Hunting Bonds: Rethinking Dog Domestication

Host

Welcome back to our podcast! Today, we’re diving into an intriguing topic that's shifting the way we think about dogs and their relationship with humans. We're exploring a concept called Natural Dog Training, and how it relates to the hunting instincts of wolves and early humans.

Expert

Thanks for having me! It's an exciting area of study. The idea is that the hunt was actually the catalyst for the bond between early humans and wolves, which ultimately led to the domestication of dogs.

Host

That's fascinating! So, instead of just thinking dogs were domesticated because they were friendly or submissive, you're saying hunting played a key role?

Expert

Exactly! For a long time, the narrative was that we domesticated dogs by selecting for traits like docility and a respect for pack hierarchy. But my experiences in my father's kennel made me realize there was so much more to it. The aggression and hunting instincts in dogs were often overlooked.

Host

So, you believe that the hunting behavior is a foundational element of their sociability?

Expert

Absolutely! When I worked with protection and police dogs, I noticed that their sociability was rooted in their ability to hunt together. Friendliness doesn't necessarily mean they're safe; it can be a defensive response in other contexts.

Host

That's an interesting perspective. You also mentioned emotion evolving through the hunt. Can you elaborate on that?

Expert

Sure! I believe that emotions aren't just added to our conscious experience; they are fundamental to the animal mind and likely developed through the social dynamics of hunting. When animals hunt together, they form deep emotional bonds that transcend mere survival.

Host

And this brings us to the idea that humans are also part of this natural process. How does that fit into the narrative?

Expert

Exactly! Humans are very much a part of nature, and the process of domestication is a natural evolutionary one. The dog embodies the wild essence of the wolf, but that wildness is amplified in their emotional makeup.

Host

Wow! It sounds like there's a lot more depth to the relationship between dogs and humans than we typically consider.

Expert

Yes, and it's reflected in how we interact with our dogs. For example, the bond between a police handler and their dog is profound, rooted in their shared experiences of hunting and cooperation. This connection is often much deeper than that of the average pet owner.

Host

So, would you say that cooperation is more important than competition in these relationships?

Expert

Definitely! The cooperation seen in wolf packs during hunts is a model of social interaction that can apply to human-dog relationships as well. However, many still view it through the lens of dominance and submission, which I believe is a misinterpretation.

Host

This is such a refreshing perspective! Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.

Expert

Thank you for having me! It's always great to discuss these ideas and challenge the traditional narratives around dogs.

Host

And thank you to our listeners for tuning in. We hope this episode gave you a new way to think about your furry friends!