JD - CH.4 - Social organization

Question 1

What is THE most popular notion about dog social organization?

Answer 1

Dominance theory: Dog seeks dominance over human. By for ex. Charging through door first. Q: Is dog considering owner at all standing in front of open door?

Question 2

How would you categorize dominance theory? wHY?

Answer 2

As a CONSTRUCT! Not only borrows, but EXPANDS from wolf world to dog world. It came from early research by Dave Mech on captive wolves. Today he does not believe in dominance.

Question 3

According to dominance theory, what sort of social system does wolves have?

Answer 3

Linear hierarchy (superiors actively exerting rank by pinning, bullying, standing over).

Question 4

Why does the dominance theory fall short also with wolves?

Answer 4

Social dominance is useless unless it confers reproductive advantage. In wolves the alpha pair not always exclusive breeders or have first access to carcass or lead pack activities.

Question 5

How is the social organization actually in wolves?

Answer 5

The alpha pair = Parents in nuclear family bc socially mature adults. Dominant over offspring bc parents. Offspring disperse when ready to mate.