By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr
Dogs and wolves share the same fundamental behaviours (vocabulary) when it comes to communication, yet they do not use these behaviours in the same manner. Wolves are the gentlemen of the canine world. They use the entire ethogram (dictionary) to communicate and never cut corners (grammatical structure) when discussions arise. If they did, it would be considered a social faux pas and they would be reminded of their improper social conduct.
Dog modified social reprimand.
Wolf original social reprimand.
Wolves need to constantly practice their communication skills because they live in big groups where discussions are never ending. Managing a large group requires extremely well developed language and social skills. Just think of those big holiday parties and how you feel once everybody has left. You are drained and tired because you had to use all your social skills to keep the brother in law from fighting with your brother. Dogs do not live in large groups; as such, their social structure is very different from the wolf. Canis familiaris does not require well developed social skills because they are not required to constantly communicate with one another.
Dog seeks reassurance.
Wolf seeks reassurance.
If wolves are the gentleman of the canine world, dogs are the bums! The constantly cut corners and omit behaviours when they interact. This lack of social integrity creates conflict and confusion because communication breaks down. Imagine trying to have a conversation with a person from Brittan; although you both speak English, communication is difficult and frustrating because language is used very differently.
Dog social approach after conflict.
Wolf social approach after conflict.
When wolves meet, they practice social greeting in the proper way: curve when approach, nose to posterior, turning forward, nose to nose sniffing, appeasement/avoidance signals, dominance or submission rituals are exhibited. When dogs meet, more often then not they run towards one another and demand to play. No formal introduction / social greeting behaviours are practiced; this would be the equivalent of me running up to you, jumping all around (without saying hello first), and wrestling you to the ground in order to play.
Dog modified avoidance signal.
Wolf original avoidance signal.
Although dog behaviour is a distorted form of wolf behaviour, communication is still possible between dogs and people. Our role is to acknowledge the communication differences and understand their significance in order to establish positive relationships with them. My job as a professional behaviour consultant is to interpret and translate the dog’s message in order to re-establish the broken bond between human and animal.
