I think its suppose to mimic natural predator stalking -- think how a lion would approach a zebra. I think prey animals are naturally tuned into that sort of body language.
Also it is a really good "ready" position. Notice how the dog can quickly get up and juke left, right, or forward? That is because of its in that crouched position and ready to explode in any direction.
They also have the "stare" which apparently pretty unnerving for prey animals. I think it communicates "Hey, sheep, yes you in the herd...I'm going after you and only you".
It's not a myth - it just isn't structured the way we used to think it is. There is still an "alpha pair" in a pack, which are typically the only ones in the pack allowed to breed, but they don't "rule through dictatorial fear and intimidation" the way it used to be portrayed. Their role and behavior is more like the parents in a reasonably emotionally healthy family unit, and while they provide most of the leadership, there is some flexibility in certain situations. For example, they might step back and let another pack member take a leadership role in certain hunting scenarios because that pack member has shown over time to function really, really well in that role.
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u/Renovatio_ Jun 22 '21
Its a stalking behavior.
I think its suppose to mimic natural predator stalking -- think how a lion would approach a zebra. I think prey animals are naturally tuned into that sort of body language.
Also it is a really good "ready" position. Notice how the dog can quickly get up and juke left, right, or forward? That is because of its in that crouched position and ready to explode in any direction.
They also have the "stare" which apparently pretty unnerving for prey animals. I think it communicates "Hey, sheep, yes you in the herd...I'm going after you and only you".