A new study presented at the Animal Behavior Society Conference categorizes wolves *not* dogs as the more tolerant, cooperative and independent thinking of the species.

 

The theory and supporting data presented goes on to explain that we have bred and trained dogs into a hierarchal, obedient species.

 

Our four-legged friends have become ever more reliant on us, their human pack leaders.

 

 

Two separate tests were conducted, both studies were evenly balanced between dog and wolf participants; all the animals were raised from pups by the researchers.

 

Meal Test. A dominant pack member was paired with a lesser pack member during meal times.

 

The Results.

 

Dogs. “The higher ranking dog monopolized the food,” a lower ranking dog “won’t even try” when paired with a higher ranking pack member, said researcher Friederike Range.

 

Wolves. Although some mild aggression is shown with subordinate pack mates, the lower ranked mate was allowed to partake in the life-sustaining meals.

 

Container Test. Each animal was given two minutes to open a sealed container of treats with no direction from their human masters.

 

The Results.

 

Dogs. 0 out-of 10 completed the task. Most didn’t even try.

 

Wolves. 8 out-of 10 completed the task in under two minutes.

 

Puppies (dogs). 8 out-of 10 *puppies* also completed the task in the allotted time.

 

This last test indicates that puppies are no less capable than wolves, but “as the dog grows and becomes more dependent on its human owner that independent behavior is inhibited”, says Monique Udell one of the study leads.

 

MY TAKE

 

As my allegorical title suggests, today’s leaders must ensure they are “whelping” wolves and not dogs.

 

Leaders must keep a tightly functioning group of distributed thinkers and doers, never allowing their “packs” to become overly dependent.

 

“Dogs” are cute, lovable, loyal but if your “dogs” are not effective team contributors, independent self driven doers…the wolves will eat them alive.

 

INDUSTRY NEWS
 

FIRST IN CASH – In what is being touted as the first drug discovery partnering of its kind, the European Investment Bank has invested ~$100 million in the pharmaceutical company UCB. With a much higher upside of a standard bank loan, the partnership has pre-commercial milestone triggers that could result in 15x plus returns for the banking partner.
QUOTEWORTHY
 

“I’ve never seen anything at the level of the UCB and European Investment Bank deal…the industry is very open to new ideas. Anything that sounds reasonable now will be considered.”

 

-Ken Kaitin, Director, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development

 

 
FACTS & FIGURES
 

The medical component of the consumer price index continues to climb. 2014 is on pace to increase by 2.4%, after the 2% rise in 2013.