ABSTRACT
The static hierarchies imposed by constructions such as the pack in dominance theory, or the owner and visitor, or producer and consumer, and so on, arguably follow an arborescent model. In contrast, within the arborescent pack model of prevailing dominance theories, dogs are being over-trained or aversively trained with a resulting loss of spontaneity, loss of creativity, and certainly a loss of choice. David Mech emphasises the family structure in later publications, describing the pack as nursery, and confounding the usual combative and warring cultural imagery of the pack: “the continued association of young wolves with their natal pack may simply be a way for the young to mature while being subsidized by their parents.” The char-acterisation of dogs as pack animals in a constant battle to dominate their humans to secure pack leadership is pervasive as a contest for resources and, indeed, for property.
