Is it a Pack or a Family?

Interesting input from the Coppingers, as always. I think what is also important is the data and observations of L. David Mech, the premiere researcher of wolves in their natural habitat. Most "packs" are actually families, not groups of disparate wolves. As such, the cubs will eventually mature and go start their own "pack."

Dogs differ socially from wolves. Wolves rarely form "packs" or groups with stranger wolves, beyond the original selection of mate process. Dogs, however, can form groups over the course of their lifetimes with other dogs, same or different breeds, as well as with difference species. Hence, Shadow and Jade sometimes sleep together on the double recliner, sometimes, side by side.

Which, to me, doesn't mean the dog is more "pack"-oriented than a wolf, just different in social behavior.

Some of what I like about the non-linear dog theory is the organization from bottom up. A lead dog is leading because the others are following. Corvus' description of her dog, Penny, in another thread is a good example. Penny would try to "lord" it over other dogs. They would put up with it for a while. And then snap back and she would abandon that line of thought. The dogs were deferring to her "lead" at the time because it suited them, until it no longer appealed to them. Also, dogs left alone that don't get along will eventually stake out their own range of territory. So, from what I see, dogs avoid confrontation when possible and follow another dog when it suits them.

One of the interesting things from that theory is that when one dog is belly up and the other dog stands over, he thinks it is the lying dog that is superior, having unobstructed access to the underside of the standing dog. I'm still thinking about that one, but it is valuable, in speaking to the fluidity of dog relationships.

The neighbors caddy-corner to me have two Border Collies and a Healer mix. The mama BC is bossy and she intially tried to boss the Healer. He wouldn't put up with her brusque ways. As long as she treats him with "respect," he will follow her across the yard, let her lead the charge to the fence, whatever. But she has learned not to try and nip-herd him, which is her preferred style. She leads because he follows.