The omega of the canine species

It’s great to be with you today.

I want to give a big thank you to Jay for entertaining us all yesterday with his heartwarmingly funny story of how we moved our camp to its new permanent location closer to the dogs.

He has such a great sense of humor and a heart of pure gold.

The pickle juice analogy was hilarious, wasn’t it?!

I don’t think I ever would have come up with that in a million years. But that’s why he is the fantasy fiction writer for the Dire Wolf Project. He has such a creative mind!

In today’s email, I want to discuss how important it is to be a good leader and what that looks like within the Dire Wolf Project.

American Dirus dogs are bred to be submissive in nature.

This means we breed our dogs to step away from conflict or challenges… not square up and confront.

Despite their great size and imposing stature, some people have described our dogs as:

the omegas of the canine species.

Not seeking to be alphas. Instead, willing to submit to others to keep the peace.

Despite the omega’s seemingly low-ranking position in the pack, the omega actually plays a crucial role within a natural canine societal structure.

Traditionally, this subordinate member serves as the peacemaker.

Rather than striving for a higher rank, omegas understand their place, willingly accept it, and use their position to avoid and diffuse instigating conflicts.

They actively work to soften tensions among more volatile pack members.

This involves intervening in disputes, encouraging others to disengage from fights, and providing a calming influence.

Even if targeted by others, the omega refrains from fighting back, acknowledging its designated place within the pack hierarchy.

This type of willing submissiveness is a GREAT attribute for a large breed of companion dog.

Many with PTSD or anxiety issues have recognized this incredible prominent feature in our dog breed. Some have gone on to successfully train our dogs for psychiatric service dog work.

I also believe that some in our dog breed would be ideal as resident “Courthouse Therapy Dogs”. Their menacing appearance on the outside coupled with a gentle, loyal desire to tap into human emotion would be an amazing combination.

Think of a young female rape victim who has to be brave enough to face her fears and call out her abuser in public on the stand. A solid giant dire wolf-looking dog walking confidently by her side as she entered the witness box, then sitting next to her without fear, would certainly be a great comfort and barrier. Not to mention how much more open a victim could be with a gentle furry giant than a social worker or police officer.

Many other families have seen this omega dynamic in their homes with children, other dogs, and cats.

While not every American Dirus dog is exactly the same as another, this omega-like personality can be seen in 85 - 90% of our dogs.

BUT…

In order to tap into your American Dirus dog’s innate desire to be led instead of leading, YOU must step up and be a good and fair leader, worthy of being followed.

It requires quite a bit of inner strength and an ability to carry yourself with self-assured confidence… without being confusing, tyrannical, or dictatorial.

That is where most fail.

In today’s western culture, many have lost the understanding of what it takes to be the good and fair leader your dog needs.

This has led to many confused and conflicted tail-waggers that tune you out, thinking humans can’t hear their pleas for support and leadership.

If your dog…

1. runs through the house,
2. jumps up on you or others,
3. pulls dramatically on the leash,
4. digs up your backyard,
5. rushes out the door before you can catch it,
6. doesn’t listen to you, or
7. steals food from the countertops,

… you have a problem with proper leadership.

A good leader pays attention and seeks to understand their dog’s physical and emotional needs and desires.

While there are many ways to do this… and just as many dog trainers out there willing to show you how… no one else teaches you how to be a good and fair leader to a dog with an omega-type personality - the sensitive and emotional dog that has an intuitive nature.

That is why I am working on the Canine Culture Shock book and subsequent online course material.

For the soft-hearted, introverted types who desire strength from others so that they can do what they do best… bring peace to their surroundings.

This will be the key to understanding the deep, mysterious depths of a sensitive canine’s soul in a human world.

I will be writing it over the winter and hope to have much of it completed and ready for your curious eyes late next spring.

Here’s the link to find out more about the contents:

https://direwolfproject.com/direwolf-publishing/coming-soon1/canine-culture-shock/

PS: LaBrea is looking for something. I wonder what it could be.

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.