Way back when I was dreaming up a name for my blog, I thought naming it ‘The Content Wolf’ would allow me to get away with writing a dog/wolf-related post every now and then. 

I’m a self-confessed crazy dog lady. I’ve even completed a course in canine behaviour. One of the areas we studied was wolves (although I should point out I’m clearly not an expert).

I once went on an amazing trip to see wolves in captivity, and I can honestly say that listening to wolves howl was one of the most magical moments of my life. 

Wolves are pretty damn awesome. They’re one of the most feared predators, and they hold legendary status around the world. 

And having briefly studied them, encountered them in real life (albeit in captivity), and read books about them, I still believe we can learn a lot from them. 

Wolves have exceptional survival instincts, and they’re highly adapted to their environment. Watch them work together as a pack, and you’ll soon see just how complex their social relationships are and what they can achieve together. 

Here are ten things we can learn from the mighty wolf. 

Things we can learn from wolves

1. LOYALTY/TEAMWORK

Wolves are fiercely loyal to their pack. In fact, they’re the ultimate team players. Grey wolves live and hunt in packs of six to ten, and I think many sports teams, families, and businesses could learn a thing or two from the teamwork demonstrated by wolves. 

Understand your place, follow the rules, and be loyal to your ‘pack.’

Wolves will do anything to protect their family – even if it means sacrificing themselves. And they always work together to achieve a common goal that benefits the whole pack. 

For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack. ~Rudyard Kipling

2. LIVING IN TOUGH ENVIRONMENTS

Wolves live in some of the most extreme environments in the world. And they don’t just survive – they thrive. 

They make the most of the resources available to them and accept the situation they are in. 

Wolves have been found living in more places in the world than any other mammal (apart from humans, obviously.)

And while humans can also live in tough environments, we don’t half moan about having to do so…

3. RESPECT FOR ELDERS

The strict hierarchy in a wolf pack means that youngsters have great respect for their elders. 

Youngsters do as they’re told, and although they might challenge their parents occasionally, they know exactly where they stand. 

I don’t want to sound like I’m 90, but today’s kids could definitely learn a thing or two about watching how wolf cubs behave…

4. ONLY TAKE WHAT YOU NEED

Wolves only take what they need. And although they’re sometimes described as ‘opportunistic,’ every move in their game has a compelling reason behind it. 

Humans have a habit of taking far more than they need, which means we’re gradually ruining our planet. 

If we were as resourceful as wolves, the world would be a much better place. 

We really need to stop buying things we don’t really need. 

5. LONE WOLVES

Wolves get cast out of a pack just like some people do in society, disregarded and considered worthless. 

Lone wolves aren’t worthless. They become perfectly well adapted to taking care of themselves. 

A lone wolf learns how to look after number one. 

Some wolves are forced out of a pack by dominant males, giving them no choice but to fend for themselves. Sometimes, they suffer a life of loneliness, but occasionally, they’re accepted back into the pack. 

I sometimes feel like a bit of a lone wolf. Friendships aren’t always easy to manage, especially as an adult. 

I’m better at individual sports than team sports. I do occasionally enjoy spending time alone. Being freelance kind of forces you to learn to work well on your own. 

In human terms, a lone wolf is ‘a person who likes to do things on their own without other people.’ 

We all feel like we don’t belong from time to time, but really, that’s what makes us unique. Be proud of who you are. 

6. COMMUNICATION

Why is it so hard to communicate with people sometimes?

Wolves are expert communicators. They can direct an entire pack with a howl, snarl, growl, look, or through their body language. 

They also use scent and touch to communicate with pack members and rival packs. 

The communication between wolf pack members seems pretty effortless to me. 

When you watch them hunt, they just seem to know what to do, where to be, and how to help each other. 

And that’s what makes them such successful predators. 

7. SHOW AFFECTION

Wolves show affection by licking, grooming, nuzzling, and even nibbling each other. 

They’re not afraid to show affection when they feel it (or a pack member needs it).

Life gets so intense, and we’re often moving so fast that we forget to show affection to our partner. 

Remember to take time out of your busy schedule to actually be with your partner, show them some affection, or even improve your physical relationship. 

8. HAVE FUN WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE

Wolves take the opportunity to have a bit of fun or play when there’s nothing pressing to do. 

We humans often miss the chance to indulge in a little fun. 

Watch this adorable video of wolf cubs playing, and it might just encourage you to enjoy life a little more!

When you do have some time to spare, do something you love and have some FUN! A little self-care can go a long way. 

If you enjoy writing, journaling can be a cathartic way to process your everyday thoughts. 

9. REST

Wolves conserve energy whenever they can, so they have as much strength as possible when it’s time to hunt. 

Humans, on the other hand, don’t seem to really understand the concept of rest these days. 

Rest is extremely important. Make sure you get some once in a while. Don’t run yourself into the ground, or you won’t have the energy to keep fighting when you need to. 

Treatments like flotation therapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and relieve pain. I gave it a try and found it a great way to escape the madness of everyday life. 

10. LEAVE YOUR MARK

OK, excuse the crudeness of this one. Wolves leave their mark by urinating or rubbing against things. 

Obviously, humans can’t go around doing that! But we still need to find a way to leave our mark in life. 

You only get one chance, so do something you enjoy and find a way to make your mark on the world. (Just not literally…)

These magnificent creatures have survived for thousands of years by following these principles. 

I think we might find wisdom in occasionally asking: What would the wolf do? 

The Content Wolves work together as a team to ensure your copy has all the elements it needs to hit the mark, every single time. 

As pack leader, I steer the other pack members in the right direction. My multifaceted, highly specialised pack of writers is ready to add some pawsonality into your copy.