Social Behaviour and Communication

Question 1

Definition: Agnostic Pucker

Answer 1

Position of a dogs mouth when in offensive threat, lips are pressed forward and muzzle is wrinkled.

Question 2

Definition: Antithesis

Answer 2

Theory stating that a submissive animal expresses facial and posture changes opposite to those of an aggressive animal.

Question 3

Cut-Off Signal

Answer 3

Message sent to reduce or stop aggressive conflicts, aka calming signal

Question 4

Definition: Coevolution

Answer 4

Development of certain behaviours in a species caused by the influence of another.

Question 5

Definition: Convergence

Answer 5

Evolution of two different species in a similar way due to similar pressures in the environment.

Question 6

Despotic Hierarchy

Answer 6

Arrangement in which a single individual dominates all others in a group. ie A over B and C

Question 7

Definition: Display

Answer 7

Group of signals sent at the same time ie threat display

Question 8

Definition: Gaze alternation

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Hackles

Answer 9

Hairs on the neck and back of an animal.

Question 10

Definition: Piloerection

Answer 10

Hair on the back and neck of animal is raised, hackles up

Question 11

Definition: Intention Movement

Answer 11

Signal that reveals the intent of the sender

Question 12

Definition: Interspecific Communication

Answer 12

Communication between animals of different species.

Question 13

Definition: Intraspecific Communication

Answer 13

Communication between animals of the same species.

Question 14

Linear Hierarchy

Answer 14

Arrangement similar to Despotic Hierarchy except subordinates form additional dominant-subordinate relationships. aka Pecking order ie. A over B over C.

Question 15

Definition: Ritual

Answer 15

A pattern, display for the purpose of communication

Question 16

Definition: Signal

Answer 16

Message of what the sender is trying to get across to the receiver.

Question 17

Definition: Species Specific Signal

Answer 17

Signals limited to a certain species.

Question 18

Definition: Species typical behaviour

Answer 18

Behaviour that is highly characteristic of but not limited to one species.

Question 19

Definition: Threat Display

Answer 19

Combination of growling, baring teeth, piloerection, setting ears forward that indicate aggresiveness.

Question 20

Definition: T’ing up

Answer 20

Posture in which a submissive dog allows a dominant dog to approach and face it’s side.

Question 21

Triangular Hierarchy

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Three Elements of Communication:

Answer 22

1. Sender 2. Receiver 3. Signal

Question 23

What is the purpose of Communication?

Answer 23

To change the behaviour of the receiver.

Question 24

Three influences on Domestication:

Answer 24

1. Selection for tameness 2. Socialization 3. Training

Question 25

Definition: Rote Learning

Answer 25

A teacher or instructor present a task to be learned and students learn by repeating until they have learned it.

Question 26

T/F The subordinate directs the Dominant-Subordinate relationship.

Answer 26

TRUE The subordinate directs the relationship by attempting to change the behaviour of the dominant ie by turning away to stop a fight.

Question 27

Dominance VS Leadership

Answer 27

Dominance -> Establishes what is unacceptable

Leadership -> Helps show what is acceptable.

Question 28

T/F Dominance is something animals inherit.

Answer 28

FALSE Dominance is gained through social competition.

Question 29

Characteristics of Aggressive-Dominant (Offensive threat)

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Characteristics of Aggressive-Submissive (defensive threat)

Answer 30

Lowering of head and body, Lowering of tail (possibly tucked between legs), Ears pinned back, Hackles not raised, lips pulled back and down.

Question 31

What is the purpose of Greeting Rituals?

Answer 31

Minimize the conflict between greeting dogs.