Comment on van Kerkhove's "Wolf-Pack Theory"

Abstract

van Kerkhove (2004/this issue) attempts to address an applied animal behavior problem. A cacophony of issues, however, points to the difficulty of understanding and integrating the scientific literature on principles of animal behavior and conditioning (learning theory). The author's primary focus seems to be on the inappropriateness of "wolf-pack theory" (not a theory at all) to guide treatment programs for the reduction of dog–dog (intraspecific) aggression. The author's commentary also includes other topics that deserve critical comment and may be conceptualized within several categories.