Exam 1 Flashcards
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family (dogs)
Canidae
Genus (dogs)
Canis
Species (dogs)
C. lupus
Subspecies (dogs)
C. lupus familiaris
Family (cats)
Felidae
Subfamily (cats)
Felinae
Genus (cats)
Felis
Species (cats)
F. Catus
Defining features of carnivores is:
Teeth shape
Cats play behavior mimics:
Predatory behavior
Features of domestication
Enhanced reproductive potential Less selective of mate Stress tolerance Retention of juvenile traits Lack of preference for conspecifics
Behavioral implications of domestication:
Dependent on humans for survival and repro opportunities
Domestic behavioral traits
Absence of fear (w/socialization) Enhanced adaptability Acceptance of handling Capable of forming strong attachments Increased sociability
Body features and behaviors normally expressed during animals juvenile period are retained into adulthood :
Paedomorphism
Physical changes of domestication
Coat color Ear position Tail position Shorter legs Under/overbites
Physiological changes of domestication
Lower basal cortisol levels
Wolves social behavior changed as human ecosystem changed by:
Strict pack order relaxed
Pack hunting replaced by group scavenging
Wild cat behavior modification
Queens sharing nesting sites and protecting kittens
Colonies or clowders formed
Tolerant of human caregiver and multi cat household
Wolf packs consist of individuals who:
Remain together through year
Hunt together
Rear young together
Protect territory together
Free ranging owned dogs typically are
Solitary or a single pair
Stray dogs with no owners formed
Long term affiliations with pack tendencies
When is the neonatal period?
The first two weeks after birth
What are the characteristics of the neonatal period?
Limited motor, hearing, sight, and thermoregulation
Can’t eliminate without anogenital stimulation
Loud voices
What are the primary senses of neonatal period?
Olfactory and touch
What reflexes do the puppies have during neonatal period?
Rooting
Suckling
Kneading
Frequent, brief, gentle handling creates what physiologic and behavioral benefits?
Physiologic: improved growth rate, enhanced motor skills, maturation or nervous system
Behavioral: more confidence, more socially assertive, more willing to explore
Subjection to mild stressors during the neonatal period creates
Enhanced ability to habituate to new stimuli
When is the transitional period?
Weeks 3 to 4
What happens during the transitional period?
Eyes and ears open
Teeth begin to erupt
Awareness
What is very important to begin during the transitional period?
Controlled desensitization
Handling, brushing, petting, wiping
What is the critical period for behavioral development in the cat and dog?
The socialization period
When is the socialization period for cats and dogs?
Weeks 3-12 for dogs
Weeks 3-9 for cats
What happens during socialization?
Learns species specific social behaviors
Develops primary attachment figures
Forms social relationships
What is the investigative response during the socialization period? Puppies
Strong sense to explore
Diminished fear response
Ready approach in new situations
Little hesitation around new things
When does the investigative response for puppies begin/end?
Strong for weeks 3-5
Diminishes by 5-6 weeks
When does a puppy experience the fear period?
Week 8
What does play teach?
Bite inhibition Social relationships Body communication Voice communication Predatory and sexual behaviors
What marking behaviors do kittens learn during socialization period that dogs do not display?
Clawing
Toileting
Olfactory rubs
When does weaning begin?
At about 3-4 weeks of age
When is weaning complete?
Dogs:7-8 weeks of age
Cats:9-10 weeks of age
When is the juvenile period?
End of socialization period to start of sexual maturation
Behaviors associated with social maturity
Territiorial
Protective
Dominance aggression
