Wolves do not dare to easily attack a flock protected by a sheepdog, probably for the following reasons:
1. **Avoid human intervention**: Wolves generally avoid direct contact with humans. Since shepherd dogs usually move with humans, wolves may see them as representatives of humans and avoid launching a frontal attack.
2. **Kinship Alert**: Wolves and dogs share a common ancestor, so wolves have a certain alertness towards dogs. The presence of a sheepdog can attract the attention of the wolf pack, making them feel threatened, resulting in avoidant behavior.
3. **Deterrent power of shepherd dogs**: Shepherd dogs are usually larger in size and have strong deterrent and defensive abilities. They will show their strength with their muffled barks and aggressive stance, which poses a certain threat to the wolf pack.
4. **Tactical Considerations**: Wolves evaluate risks and benefits when hunting. Faced with a flock protected by a sheepdog, the wolves may perceive a head-on attack as too risky and therefore choose to abandon or seek out other prey that is easier to catch.
In addition, if the wolves do attack, the shepherd dog can summon humans to help defend themselves, and the tools and weapons carried by humans are a great threat to the wolves.
The main reasons why sheepdogs are able to protect their flocks are as follows:
1. **High IQ & Loyal**: Shepherd dogs are known for their high intelligence, being able to learn quickly and carry out commands, while they are extremely loyal to their owners. This trait allows the shepherd dog to protect the flock from predators at critical moments.
2. **Courage and Intimidation**: Shepherd dogs have a natural instinct to protect territory and packs, and they are brave and intimidating enough to deter potential threats such as wolves. Some sheepdogs will even be equipped with anti-wolf collars to enhance their deterrent power against wolves.
3. **Unique Shepherd Skills**: After a long period of breeding and domestication, the sheepdog has mastered a unique set of shepherd skills, such as Giving eye (gaze control), Stalking (tailgating oppression), etc., which can allow the sheep to react and move quickly under the command of the sheepdog, so as to avoid being captured by predators.
4. **Collaboration with Human Herders**: There is a good working relationship between herding dogs and human herders. Not only are shepherd dogs able to understand and carry out herdsmen's commands, but they can also make independent judgments and protect the flock from harm.
Overall, shepherd dogs become protectors of their flocks through their high intelligence, loyalty, bravery, deterrence, and unique shepherding skills.
To sum up, the wolf pack does not attack the sheep protected by the sheepdog, not because the wolf can't beat a dog, but because of the shepherd's ability to protect, the possibility of human intervention, and the wolf's own tactical considerations. This natural trade-off and adaptation is a survival strategy that wild animals have developed over a long period of evolution.