Wolf Park
In November 2006 my 20 year old daughter Stacy and I went to Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana to hear Dr. Ray Coppinger speak on the topic of Dogs. It was an amazing experience hearing Dr. Coppinger and experiencing the work that is done at Wolf Park. Meeting and touching the wolves, viewing the bison hunt, (behavioral observation only-no bison were harmed), seeing the coyotes and experiencing their captivating humor-it was a wonderful 3 day workshop.

Initially we heard Dr. Coppinger speak about the Natural History of Dogs. How the village dog adapted and integrated into the human world. We studied the ethology of dogs, sometimes called behavioral genetics. Ethology is the effort in measuring canine behavior and exploring breed-typical behaviors. There was a depth of information and debate discussing dog cognition and emotions in dogs. For me-the basis of science and its application to the training environment was wonderful.

Wolf Park is a great adventure, either for the seminar education or the sheer experience of seeing the wolves. These scientists have so much to share, the wolves touch your soul. Stacy, in her “animal Siren” way could tell them apart before any of the rest of us. This was her second time at Wolf Park. At the age of 10 she enjoyed the howlings offered to the public. This is a great day trip for any family that is mesmerized by the activities of the wolf.