operation p.a.w. ;; don't let the howls stop

[Starless Eyes]

The alphas look exactly the same as every other wolf, am I right?

Different behaviors. Alpha is the one marking territory. Usually shows dominance to the others

[Wazaiyata]

Hey, no reason to be rude. I just didn't have the accurate terms, I knew that the "alphas" were parents and how the pack works and everything. I just didn't know that science has changed it's terms for the better to describe them c:

The alphas look exactly the same as every other wolf, am I right?

Different behaviors. Alpha is the one marking territory. Usually shows dominance to the others

All the wolves mark the territory.
And although behavior might be different, you can't expect a hunter to literally sit there for days and wait for dominant behavior to show.

[Soruc]

The alphas look exactly the same as every other wolf, am I right?

Different behaviors. Alpha is the one marking territory. Usually shows dominance to the others

Like me and Jazi said before, the term "alpha" is outdated. c:

[Jazi]

Hey, no reason to be rude. I just didn't have the accurate terms, I knew that the "alphas" were parents and how the pack works and everything. I just didn't know that science has changed it's terms for the better to describe them c:

I'm more asking about the "alphas are darker" source, and I haven't said anything rude.

[Pastasquid]

About the alpha thing....

I thought the ALphas were the breeding pair and the ones that are more dominant than the others. That would mean they would hold their tail high etc. Thats what I thought though

[wolves+horses]

About the alpha thing....

I thought the ALphas were the breeding pair and the ones that are more dominant than the others. That would mean they would hold their tail high etc. Thats what I thought though

They are. Parents are typically dominant over their offspring.

[Onew~]

Aaaah, okay. Time for a big post with probably lots of typos because I'm on a tablet.

The word Alpha, as Jazi said, is outdated in wolf packs. The previous idea in wolf pack structure was that in wolf packs the alphas were the most "dominant" and powerful animals. There was a constant fight for dominance to stay in alpha position)rolling others onto back, snarling, holding tail up high...) and younger wolves would sometimes try and become alpha by "asserting their dominance".

This isn't true at all. The previous study on this alpha behavior wasn't even done on wild wolves, it was done on a captive wolf pack. Of course behaviors and ways of living would be very different than that of wild wolves.

Studies on actual WILD PACKS proved that there is no alpha. They stopped calling the lead position of the pack alpha because alpha is associated with dominance. Dominance occurs... pretty much never. Does your mom ever throw you down, snarl, bite your neck and stand over you? ....Well uhm, I hope not...

The so called alpha is called the "breeding pair" now.

Wolf packs are not a bunch of random animals constsntly fighting like idiots over some top position like most people would think. The breeding pair are the parents of alll the other wolves in the pack and have raised them from pups so they naturally keep leadership in the family. Of course, pups do stupid things so they'll be corrected by their parents and taught what to do and what not to. A lot of times when pups are grown they'll leave to make their own family, but some stay.

"Are you saying that there's no dominance in wolf packs?!"

Eh. Not no dominance. Just nearly nonexistent.

Resource guarding is not dominance.
Baring teeth is not dominance.
Aggressive behaviors towards another animal are not dominance. They're aggressive behaviors.

Worst thing is is that people apply this false dominance theory of wolves to their own dogs. Not only are dogs barely even pack animals anymore, but because by doing this you could traumatize your dog. In the end you may even get a robot that works in utter fear or being rolled on it's back(which, in wolf language, this alpha roll is actually only something wolves do when they're about to KILL ANOTHER WOLF.), hit in the neck, or screamed at. There are people who go so far as to:

"omg, cant let my dog go through the door first! Only the alpha goes through the door first!"
"GOTTA SPIT IN MY DOGS KIBBLE TO MAKE THEM KNOW THAT THIS IS MINE AND THEY'RE LUCKY TO HAVE IT"
"cant let my dog go in front of me on walks, the alpha leads!"
Here are more silly alpha rules you absolutely MUUUST do to make your dog know youre alpha!! /sarcasm/ http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/topdogrules.htm

Some even claim that it's stressful and horrible for your dog if you DON'T make your dog know that you're the alpha of the pack. Puhlease, I think its the other way around.

Um anyays, think i got off topic with the dog part. But still.

[tommie.]

I literally got goosebumps when I found this thread. Wolves are my favorite animal, and a lot of my friends think I'm crazy. They think wolves are dangerous and stupid, man-killing creatures. I've tried to many times to tell them that they aren't; that wolves are gorgeous, peaceful animals who are just trying to survive. There are more accidents involving humans with animals like lions and bears, animals that many people love, than there are between wolves and humans. It just bugs me so much that people can't realize this. I really want to help save the wolves. Could I possibly join P.A.W?

[Wazaiyata]

You are welcome to join paw once you fill out the form on the front page c:
Though we try to keep things less offensive here, so i suggest you remove the things about the hunters. Many of us have strong feelings here, but there are hunters who will get quite offended

[tommie.]

I changed it. Sorry! And thanks. :]

I, Tommie, will dedicate myself to helping wolves have a better future. I swear to give my all in protecting these beautiful creatures, and will help in anyway I can.