1. Breed Temperament Mechanics -
Take a look and the Companion Dog Temperament rom the bottom up. Learn how we use the wolf-hunt theory of "3" to train with the companion dog's temperament.
This National Geographic video of the wolves of Yellow Stone shows a perfect example of the three components of a wolf pack hunt. Scientific terminology for later - we will label these three components as:
1. The Runners- These are the ones you see teasing the elk, and coursing it through the feild. These are the wolves with the highest stamina and mental energy.
2. The Killers - right in back of the runners, waiting for the moment to come in and take the animal down. These are the ones with tenacity and heavier stature.
3. And the Ones who eat first - The Alpha's - The ones off to the side, directing and waiting for the others to take the animal down. The leaders. They cannot risk physical injury as they are the protectors and directors of the pack. They come in last - but eat first.
Living with a companion dog can be a challenge without the understanding of how all the cogs turn together to form the machine of the companion's temperament.
The wild canine, of many different species, has been domesticated many different times throughout history, in many different regions of the world. It seems the most recent domestication of the North American groups of wolves lent the natural functions in their society, to be selected to aid human kind.
During domestication, humans unwittingly created three groups of breeds selected for three main puposes. Herding - Hunting - and Companionship.
The Runners were selected for the temperament that made them good herding dogs.
The Killers were selcted for the temperament that made them good hunting dogs.
The Leaders - were selected for the temperment that makes them good companions.
As time passed and human kind became more diverse and geographically spread, "breeds" began to appear. Dogs were selectively bred for their ability to perform tasks required of them. Hunters more suited for birds and herders more suited for cows or sheep. Companions were selected for their ability to charge into battle or protect the homestead. Companions were also used to help carry loads or babysit children.
Fast forward to modern times, and the advent of technology has all but eliminated the need for hunting and herding temperaments. Modern breeding practices have thrown the Labrador Retreiver into being selected for their ability to jump long distances into water. Border Collies are selected for their ability to run through tunnels very quickly.
The Companion Temperament However, is still the same as it always was. Selecting Dominant Alpha's creates the comapanion dogs temperament. Selecting for runners or killers produces hunting and herding dogs - high energy needy dogs. A Companion dogs temperament is dominant, watchful, mellow, low energy, aloof - just like the Alpha male in the video above.
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