Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs

[Evil Dave]

I didn't have to see the movie, I've got tourists!

[Groinstrike]

It seems to me that many people fall into somewhat of a grey area when it comes to this classification. There is a big difference between being capable of violence and being willing to commit violence. Im really not sure which of these categories i belong to.

If the question is: Am i will in commit acts of brutal violence to protect my loved ones, then the answer is yes. Now as an LEO i am being asked to possibly commit acts of violence to protect the safety and well being of perfect strangers. This is were the term "sheepdog" comes to light.

I assume the sheepdog doesn't like the sheep, hell he probably thinks they look just as tasty as the wolves do. But the sheepdog has been trained to carry out a task, and his training overrides his basic animal instincts.

[ShoriKid]

I assume the sheepdog doesn't like the sheep, hell he probably thinks they look just as tasty as the wolves do. But the sheepdog has been trained to carry out a task, and his training overrides his basic animal instincts.

No, not really. A sheepdog that looks at the sheep with contempt/as tasty won't last long. At some point that inner voice wins out and they try a bite of sheep. At which time the owner puts them down, ie. the bad cop is put through the criminal justice system just like any other criminal, sometimes facing harsher sentencing.

The sheepdog is at worst, neutral toward the sheep. They have a job and that job is protecting the sheep, that's their deepest instinct. In the fabric of their being they are protectors who are usually friends with the sheep even if they have to bark at them for their own good now and again.

[Groinstrike]

I assume the sheepdog doesn't like the sheep, hell he probably thinks they look just as tasty as the wolves do. But the sheepdog has been trained to carry out a task, and his training overrides his basic animal instincts.

No, not really. A sheepdog that looks at the sheep with contempt/as tasty won't last long. At some point that inner voice wins out and they try a bite of sheep. At which time the owner puts them down, ie. the bad cop is put through the criminal justice system just like any other criminal, sometimes facing harsher sentencing.

The sheepdog is at worst, neutral toward the sheep. They have a job and that job is protecting the sheep, that's their deepest instinct. In the fabric of their being they are protectors who are usually friends with the sheep even if they have to bark at them for their own good now and again.

Well said.

[sensei8]

Very nice topic and I've enjoyed the reading...thanks for starting this thread.

[The BB of C]

These are some interesting points brought up here. But I feel we're missing one of the very likely possibilities. We've covered the martial artists who train to be sheepdog but become sheep. We've covered how the LEO's practice becoming sheepdog. But what happens when a martial artist or LEO becomes a wolf? I've been seeing it happen with increased frequency as of the last couple of years and wondering what to think or do about such an occasion keeps me up some nights.

[Harkon72]

I suppose it's the law of the jungle, told and retold, before, now and for ever.

The defense of the inocent is an issue, but so is the responsibility of the strong to educate and guide the youth. The Wolves take care around the Sheepdogs, but many wear the Sheepdog collar themselves. Some choose to be Sheep, proclaiming their pacifism and apathy. I hope History doesn't repeat its self to thier demise.

[bushido_man96]

I don't know how often the sheepdogs become wolves, and I'm not saying it doesn't happen. What I am more inclined to believe is that those that appear to become wolves have always been wolves, but have been able to either hide their true side, or do a profession that allows their wolf side to come out in order to slake their thirst from time to time with no one the wiser. But, I think by and large that when something like that is seen, its one of those cases that its blown up to the point that makes it appear to happen at a greater percentage than it really does.

[Kuma]

I think the difference between the wolf and the sheepdog is, on the side of the sheepdog, compassion and a code of conduct. You've got to have a bit of the wolf in you but you also need to genuinely care about your sheep. And as a protector of the sheep you need a high standard to follow to rely on when your wolfish side starts barking.

[darksoul]

I think the difference between the wolf and the sheepdog is, on the side of the sheepdog, compassion and a code of conduct. You've got to have a bit of the wolf in you but you also need to genuinely care about your sheep. And as a protector of the sheep you need a high standard to follow to rely on when your wolfish side starts barking.

I agree with this.