JD - CH.3 - Wolf behavior patterns in dogs Flashcards
Which wolf behavior patterns are particularily interesting in terms of dog behavior?
Feeding(caching, regurgitation, tendency to gorge)), predatory (breed’s functions), reproduction ( sexual behavior), maternal instincts.
Some dogs hide food, others not. Why?
Domestication effect on reproduction. We chose who mates on other breeding standards. Many dogs do not have the chaching sequence in its completion.
What would happen in the wild with individuals displaying incomplete food chasing behavior? Give ex of a species where all individuals have the complete sequence.
All red foxes have strong, highly stereotyped food cashing behavior = Fixed action patterns(FAP).
If incomplete sequence, tend to not live long enough to pass on variation to offspring. The sequence as genetic trait will not survive in non-domesticated species.
Most breeds don’t hunt for a living. What effect has this had on many dogs?
Put selection pressure in breeds to magnify pieces of wolf-predation sequence: Herding, pointing, retrieving, biting/hanging on, killing. Other parts of sequence left to drift.
Reproductive behavior: How do we disrupt the dog’s reproductive/courtship system?
Not all breeds reproduce unassisted. Some males give up when female prior to receptive is not interested. Some males persevere and happen to be close when she’s ready and can choose. We make sure the ones who give up reproduce.
How has selective breeding affected dogs maternal skills?
Maternal coprophagia retained in many dogs + trait of puppies being unable to urinate/poop without licking stimulation. Lower disease risk/better hygiene + lower predatory risk by cleaner nest(olfactory).
What is one theory why dogs want to “kiss” us?
Regurgitation: Wolf adults, at puppy begging. Occasionally seen in dogs. Food supply has been stable through domestication? House cleaning services not as much.
Which wolf feeding behavior is strongly retained in dogs?
Tendency to gorge(tank up when food available) clearly retained in dogs.
