Studies of wolf behavior from the 1970's reported a pretty strict heirarchy of bossiness, similar to the pecking order in captive chickens. More recent studies of wolves in the wild found NO such rigid structure. Young adult wolves hang out with their parents or go off to form their own packs as needed and thus become parents themselves, or as we inaccuratly calle them, alpha dogs. Wolves are wired to form family relationships for life and a few break those ties to form new groups as they mature, much like us. If forced to work or live with strangers, they form a rigid structure, like we do in the military adn in schools and offices.
Domestic dogs are often considered to be mini-wolves. But is this reasonable? Dogs studied in the wild or feral state (established packs of strays not born near humans) are very different from wolves. Puppies are most often raised by single moms and sent on their way at anywhere from 4 to 10 months of age. If tragedy befalls their mothers, they may be able to make it on their own from as young as two months of age, maybe by finding a kind human to take them in. Dogs form loose clubs with other dogs for scavenging and traveling but they don't stay united for long. If dogs in the wild routinely change groups, then they are probably wired to handle this moreso than wolves might be.
This brings up an intersting point about shelter dogs. I have always marvelled at the willingness and ability of dogs to adapt to the kennel and then to a new family. Of the estimated 90 million dogs in the country, somewhere between 2-4 million go through shelters every year. That means between 2% and 4% of all dogs live in more than one home after they leave ther mothers.
Most of my friends, family, and the adopters I work with every day, keep their dogs for a lifetime. This means they consider the dog, the kids and the job at every turn, including during those times when life gets hard. The most common reasons for relinquishments ar moving, financial problems, significant illness and inability to train or care for the dog properly.
I have no way of knowing if the fact that most people I know adjust to life without giving up their dogs is true for a majority of dog owners. But if there are 90 million dogs and about 4 million end up in shelters each year, I'd say, it's likely. I am definitely of the school of thought that dogs need to be part of each life transition but even our children and spouses may not follow us through all of our own changes. Is it fair to take your dog with you, no matter what happens? Obviously it's necessary if there isn't a wonderful better home waiting. I am certainly not advocating dropping the dog off at the shelter where outcomes are not secure.
I've been fortunate enough to lead a nomadic life that dogs love. I've almost always worked in dog friendly offices with a short commute or with family at home to cater to a dog's schedule. Having veterinarians in the family helps, too. I've also passed up opportunities that would not have allowed me to continue this way of life. I choose to adopt dogs that match my lifestyle and I have some schooling in solving dog problems for us and for them.
I talk to people every day who have not been so lucky. As I help dogs get to their new lives, I wonder if I've set the bar too high for everyone else. For rescue and shelter workers it's easy to lose sight of the real world, where responsible pet owners don't need our help. We usually meet families who can't make it work. Is it fair to judge them harshly for leaving the dog in our hands? Considering the outcome may be the end of the line for the dog, it's easy to blame the last person who cared for the dog even if we don't know what came before. It's something to think about.
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