For the past several decades, its been assumed that dogs evolved from wolves. However, lots of really brainy dog enthusiasts are doing scientific canine research these days, and come to find out – gasp! - now we don’t really think dogs evolved from wolves at all. From what then? Cats? Sea cucumbers?

Nope, we actually think they may have evolved from Wile E. Coyote himself! And coyotes, interestingly enough, don’t reside or exist in the same type of packs that wolves do. They live in smaller groups than wolf packs, they hunt alone and scavenge more often than wolves do, and there are no ‘alpha’ or ‘dominant’ hierarchies. There is some very convincing evidence that they really aren’t like wolves much at all (except of course they get fleas and shed.)

Yet whether they evolved from wolves or coyotes, dogs still need leadership in order to co-exist in harmony with our families. But how on earth do you ‘lead’ another species? It’s simply not done in nature (when was the last time you saw an alligator leading a work group of egrets? Successfully?) In order to lead, you must have a social structure that can a) be understood, and b) be implemented. That why, then, the whole ‘wolf pack’ theory of training still kinda works, even if dogs may not have evolved directly from wolves.

In a nutshell, the idea of a wolf pack is that there is one male leader and one female leader, and the rest of the pack follows underneath in some type of heirarchy. Because this model is so similar to the traditional human family, pack theory lets us compare something we don't know (how to lead another species) to something we do know (how to organize a family.) It gives us an understandable frame of reference. That's why it still works; it remains a structure we can understand and implement, even if 'pack theory' itself has become an outdated concept.

For example, the reason we still encourage you, the leader, to train your dog, the 'pack member' to wait at doors is not because ‘wolves do it’ but because its rude for any family member to charge through the door. The reason your dog should be able to sleep in his/her own bed or crate is not because ‘wolves do it’ but because having a peaceful, portable bedroom for your dog is practical and allows a more flexibly lifestyle for both of you. And the reason dogs should learn on occasion to eat last is not because ‘wolves do it’ but because every family member needs to learn coping skills and patience (visualize: Labrador + Easter dinner table = waiting for table scraps = Patience.)

So, while wolf pack behavior might no longer be an ethologically sound model for dog behavior, from a practical standpoint, it can still work. That said, no matter what social structure you implement in your family, you should always be focusing on kind, positive leadership, and avoiding harsh outdated methods such as physical dominance, angry punishment, and ‘showing them who's alpha.’

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the annual 4th of July Kids and Pets parade! It was a great turnout, and we had lots of fun, showing off our dogs, throwing candy, and enjoying the Issaquah sunshine!

Over the years, we’ve had a lot of very interesting people come see us for our complimentary behavior evaluations. Usually, they are looking for our advice, however on occasion we find people come in to give US some advice on their chosen breeds. Here’s a partial list of our favorite Ridiculous Observations people have given us, NONE OF WHICH ARE TRUE!

• A German Shepherd will be easier to train if you speak German.
• Feeding it gunpowder will help make a Hound dog mean and want to fight
• Terriers destroy the house and bark when owners leave them alone because they are spiteful
• As long as a Cattle Dog dog acts "apologetic" afterward, then the dog has learned its lesson and will not bite again
• Rottweilers are aggressive due to a "missing gene"
• Once a Border Collie bites and tastes blood, it will always bite again
• A neutered Terrier can no longer do its job well
• A female Dachshund should have one litter before being spayed to help her calm down
• Pitbulls lose their hearing at the age of 10 and that is why they attack
• Dobermans brains can explode at 7 yrs of age.

So, enjoy a good chuckle over these...and just remember - all of them are completely false! Have you heard of an equally ridiculous dog-related myth? Send it to us!

Helping a second-chance dog can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do in your dog-owning life. We enjoy supporting families that are bringing in a new pet from a shelter, foster home, or rescue group. Its our experience that in most cases, a fresh start filled with clear house rules, patient understanding and good communication - training! - are essential for integrating a newly adopted dog into your household. We are always glad to give 10% off any of our services if you have adopted a pet within the last 30 days.