So how much is a dog like a wolf?

It is widely recognised that the dog does descend from the wolf. Their DNA is virtually the same, they have the same number of chromosomes and the same number of teeth. They also share many behaviours, such as digging and circling before lying down. However, through selective breeding and evolutionary changes they are very different.

A wolf has 60 facial expressions whereas the most a dog may have are those seen in the German Shepherd; being just 12! The domestic dog ranges in size and form from a chihuahua to a saint bernard. Just consider the difference in head shapes! Whereas the wolf has largely stayed the same size for thousands of years. The dog has been bred for domestication and their sociable nature, their existence, is dependent on humans. The wolf is driven by a need to survive and breed. Wolves form hierarchical relationships through ritualised behaviours associated with bodily communication signals not fighting. A dog though may demonstrate aggressive behaviour through associative learning towards a valued resource, such as a ball or even their owner. In addition, the existence of so many breeds and their variability means that dogs may struggle to communicate effectively, particularly if they have not been exposed to and widely socialised with others as a pup. Therefore, a dog learns behaviours through exposure to different circumstances, i.e. associative learning, which places training at the forefront of a dog's development.

Our impact on a dog is at the very forefront of the behaviours that a dog exhibits. It is our role to teach and train the dog the rules of the house, being consistent and fair and to socialise them widely. That way we are able to develop symbiotic relationships, benefiting one another and bringing a vast array of joyful experiences enriching our lives. Therefore, a dog is a dog and a wolf is a wolf!