaders control assets more often than they control individuals through the use of force. As stated by Myrna Milani, DVM, author and veterinary ethologist: Thus the mark of a true leader is the ability to control without force. And, in fact, wild animals who rely on brute force to maintain their status typically get eliminated from the gene pool because this approach requires so much energy. Humans are neither dogs nor wolves. So when we try to replicate the behavior of either, we are genetically doomed to fail. We lack the proper physiology, timing and accuracy with which to deliver the same types of signals and corrections that dogs use with one another through tooth displays, tail, ear and body carriage. The use of dominance to explain a behavior problem not only reveals a poor understanding of behavior, but implies that dogs are plotting to take over the household. However, dogs are not that complex; dogs simply do what works. If they bark at us and we jump up and get them a cookie, the dog does not think, "Yes! I am totally dominant!" More likely he thinks "Cool! Now I know how to get a biscuit!" And yet, simply by not reacting to the dog's demand, the human remains in control. The final problem with dominance theory is that it often contradicts itself. For example, if a "dominant dog" is acting aggressively and the solution is through "calm-assertive" energy which makes the human the "dominant pack leader," wouldn't a dominant dog act calm-assertive instead of aggressive? Mental stimulation, through obedience, tricks, agility or other working activities satisfy a dog's needs for both mental and physical exercise. Walking a dog on a short leash may is more enjoyable for the human, but gives the dog little exercise (since dogs walk at a much faster pace than we do) and does not allow the dog to gain the mental stimulation from exploring his environment with off-leash activities. Forced Exercise. Running a dog on a treadmill might satisfy a physical need to run, but does not give ththe option to run, nor does it provide mental stimulation, socialization or interaction with the owner.

Public Comments

1. Your so right dog's are NOT tamed wolves. They are just related to them that is all.
2. dogs are domesticated but evolving from the wolves and cousin fox they retain instincts and habits nonetheless tamed. all the points you have so declared are true and there should be no dispute
3. Can't wolves and dogs breed? I thought they could. I don't think apes and humans can, though!
4. Domestic dogs do behave JUST like wolves. They have the same "pack" mentality. Live with a territorial Chihuahua or a group of dogs, and you can see it clear as day. And they have proven that chimp babies and mamas are suprisingly like humans. I saw on Discovery Channel how they brought a human woman with her baby to show the mama chimp how to breast feed her own baby. Humans ARE apes. We belong to the ape family. Sounds to me like you really enjoyed the book you read. Now read "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Pryor. She is a leading animal trainer and behaviorist. She has worked with dogs, dolphins, chimps, everthing and can teach you some things. Read anything by James Herriot Read anything by Jane Goodall. Watch Discovery Channel. Expand your mind. There is more than one point of view.
5. 99% so we can't breed with chimps..ewww but a dog and a wolf are 100% they can breed....we bred what we like out in a wolf..long fur...good sight...better smell...ect in doing so we made new breeds..but when it come down to it they are wolves they will pack up if left to roam. not all packs are family. and if u have more then one dog and watch how they discipline and care for each other then u would see the wolf in the smallest breed of dog. you need to see the whole story.... Don't believe every thing ya read... EDIT OHHHHHH I REMEMBER YOU!!!!! not anything better to ask????? or just reading more one side OPINIONS???