Well, we all know what dogs are, so lets start there.
Dogs came from Dire Wolves long ago when we formed a partnership between the species. Eventually, we began domesticating them to perform unique and specific functions.
This how the wild wolf of old, became a Pug, beagle, Hound, Caucasian Shepard, ovtcharka, Akita, German Shepard, ect... some were bred and the blood line was consistently made to heard, or guide, lived in the cold from birth until death, guard a specific piece of land, and so on.
After generations, each became better and better (genetically predisposed) to that performed function. which means what you do with your dog(s) matter(s) because you're contributing to their species continued evolution to produce the dog that you raise.
so, in the modern day we have grey and artic wolf, we have breeds of Dog, and we have Hybrids.
this is where we are on the timeline of "dog" history. Wolves have still evolved from Dire wolves, and most have the ability to work with humans in their historic capacity (although, because of very bad practices being enforced for the last several generations, some lines of wolf are probably destroyed for the foreseeable future... sadly..) and the wolves that can work with and get along with humans lead full and happy lives with their owners like any other dog.
once you know the animal in front of you is a workable animal, then it becomes a matter of consistent training and relationship building.
Any thoughts?