There is little dispute over the fact that dogs are descended from wolves. Fossil evidence indicates that dogs were domesticated about 10,000 years ago. Since then we have bred them into hundreds of separate breeds. Each of these breeds was developed for a purpose. Hounds chase game while pointers freeze and point at birds.
Terriers dig underground after their quarry while herding breeds chase cows and sheep.
Few of these animals look much like wolves, but many people assume that they still behave like wolves. This is done because mother dogs supposedly shake their puppies to discipline them. Some experts promote the practice of rolling the animal on its back until it submits, in order to establish dominance. Another batch of experts suggest biting the dog's muzzle in order to establish dominance, because dominant wolves do this to exert their authority. By imitating these behaviors, according to some trainers, we can learn to communicate better with our dogs.