Wolf rank and orderThe wolves that make up a pack is so complex that in each pack there are rankings and orders for each specific wolf. For example at the top of the rankings there is an alpha male and female in which all other male and female wolves must submit to them. In each pack of wolves there is also wolves that are ranked under them such as the beta male and female. The rankings continue further down in dominance and superiority to the lowest rank of the omega male and female. These wolves have no other wolves ranked below them and they may be at times harassed and abused by wolves of higher rank. This may cause them to leave the pack or search for a mate elsewhere with such rankings as their own. A new pack forms when a wolf leaves its family to establish its own territory, like one wolf for example, who wondered 550 miles in Minnesota before establishing its own pack. Within wolf packs there is a consistent tension of rank order among the wolves. When wolves encounter each other the higher rank will show their dominance and power by aggression and in body language. There is such a competition for power that the alpha male and female often prevent lesser wolves from breeding. The alpha female has such power, that by emitting a pheromone, it stops ovulation in all other female wolves within the pack. It is usually the Alpha pair that is thought to be the breeding pair, but there have been cases in the wild and in captivity that lower ranking males have mated and bred with the alpha female. This has sometimes caused disinterest and anger from the alpha male.Within wolf packs there
is a consistent tension of rank order among the wolves. When wolves encounter
each other the higher rank will show their dominance and power by aggressive
and in body language. There is such a competition for power that the Alpha
male and female often prevent lesser wolves from breeding. The Alpha female
has such power that by emitting a pheromone that stops ovulation in all
other female wolves within the pack.
Battle Of the SexesIt has been thought that within wolf packs that the females have strong authority and influence over the packs activities and for the majority of the time, are the head of the packs. The female wolf may not only lead the pack, but also carry the duty of deciding where to den and where the pack will have to hunt for the duration of the next 4-7 weeks. It has also been thought that young females are quicker and slightly faster opposed to the young male. Therefore, under many circumstances are also better hunters due to their quickness and keen decisions. The male leader of the pack has often been deceived and the image that has been placed upon this position may have been exaggerated in comparison to the work accomplished within the pack by other members.Social StructureThe social structure of a wolf pack is very dynamic and is often subject to change, especially during the mating and breeding seasons. Each year there is a significant difference in the way a specific wolf pack gets along and conducts itself. Some of these ways may be explained by the loss of a good hunter or scout, a significant drop or raise in the prey population, extensive and excessive tension and long, prolonged winters. This is probable to explain why the wolf pack we have been watching has often consisted of different wolves at different times and at different locations. Although much of the pack has consisted of about four or five wolves that repeatedly are recorded together, ( probably the alpha male and female, along with a few others) occasional wolves that have been unseen and unheard of will join the pack, only to leave, and then to return days later. Are these lone wolves that seek the help of the pack? Or are they low ranked or omega wolves that decide to leave but cannot survive on their own? Wolf behavior has accomplished a task of adding wonder and confusion to man kind.Are dogs domesticated wolves?No, they are certainly not. Wolves and dogs have a common forefather, but dogs are not domesticated wolves. They used to be wild dogs, who were domesticated by man thousands of years ago. So your toy poodle is not a wolfe. No way. About 40 million years ago there was a small mammal called Miacis, the genus that became the ancestor of the animals we know today as dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes, the Canids. Miacis did not leave direct descendants, but doglike canids evolved from it. By about 20 to 30 million years ago Miacis had evolved into the first true dog called Cynodictis. This was a large animal which shared a period of time and ecology with a variety of other doglike canids, the Nothocyon. From these animals evolved Tomarctus, which existed for approximately 6.83 million years. Out of Tomarctus evolved wolves and other doglike canids.So wolves and dogs have common ancestors and we can learn from that. On the other hand there are a lot of differences. Who ever heard of a wolf living in the wild, born with a will to please towards humans??? DOGS AND DOG TRAININGThe place or position within the family unit is known by us humans as 'pack mentality.' Unfortunately, most humans don't have a clue about pack mentality.Pack mentality is the hierarchical order within which members of the pack function.The key-word here is hierarchical.The first and foremost
item on your Home Manners Training List is bonding with your pup. Your
pup just left one family and has now entered another - yours. Because your
pup instinctively understands pack mentality, he begins life with you discovering
his place in it. Being a pack animal by nature (instinct), your pup has
a basic, in-born need to know where he belongs within the new pack and
his place in it. It is equally important for you, as Leader of your Pack
(family), to know your place in it. With this one fact well ingrained within
you, your home pack/family will run more smoothly and effectively.
Alpha (or Leader):This is the 'toughie.' Because the pup is the newest member (not necessarily the youngest member), your pup begins life with your family on the bottom. As leader, it is best if you begin your bonding process by giving lots of affection along with nurturing your pups basic needs, thereby letting him know you really care. Keep your discipline at a minimum while giving lots of praise for 'good' behavior. The 'key' in this early process is "never allow the young pup to do anything you wouldn't want him to do as an adult and always let your pup know when he has pleased you."Beta (or Second In Command):This position is usually maintained by your partner (wife/husband, significant other). This person is not necessarily the one who is responsible for the care and feeding of your pup, but is one who is always there as a backup to you. It is most important that your Beta person reinforces your ways by doing things your way, and not doing things differently. In other words, the Second In Command fills in for you as though they were you in your absence.Descending Order...This is the rest of the family, usually your children. While they are not in any command position, they also follow your lead by not doing what you would not do and by doing only what you would do. In other words, before they "change the rules," they need to know they should come to you and talk about their ideas, leaving final decisions up to you, da Leader of da Pack!. |
