Canine Ethology Flashcards
What is the main focus of Lesson 6 in CPDT‐KA Fundamentals?
Canine Ethology, covering domestication, development, social structure, and communication systems
What has changed regarding the domestication timeline of dogs?
Previously thought to be 5,000 years, now known to be over 12,000 years based on archaeological evidence
What does mitochondrial DNA indicate about the domestic dog?
Dates to just over 100,000 years ago, but doesn’t match physical evidence
When did the transition from ancestral wolves to proto-dogs begin?
Between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago
What is the significance of the Gobekli Tepe site?
It has the oldest evidence of domestication, suggesting dogs were the first non-human animals domesticated
What is the self-domestication theory?
Suggests tamer wolves scavenged near human settlements, leading to the evolution of proto-dogs
What did Dmitry Belyaev’s selective breeding program demonstrate?
Tame foxes exhibited behavioral and physical changes indicative of domestication
What are key differences between modern wolves and dogs?
Dogs are neotenous, have smaller skulls, rounder faces, larger eyes, and play throughout life
What is the neonatal stage in puppy development?
Occurs from birth to about two weeks, where puppies’ eyes and ears are closed
What happens during the first socialization stage of puppies?
Puppies are weaned and learn important social skills from their mother and littermates
What is the duration of the second socialization stage?
Lasts from about 8 weeks to 14-16 weeks of age
Fill in the blank: Socialization functions on _______ learning.
classical
What can cause developmental hiccups in puppies?
Inappropriate experiences with other dogs, illness, use of aversives, lack of proactive training
True or False: The American Timber Wolf shares DNA with domestic dogs.
False
What is a common misconception about dog parks for puppy socialization?
That they are always safe and beneficial for socialization
What is a potential result of illness during the socialization stage?
Isolation from the outside world, leading to difficulties in new environments
How can a lack of consistency in training affect a puppy?
Can lead to confusion and impulsive behavior
What is the importance of the socialization process in puppies?
Sets them up for success or failure in later life
Fill in the blank: Dogs have a more _______ communication system than wolves.
sophisticated
What is the role of the mother during the weaning process?
Teaches puppies important social skills through gentle corrections
What happens if a puppy has a negative experience during socialization?
They may develop fear or reactive behaviors towards certain stimuli
What is the impact of using aversives during socialization?
Can make dogs view the world as confrontational
What is the significance of the ‘fear impact period’ in puppies?
Puppies are particularly sensitive to scary things during this phase
What can be staved off with proper training from the beginning?
Misidentification of fear impact periods and social stunting
Proper training helps manage a dog’s fear responses and social behaviors.