Wolf pack behavior

[Doberluv]

Anybody into wolves and their behavior? This is interesting and shows how alpha wolves don't do a heck of a lot of dominating, at least not any rough stuff...very, very little turmoil or rough stuff among wolf packs and still less from the alphas. There's more interest in breeding for the alphas than dominating anything else. (typical men) ;)

http://www.mnforsustain.org/wolf_mech_dominance_alpha_status.htm

[Melissa_W]

That's an interesting article, Doberluv. Skye is so incredibly docile, I've never ever had to struggle with him. He's so sensative, that when me and my boyfriend start talking politics, he runs out of the room. :p He hates loud/intense voices. But if I ever get a dog that is more difficult, I'm definitely going to try out the things you've suggested. It seems to make sense, and come for a lot of research. Anyway, good article!

[Doberluv]

He's so sensative, that when me and my boyfriend start talking politics, he runs out of the room. He hates loud/intense voices.

ROFLOL!!!

That's too cute. Yes, there is sooooo much misunderstanding about pack behavior and still less as far as our living arrangements with our dogs....not at all true pack behavior because packs are never formed with members of different species. It's a family situation, true and like families, there needs to be some order and someone to guide.

[stirder]

exactly doberluv. and to anyone who doesnt agree, take into consideration that david mech (pronounce meech) is in his 50's-60's and has been the most respected wolf biologist in the world for over nearly 40 years. anyone in the united states who is researching wolves today, at some point in their education studied (both in the class room and in the field) under him.

[Melissa_W]

hehe... yeah, he's hilarious.

The only thing we've ever had a problem with is the walk. When someone runs by or goes by on a bike, he will go nuts! He starts barking and going in circles around us. :rolleyes: If they walk by, he is fine though. I think it's his herding instinct, he just doesn't like things going by too quickly. The only thing that helps is to make him heel most of the walk. For some reason, when he is on a heel, he doesn't get as excited. But we kinda like to let him run all around ahead of us and sniff and prance about. So I think what I am getting at here, is do you have any other suggestions we could try? Or is putting him on a heel the best thing?

[Doberluv]

Well yes....that's his prey drive in action. LOL. Most dogs like to chase moving objects. What he needs, IMO (of course) is an outlet for this herding/prey drive, somewhere where he is allowed to do this. You can teach him to chase something (at other times, a different place) ON COMMAND. You can show him the difference between doing it on command and staying by your side (not necessarily at heel) at other times.

You can get a good sized, stuffed toy (a rabbit. LOL) and tie it on the back of a bicycle on a long rope (about 20 feet) that your husband will ride around your yard or driveway...if it's big enough. It will bob and bounce and scurry along behind the bike. You might have to go to a deserted parking lot somewhere. Put your dog on a very long line (so he doesn't get hit by a car). He'll have to ride a little slowly and you'll end up having to run some. It would be best if you could find a fenced area to do this so you wouldn't have to run so hard and he could go out further. Hold your long line snuggly. When your husband starts off on the bike, let your dog go behind him and as he runs after the rabbit, give a command. Holler out happy praise. (would be better with a clicker to mark that exact behavior) Have your husband circle back to you and call your dog to come. He sits in front of you when he comes. Reward. Use the same command and do this lots of times until he learns what it is associated with. After he seems to be connecting the command with the behavior....probably several sessions...over a week say, have your husband ride off again but have your dog sitting at heel. Do not give the command. He must sit and stay by your side. He'll probably try bolting at first. Replace him in position and reward him quickly before he rises again. "goooood stay." When he stops trying to bolt, make a big fuss over him and give him lots of special treats.

In other words, you're showing him the difference between running after and herding something when a command is given and staying by you when it is not. This could take several weeks. It's a skill which is going against his nature. But you are giving him an outlet and opportunity to utilize these instinctive skills he has a propensity toward.

[Melissa_W]

That makes a lot of sense. He gets a chance to chase things all the time, but not really "on command". That's a great idea though. I never thought that teaching him to "herd" on command would help him not herd when I don't want him too... but it makes sense! Thanks!

[stirder]

just make sure your husband and you are very carefull. if he catches the fake rabbit, be ready to stop the bike. otherwise the dog could get hurt, or your husband could fall off the bike if the dog can pull hard enough. :)

[Doberluv]

Oh, that's good Stirder! It never occured to me. Eh-hem....yes, be careful.

[Doberluv]

Well, that's just one idea. I think someone who trains dogs to herd sheep would have a better way to do this.

[Melissa_W]

I could teach him to herd my nephews on command. :D ;) hehehe

[stirder]

yes...thatd be a good one. striders herding releases are Rory, and Jack (wifes cat). atleast untill we move to a place large enough to get a few sheep or goats. would love to learn how to train herding dogs, even just to do it myself. though, competing in herding trials seems fun to me. Tanker, one of my gsd's long time ago, would herd our horses. he learned it himself, but then the horses he herded were extremely gentle and compliant, and the commands were probably meaningless to him. he seemed to get the idea though. "get spike into his stall", lead goldie out of the barn to the back pasture" kind of stuff. not too professional.

[Manchesters]

Being aware of one's surroundgings when out with a dog helps too. Anyone walking a dog should be aware of what is all around them, 360 degrees. Putting the dog on a sit, stay helps. Or you can do conning work and have someone deliberately ride by or run by so you have the chance to modify the dog's behavior under such circumstances. Works wonders!

But do make sure ya wear your rear vision goggles--you never know when some little kid might come running up from behind to give your dog a hug, or pet it! TALK ABOUT HEART FAILURE!!!!!!! The human, that is!

[Renee750il]

Good point, Manchesters, especially if you've got a furry, cuddly looking dog or a small breed. I can honestly say I don't really have that problem though - can't IMAGINE why - rofl!

[Manchesters]

Good point, Manchesters, especially if you've got a furry, cuddly looking dog or a small breed. I can honestly say I don't really have that problem though - can't IMAGINE why - rofl!

Some kid might run up and try to hop up on one of your dogs and play "ride the horsie" with it, lol.

[nedim]

Being aware of one's surroundgings when out with a dog helps too. Anyone walking a dog should be aware of what is all around them, 360 degrees. Putting the dog on a sit, stay helps. Or you can do conning work and have someone deliberately ride by or run by so you have the chance to modify the dog's behavior under such circumstances. Works wonders!

But do make sure ya wear your rear vision goggles--you never know when some little kid might come running up from behind to give your dog a hug, or pet it! TALK ABOUT HEART FAILURE!!!!!!! The human, that is!

I have to agree with what you said. People can be so careless sometimes. For instance, I was walking Peanut the other day and there were these two girls walking up the street towards us. Well, Peanut was weary of them from the get-go. She froze, cocked her ears up and did a sort of low grunt. I guess they thought it was cute and without asking me or even making eye contact with me, one girl swoops down and reaches out towards Peanut. She's lucky she didnt get bitten, although Peanut did lunge at her. I didnt say anything because I think the girl learned her lesson, but I couldnt help laughing and thinking to myself "stupid girl". :D