Ethology Flashcards
What is ethology?
Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior, especially in natural environments and from an evolutionary perspective. It focuses on how and why animals behave the way they do, including instincts, communication, mating, social structures, and survival behaviors
Why is it ethology important in dog training?
In dog training and behavior work, knowledge of ethology helps trainers:
Recognize what’s natural vs. learned behavior.
Understand why certain behaviors occur (e.g., chasing, barking, digging).
Avoid anthropomorphizing dogs (assigning human motives or emotions to their actions).
Design more effective training and behavior modification plans based on dogs’ natural instincts and needs.
When do much scientists agree dogs branched of and become their own sub-species from canis lupus (grey wolf) to canis lupus familiaris (dog)
33,000 years ago
How long ago did human’s intervention on breeding happen?
300-500 years ago
When do dogs reach sexual maturity?
6-8 months
What is a dogs socialization period?
up to 12-16 weeks old
Development: Neonatal period?
Birth to 14-16 days
eyes/ears closed
Trust everything, no fear
Response to warmth, touch, smell
Cannot regulate body functions (temp/elimination)
What does ENS stand for?
Early neurological stimulation-
refers to a series of mild, controlled handling exercises done with very young puppies (typically between 3 to 16 days old) to help improve their development, stress resilience, and overall performance later in life
Development: Transition period
Day 14-16 to day 21
Eyes/ears open
Begin to control bodily functions
Development: Awareness Period
21-28 days
All senses functioning
Good time to start to introduce new stimuli
Development: Primary/Canine Socialization
21-49 days
Bond to things around them
Should be kept with littermates
Quick startle/recovery
First fear response about 5 weeks
Important to continue to socialize to new stimuli
Development: Secondary/Human Socialization
7 to 12 weeks
Most critical to socialization
Peak of bonding with other species
Development: First Fear Impact Sub-Period
8-11 weeks
Very susceptible to long lasting effects of fearful stimuli
Development: Seniority Classification Period
12-16 weeks
Age of independence
Effective socialization closes
Development: Flight Instinct/Juvenile
4-8 months
Puppy will test his wings
Lose deciduous teeth (may become mouthy again)
Sexual development
Development: Second Fear Impact/Adolescence
5 to 18 months
Social development continues
Fear of new situations
Development: Maturity
1 to 4 years
Improved social skills
Development: Senior
Over 7 years
Decline or loss of some senses
Cognitive decline
According to the AVSAB what is the most important time period for socialization and why?
The first three months because the first
three months are the period when sociability outweighs fear. This should always been done in a controlled manner as not to overwhelm the puppy.
What does AVSAB stand for?
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Why does the AVSAV suggest socializing before the puppy is fully vaccinated?
Behavioral issues, not
infectious diseases, are
the number one cause
of death for dogs under
three years of age.
Incomplete or improper socialization during this important time
can increase the risk of behavioral problems
later in life including fear, avoidance, and/or
aggression.
At what age can a puppy join a puppy socialization class and what should they have before starting?
In general, puppies can start puppy
socialization classes as early as
7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should
receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first
class and a first deworming. They
should be kept up-to-date on vaccines
throughout the class.
What is social hierarchy?
Social hierarchy in dogs refers to the organization of social relationships within a group, often described in terms of rank or status among individuals. It’s commonly thought of as a “pecking order” where some dogs may have more influence or priority access to resources (like food, toys, resting spots) than others. However, our understanding of dog social behavior has evolved significantly over time.
Key Points About Social Hierarchy in Dogs:
Misconceptions from Old Theories:
The idea of strict dominance hierarchies in domestic dogs was heavily influenced by early wolf studies conducted on unrelated captive wolves, which are now considered outdated.
Those early theories promoted a “dominance-based” view of dog training, which has been largely discredited by modern research.
Modern Understanding:
In natural settings, both wolves and dogs tend to form cooperative, flexible social structures, often based on familiarity, individual personalities, and context rather than rigid dominance roles.
Social hierarchies in dog groups tend to be fluid and situational, not a fixed ranking system. One dog might take the lead in one context (like initiating play), but defer in another (like sharing space).
Resource Holding Potential (RHP):
A more modern framework uses Resource Holding Potential, which describes an individual’s ability to control access to valuable resources based on factors like confidence, experience, or physical strength, without necessarily invoking the concept of dominance
What is an agonistic pucker?
An agonistic pucker in dogs is a specific type of facial expression used in threatening or aggressive social interactions. It’s part of a dog’s agonistic behavior repertoire, which refers to behaviors associated with conflict, such as aggression, threat displays, submission, or avoidance.
