Put Up Or Shut Up

[FunnyDuddies 6]

Now pass the tequila.

You want that with training wheels?

[Bettina 0]

The Social System of the Pack

There are two separate dominance orders within each pack: a male order and a female order. The highest ranking member of each order occupies the "alpha" position. "Alpha" is followed by the "beta" individual and so forth until the last position which is called "omega" (as in the Greek alphabet). Very few individuals are considered "equal".

Alpha positions are usually occupied by a mated pair. The ultimate dominant individual can be either the male or female and that individual directs the activities of the pack. In studies done on wolves, however, it is interesting to note that sometimes the alpha male refrains from breeding the alpha female. He will allow a lower ranking male to mate with her instead.

In Wolf packs the alpha male and female are usually the parents of the subordinate pack-mates. Very rarely are strange wolves allowed to enter an established wolf pack. As canines are "first cousins" to Wolves this may help to explain why the entry of a strange dog to the pack can result in an escalation of fights. In well-established packs there are other possible classifications of social ranking : 1. mature subordinate animals 2. outcasts or dogs who rank so low that they avoid the main pack members and 3. juveniles who do not become part of the pack nucleus until they are much older. Dominance orders cross sexual lines in immature animals and do not divide into male/female orders until sexual maturity.

The older a pack is ... the more stable its social structure becomes. When the alpha male dies, grows old or weak the resulting competition for the alpha position may disrupt the social stability of the pack.

Most conflicts within a pack are not severe. Some behavior may appear severe as the animals display ritualistic threatening postures, noise and fighting. Occasionally the fighting may escalate causing serious injury or death. Often several animals in the pack will "gang up" on one of the dogs involved. An interesting note... in Wolves the dominant alpha will usually break up the fight before such serious problems occur. Most of the time this happens when the dominant male places himself between the two fighting parties but doesn't participate in the fight itself.

Leadership within the pack is a matter of supreme importance. The leader of the pack initiates the play pattern, which direction the pack will travel, when to rest and when it is time to hunt. A well established leader rarely has his authority challenged. He/she directs pack activities and also takes the initiative in reacting to intrusions. The leader is neither despotic nor democratic but a combination of both.

Because dog packs are highly organized ... order is the rule. Dogs within each pack generally interact predictably and the social structure of the groups is maintained. Much of the behavior is directed toward the goal of either maintaining ones social status or possibly raising it. A dog's social status is unusually established early in life but circumstance may change this position. Any drastic disturbance such as the loss or addition of pack members can trigger a status rearrangement. Each and every member is constantly watchful and interested in all socially important happenings within the pack. In particular, status quarrels are never private affairs between two individuals. The whole society may participate in the final outcome.

The role of the Omega dog is crucial to the stability of day to day pack life. Usually this animal is the outcast and is not allowed to join in pack activities. Some scientists believe that the Omega position offers a way for wolves to disperse energy. If the omega strays from allotted territory or attempts to join in on a feeding the pack will persecute the omega until order is restored. Energy is released during the confrontation and this is immediately followed by a period of peace.

...........So what?

[Fitter 0]

So what? You obviously never met Leatha. She's one of the most intelligent women we've ever known but I guess you have to be somewhere in the same ballpark as her to get it.

Great post, LG, I can't wait to rip my teeth into it during my LAST DAY OF WORK TOMORROW! Hey, I think I'll go a thread killin' with this! :kiss2:

[the best me 6]

So what? You obviously never met Leatha. She's one of the most intelligent women we've ever known.

YES! I agree, and I find her analogy a tad sobering, despite the hilarity. Don't go and take your posts with you, Leatha! You KNOW all this simmers down after a bit. For a bit, anyway. :ermm

[Bettina 0]

So what? You obviously never met Leatha. She's one of the most intelligent women we've ever known but I guess you have to be somewhere in the same ballpark as her to get it.

Great post, LG, I can't wait to rip my teeth into it during my LAST DAY OF WORK TOMORROW! Hey, I think I'll go a thread killin' with this! :kiss2:

I am pretty sure I was asking Leatha and not you...but thanks anyway. I'll wait for Leatha to answer.

[GeezerSue 7]

The Social System of the Pack

...

Alpha positions are usually occupied by a mated pair. The ultimate dominant individual can be either the male or female and that individual directs the activities of the pack. In studies done on wolves, however, it is interesting to note that sometimes the alpha male refrains from breeding the alpha female. ...

Could that because they limit their interpersonal relations to posting on an internet bulletin board?

[3loves 0]

Someone call the village ASAP. Their idiot is loose.

We must rule with humor, we must tickle the funny bone, we must take the village back!

[leatha_g 4]

Could that because they limit their interpersonal relations to posting on an internet bulletin board?

hahaha.. most probably!! I love you Geezer Sue!

[Dody 0]

P'Nut what kind of grandmother would post a picture of her little grandson ( if that truly was your grandson, or just a pic from the net) with a cigarette in his mouth and a beer can in his hand. That is using a little child that knows no better to play your sick and perverted game. I asked my daughter what she would do if I ever did anything like that with my grandson and her answer was "Mom you wouldn't be able to see him till you got some serious help for your problems. I would not allow you to drag an innocent child through the mud". This is just food for thought, because apparently the thought didn't cross your mind that this was cruel at all. In fact you laughed hysterically at it....and you have the nerve to call yourself a grandmother? That was degenerate behavior from a child like person trying to act like a woman....or were you drinking at the time Susan and it was just a lark to you?

You and some of your supporters need serious help with other than lapbanding issues. That is obvious. To you drinking is a way of life, as it appears to be with most of your friends. That's sad...that band could have gone to someone who deserved it. You got a complete unfill because of your incessent drinking....do you really think your dr. will even take you on again for another fill...I'm doubtful. If any of you relate to the drinking I will be expecting you to jump right in, otherwise you will be silent unless you share the same problem.

[PhotoNut 7]

P'Nut what kind of grandmother would post a picture of her little grandson with a cigarette in his mouth and a beer can in his hand. That is using a little child that knows no better to play your sick and perverted game. I asked my daughter what she would do if I ever did anything like that with my grandson and her answer was "Mom you wouldn't be able to see him till you got some serious help for your problems. I would not allow you to drag an innocent child through the mud". This is just food for thought, because apparently the thought didn't cross your mind that this was cruel at all. In fact you laughed hysterically at it....and you have the nerve to call yourself a grandmother? That was degenerate behavior from a child like person trying to act like a woman....or were you drink at the time Susan and it was just a lark to you?

Ok.. NOW Im peeing myself!!! Rofl!!!

I found your village idiot!!! :faint: :clap2:

[FunnyDuddies 6]

ROFL dody...that pic has been on the internet for years. it was not her grandkid...trust me. LOL

[Dianechef 3]

Dody, that picture wasn't her grandson. It was a joke.

[PhotoNut 7]

Caution:

[Dody 0]

ROFL dody...that pic has been on the internet for years. it was not her grandkid...trust me. LOL

I said if it was her grandchild it was degenerate.....read it again.

[PhotoNut 7]

Im STILL laughing so hard I cant breathe.

Yes, Dody, I was drink at the same time. LOL