Social Behaviour and Communication Flashcards
Definition: Agnostic Pucker
Position of a dogs mouth when in offensive threat, lips are pressed forward and muzzle is wrinkled.
Definition: Antithesis
Theory stating that a submissive animal expresses facial and posture changes opposite to those of an aggressive animal.
Cut-Off Signal
Message sent to reduce or stop aggressive conflicts, aka calming signal
Definition: Coevolution
Development of certain behaviours in a species caused by the influence of another.
Definition: Convergence
Evolution of two different species in a similar way due to similar pressures in the environment.
Despotic Hierarchy
Arrangement in which a single individual dominates all others in a group. ie A over B and C
Definition: Display
Group of signals sent at the same time ie threat display
Definition: Gaze alternation
Process in which a dog looks back and forth between owner and an object the dog can’t get attempting to show where something is. Sometimes also includes barks or vocal signals.
Hackles
Hairs on the neck and back of an animal.
Definition: Piloerection
Hair on the back and neck of animal is raised, hackles up
Definition: Intention Movement
Signal that reveals the intent of the sender
Definition: Interspecific Communication
Communication between animals of different species.
Definition: Intraspecific Communication
Communication between animals of the same species.
Linear Hierarchy
Arrangement similar to Despotic Hierarchy except subordinates form additional dominant-subordinate relationships. aka Pecking order ie. A over B over C.
Definition: Ritual
A pattern, display for the purpose of communication
Definition: Signal
Message of what the sender is trying to get across to the receiver.
Definition: Species Specific Signal
Signals limited to a certain species.
Definition: Species typical behaviour
Behaviour that is highly characteristic of but not limited to one species.
Definition: Threat Display
Combination of growling, baring teeth, piloerection, setting ears forward that indicate aggresiveness.
Definition: T’ing up
Posture in which a submissive dog allows a dominant dog to approach and face it’s side.
Triangular Hierarchy
Arrangement in which a first individual dominates over a second who dominates over a third who dominates over the first. Can cause issues and confusion.
Three Elements of Communication:
- Sender 2. Receiver 3. Signal
What is the purpose of Communication?
To change the behaviour of the receiver.
Three influences on Domestication:
- Selection for tameness 2. Socialization 3. Training
Definition: Rote Learning
A teacher or instructor present a task to be learned and students learn by repeating until they have learned it.
T/F The subordinate directs the Dominant-Subordinate relationship.
TRUE The subordinate directs the relationship by attempting to change the behaviour of the dominant ie by turning away to stop a fight.
Dominance VS Leadership
Dominance -> Establishes what is unacceptable
Leadership -> Helps show what is acceptable.
T/F Dominance is something animals inherit.
FALSE Dominance is gained through social competition.
Characteristics of Aggressive-Dominant (Offensive threat)
Walking stiffly on tops of toes, Leaning forward in a ready state, ears turned forward, Staring directly and intensely at opponent, piloerection, stiffened muscles, stiff erect tail, growling and baring teeth.
Characteristics of Aggressive-Submissive (defensive threat)
Lowering of head and body, Lowering of tail (possibly tucked between legs), Ears pinned back, Hackles not raised, lips pulled back and down.
What is the purpose of Greeting Rituals?
Minimize the conflict between greeting dogs.
