Cesar Millan, renowned dog behaviorist and expert, is cautioning “Game of Thrones” fans to think twice before trying to adopt their own dire wolf. Following the revelation by author George R.R. Martin that a biotech company had successfully brought these Ice Age-era creatures back from extinction, Millan is urging fans to reconsider their readiness for such powerful pets. While dire wolves may be an iconic symbol in the “Game of Thrones” universe, Millan points out that they are not just any ordinary dog – they are apex predators with complex needs.
Dire Wolves: More Than Just a Cute Fantasy Pet
While the idea of owning a dire wolf might seem thrilling to fans of the series, Millan emphasizes that adopting any dog, particularly a powerful animal like the dire wolf, requires far more than just affection. He reminds pet owners that animals, especially those bred from ancient DNA, come with a different set of needs and instincts compared to typical household dogs.
“In the real world, a lot of people struggle with handling even the most common pets, like chihuahuas,” Millan says, referring to the fact that many people tend to rely too much on affection without understanding the importance of leadership and respect. His warning? If you can’t manage a chihuahua, a dire wolf could be far out of your league.
Millan, who is known for his work on shows like The Dog Whisperer, explains that with powerful animals, especially apex predators like dire wolves, you must establish leadership from their perspective. Trust and respect must be earned, and while love is important, it’s not enough on its own. “You have to show the animal that you’re in charge,” Millan advises, “and that you understand their instincts and behavior. Only then can you truly have a healthy relationship with them.”
The Return of the Dire Wolf
In case you missed it, Martin, the creator of A Song of Ice and Fire (the book series that inspired Game of Thrones), recently revealed that dire wolves were brought to life through the use of ancient DNA. These animals, long thought to be extinct, are now a reality, thanks to the work of biotech company Colossal Biosciences. Martin, who has a deep connection to the dire wolf symbolism in his stories, shared the exciting news with fans on Instagram. He also revealed a particularly emotional moment when he met the three revived dire wolves, named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, for the first time. According to a source, Martin was moved to tears during the encounter.
The dire wolf plays a significant role in both Martin’s books and the Game of Thrones TV series, where several prominent characters, particularly those from House Stark, have these large, loyal wolves as their companions. However, Millan is quick to point out that the fictional relationship seen on screen, where characters like Jon Snow and Arya Stark effortlessly bond with their massive wolves, is not a realistic representation of what’s involved in handling such a powerful animal in real life.
Understanding the Realities of Owning an Apex Predator
Despite their majestic appearance and role as beloved companions in Game of Thrones, dire wolves were once fierce apex predators of the Ice Age, known for their strength, speed, and hunting abilities. They were significantly larger than modern wolves and were built to take down massive prey, a far cry from the domesticated dogs we are familiar with today.
While the dire wolves that have been revived are not exactly the same as their ancient ancestors, their sheer size and genetic makeup mean they would require specialized training and care. This is a point Millan stresses strongly—without the right preparation and understanding of animal behavior, taking on a creature as powerful as a dire wolf could have disastrous consequences.
Millan’s advice is clear: start smaller. “If you’re serious about becoming the ‘Mother of Dragons’ or ‘Warden of the North,’ it’s important to understand that handling powerful creatures begins with mastering basic animal behavior with smaller, more manageable dogs,” he explains. His advice is aimed at those who might be tempted to rush into adopting a creature that, while fascinating, requires a level of training and leadership that is not common among everyday pet owners.
The Role of Biotech in Bringing Back Extinct Species
The revival of the dire wolf is part of a larger trend in biotechnology known as “de-extinction,” where scientists work to bring back species that have been lost due to environmental changes or human intervention. Colossal Biosciences, the biotech company behind the revival of the dire wolf, has been at the forefront of these efforts. Their work, while groundbreaking, raises questions about the ethical implications of resurrecting extinct species and the responsibilities that come with it.
For Martin, who has always been fascinated by the lore of dire wolves in his work, this breakthrough is a dream come true. The emotional connection he feels toward these animals is evident, especially when he speaks about meeting the revived wolves. But Millan’s perspective serves as a crucial reminder: even if these creatures are brought back to life through science, they are not domesticated animals and should be treated with the utmost respect.
Conclusion: Dire Wolves Aren’t Just Fantasy
In the end, the lesson that Cesar Millan wants to impart is simple: while the idea of owning a dire wolf may be exciting, it’s essential to remember that these creatures are not just fantasy pets. They are apex predators that require responsible handling, leadership, and understanding of their behavior.
For fans of Game of Thrones, the dire wolf will always be a symbol of loyalty and strength. But in the real world, Millan reminds us that before rushing to adopt such a powerful animal, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of animal behavior and the responsibility that comes with owning an animal that is, in many ways, a living relic from the past.
Whether you’re dreaming of a dire wolf or simply navigating the challenges of owning a more common pet, Millan’s advice rings true: always lead with respect, understanding, and, most importantly, patience. The road to becoming the “Mother of Dragons” or “Warden of the North” might be a little longer than expected, but with the right preparation, it’s a journey that can ultimately lead to a deeper connection with the animals we choose to bring into our lives.
