Ethology

Question 1

Domestication Theories

Answer 1

Old: Humans actively tamed wolves
New: Self-domestication - survival of the friendliest - less timid/less aggressive wolves scavenged human settlements

Question 2

Belyayev’s Foxes

Answer 2

Wanted to replicate dog domestication with foxes

The friendly, domesticated foxes changed physically - spots, curled tails, and floppy ears

Question 3

Wolves vs. Dogs

Answer 3

Wolves - larger skulls - narrower chests - smaller ears - short socialization period (<21 days) - sexual maturity 1-3 yrs (estrus 1/yr) - less playful as adults

Dogs - smaller skulls - rounder faces - larger eyes - long socialization period (12 - 16 weeks) - sexual maturity 6-8 mos (estrus 2/yr) - playful throughout life - interspecies socialization

Question 4

Development Stages

Answer 4

1. Neonatal
2. Transition Period
3. Awareness Period
4. Primary/ Canine Socialization
5. Secondary/ Human Socialization
6. First Fear Impact Sub-Period
7. Seniority Classification
8. Flight Instinct/ Juvenile
9. Second Fear Impact/ Adolescence
10. Maturity
11. Senior

Question 5

Neonatal

Answer 5

Birth - 14-16 days old

Eyes/ears closed
Trust everything - no fear
Cannot regulate body functions

Question 6

Transition Period

Answer 6

Days 14/16 - 21

Eyes/ears open, but limited sight/hearing
Begins to control bodily functions

Question 7

Awareness Period

Answer 7

Days 21 - 28

All senses functioning

Question 8

Primary/Canine Socialization

Answer 8

Days 21 - 49

Bond to things around them - start to learn they are dogs
Learn to communicate and interact with littermates
Quick startle/recovery

First fear response ~ 5 weeks old - first time experience true fear

Question 9

Secondary/ Human Socialization

Answer 9

7 - 12 weeks

Peak of bonding with other species
Puppy should be positively exposed to a variety of people, sounds, smells, surfaces

Question 10

First Fear Impact Sub-Period

Answer 10

8 - 11 weeks

Very susceptible to long lasting effects of fearful stimuli

When puppy gets first vaccinations

Question 11

Seniority Classification

Answer 11

12 - 16 weeks

Age of independence

Window for effective socialization will close

Question 12

Flight Instinct/Juvenile

Answer 12

4 - 8 mos

Likened to a human toddler

Become mouthy - deciduous teeth begin to give way to adult teeth

Majority of growth will occur

Sexual maturity begins

Question 13

Second Fear Impact/Adolescence

Answer 13

5 - 18 mos

Social development continues
Fear of new situations

Question 14

Maturity

Answer 14

1 - 4 yrs

Physically mature before emotionally mature
Improved social skills

Question 15

Senior

Answer 15

Over 7 yrs

Decline or loss of some senses
Cognitive decline