What Does the Word "Pack" Mean to You?

The word "pack" often stirs up strong feelings in the dog training community. For some, it evokes images of dominance, submission, and the outdated notion of alpha dogs, while others use it more neutrally to describe a group of dogs living together. But where did this confusion come from, and what does "pack" truly mean?

The Origins of the Misunderstanding: Wolf Studies in Captivity

The misunderstanding of "pack" as a hierarchy based on dominance and aggression largely stems from early studies conducted on unrelated wolves kept in captivity. These studies, which observed artificial groupings of wolves, led to the development of the "alpha wolf" theory. The wolves, unrelated and placed in a confined space, exhibited behaviours that were interpreted as constant struggles for dominance, thus promoting the idea that there must always be a leader and a rigid hierarchy within any group of canines.

However, further studies on wild wolves revealed a very different reality. In the wild, wolf packs are usually made up of family units: a breeding pair and their offspring. Within these natural packs, cooperation and social bonds are far more common than conflict. Rather than rigid dominance, wolves show nurturing behaviours, teaching their young and working together to ensure the survival of the group. The idea of an "alpha wolf" is much more nuanced and often doesn’t apply in natural settings.

What a True Wolf Pack Is

A true wolf pack is, at its core, a family. It’s led by the parents—often called the "breeding pair"—and consists of their offspring from various litters. Just like in any family, roles within the group shift depending on the needs and dynamics of the pack. The older wolves guide and teach the younger ones, ensuring the whole group can thrive together.

In contrast to the dominance-based interpretations, these packs are social and cooperative. They function with mutual respect, trust, and care. While there can be occasional moments of tension, just as there are in human families, the overall structure of a wolf pack revolves around support and teamwork rather than constant battles for control.

How Dogs Live in Social Groups

Dogs, unlike wolves, are domesticated animals that have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. Their social structure is flexible and not as rigid as the family unit seen in wild wolves. While dogs can live harmoniously in groups, they don't necessarily form packs in the wild sense of the word. They can form social groups, and while there may be certain dogs who display more confident behaviour or take charge in specific situations, this doesn't equate to dominance or the need for an "alpha" figure.

In fact, studies on free-ranging dogs show that their social interactions are more fluid, with different dogs taking on various roles based on the situation, resources, and relationships within the group. They collaborate when needed, communicate clearly, and establish social bonds that help them coexist, much like any other social animal, including humans.

Reclaiming the Word "Pack" or Choosing Alternatives

For some, the word "pack" has become tainted by its association with dominance-based training methods. However, as reward-based trainers, we have an opportunity to take back this word and redefine it. A "pack" can simply refer to a group of dogs who live, train, and enjoy life together. It doesn’t have to carry the outdated baggage of dominance and submission but can instead reflect a social unit built on trust, cooperation, and respect.

For those who still prefer an alternative, there are plenty of words we could use: "group," "family," or even "team" reflect the same ideas of dogs living and working together. These words convey the sense of connection, mutual respect, and harmony that we, as reward-based trainers, value so highly.

Conclusion

The word "pack" doesn’t need to be discarded or feared—it simply needs to be understood correctly. Whether you choose to use the term or prefer another, the most important thing is to remember that our relationships with dogs are built on kindness, respect, and trust. Let's focus on creating a positive narrative around the way dogs live together, and if you're comfortable using the word "pack" in your training world, let it reflect the bond we build with our dogs, not an outdated myth of dominance.