Dogs and Wolves Flashcards
What is the primary method of communication in wolves?
Vocalizations and tail posturing
Wolves use an agonistic or warning system with 11 basic sound types.
How does tail elevation indicate hierarchy in wolves?
Straight up = most dominant, straight out = second dominant, tucked in = submissive
Tail movement and elevation are fundamental forms of communication.
What are the common vocalizations in dogs compared to wolves?
Barking is not common in wolves
Wolves have a variety of vocalizations that differ from dogs.
What type of social behavior is more prevalent in wolves than in dogs?
Social play and allogrooming
Wolves exhibit greater social tolerance and nonagonistic approaches.
Which dog breeds have a higher frequency of severe aggressive acts?
Toy poodles, West Highland white terriers, Jack Russell terriers, some bull terriers, lab retrievers
Feddersen & Peterson (2004) noted these breed differences.
What is the difference in agonistic behavior between domestic dogs and wolves?
Agonistic behavior appears much earlier in domestic dogs
This indicates a difference in social development stages.
Do wolves display dominance hierarchies?
Yes, wolves display dominant behaviors when playing with pups
This includes muzzle biting followed by submissive licking from the pup.
What type of learning occurs in wolf pups within a pack?
Social learning from conspecifics, including social, hunting, and feeding behaviors
Pups may remain in the pack long term to learn these behaviors.
What is the mating system commonly observed in wolves?
Generally monogamous but not always
Wolves can demonstrate long-term sexual relationships.
How are family groups structured in wolves?
Ranges from pairs and family groups to packs
Packs are often formed based on food availability.
What communication skills are present in dogs?
Complex, with many subunits including barking categories for function and emotion
Social play, caregiving, and other behaviors are communicated through various sounds.
How do facial expressions in dogs compare to those in wolves?
Dogs have less numerous and less differentiated facial expressions
Wolves have 60 different facial signals, showcasing a greater ability to communicate.
What does tail wagging indicate in dogs?
Happiness, confidence, or fear depending on the position
An upright tail indicates confidence, while a low tail indicates fear.
Is social play more common in wolves or dogs?
More common in wolves
Play behavior in wolves can last for up to a couple of years.
What is the impact of social play on social development?
Essential for learning codes of social conduct and fairness
Without play, social development suffers (Power 2000).
What are the objectives of studying social behavior in dogs and wolves?
To understand social play, communication, family groups, mating systems, social learning, and dominance hierarchies
The study aims to highlight differences and similarities between the two species.
