Quote:
Originally Posted by poohbearsmom  We have bred certain instincts to be stronger or weaker in certain breeds of dogs. Herding dogs are one example. Pit Bulls are another example. |
Okay, I hear that. But my thoughts are that those are more drives than instincts.
Drive says, "I the horse - dont like horse boxes." or "I the Pittbull wish to kill things." Drives can be overcome with correct nurture.
Instinct is much more primal than that. Its the horse jumping from the bush that suddenly rustles, no matter how well nurtured it may be to dark places. Instinct overrides all reason. We see this even in humans - possibly THE most domesticated mammal of all.
I dont believe that instincts can be modified. Drives that are species specific maybe.
I feel that the dynamics of a social environment, such as a pack, are consistent with the original primal instinct of its ancestors. Its just manifested differently because, an example I used in another post, we cant physically get down on our hands and knees and snarl at the dog. (have been known to do it though). But we do it metaphorically. The NILIF concept is nothing more than "you need to do what the alpha tells you if you want to eat." Its a survival concept that appeals to the dogs instinct - that's why it works.
We're still a wolf pack - or male dogs wouldn't run around cocking their legs on their territory. Or at least that's just my view on it.
ps. I go home every day after learning from this forum and look at Titan in a whole new light. Im really glad I chose a Rotty, they are amazing. I kissed him on the nose, at which point he squatted and peed on the carpet in the lounge and then ran outside. :) 7 months - start of the terrible teens, no doubt.