The Myth of Dogs as Pack Animals

It seems to me that I've touched on this topic a few times, but I don't believe I've actually addressed it.

One of the most enduring myths about dogs is that they are pack animals. I believe this stems in part from the misconception that dogs are domestic wolves. I've discussed this a few times, so will only mention a few points. Studies of wolves and dogs, thus far, have only examined the Mitochondrial DNA which can only determine if there is a common ancestor. They are certainly close enough on the evolutionary timeline to crossbreed, but they are also separated by about 12,000 years of evolution or more.

We also need to define exactly what a pack is. Again, I've discussed this, so I will only reiterate a few things. According to research over the past few decades, it has been determined that wolf packs are actually family units with the parents holding the top positions, just like a human family, and the rest of the pack being made up of their offspring. About the time the pups reach maturity, they leave the pack to mate and form their own packs.

In the studies of feral or wild dogs, dogs do not pack. These dogs do form "loose, transitory associations," as Dr. Ian Dunbar calls it, but they usually only last for a few days at most. Dogs do come together in groups during mating season, but the male takes no part in the raising of the pups. Dogs may also come together when resources are scarce, but again, these associations only last for a few days.

Dogs are actually scavengers, frequenting trash heaps of human settlements, or staying in close proximity to humans, looking for handouts. However, this close proximity does not constitute a pack as there is no cooperation between the dogs as a rule.

All that being said, I think it is important to remember that although dogs are not pack animals, they are highly social. It is important that they have interaction with other dogs just as it is important for people to have a social life. I have two dogs myself, and I firmly believe they are better for it. However, in light of the information above, I do not think it would be a good idea to bring a third dog into our home on a permanent basis.

For more information:

Jean Donaldson wrote a great entry on this very topic:
http://www.jeandonaldson.com/jeans-blog-mainmenu-51/64-are-dogs-pack-animals

The book, "Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution" by Coppinger & Coppinger is a great resource. Although I did not agree with all of their conclusions, the raw data is irrefutable.

Also, I've mentioned Dr. David Mech before, who has done research on wolves for decades and admittedly started some of the fallacies, but has since refuted them. http://www.davemech.com/

FREE Spay/Neuter Vouchers Available from Animal Control

I received the following press release yesterday and wanted to pass it along. I'll reserve my comments on the importance of spaying and neutering for another time.

COLUMBIA- Columbia/Boone County Animal Control officers are offering the gift of responsible pet ownership this holiday season. Beginning immediately, FREE spay/neuter vouchers are available to all Boone County residents.

The vouchers, which can be used to spay or neuter both dogs and cats, can be picked up anytime Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm at the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services, 1005 West Worley in Columbia. No appointment is needed. Recipients must present a photo ID and proof of Boone County residency (i.e. driver’s license, utility bill, voter ID card, etc.) After a voucher is obtained, the pet owner should call the Central Missouri Humane Society to schedule the spay/neuter procedure.

There are no income restrictions for the vouchers and more than one voucher per household is allowed. Vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis. They must be picked up before December 30, 2010, but the spay/neuter procedure does NOT need to be completed before the end of 2010.

For more information, please contact Animal Control at 573.449.1888.