T2: Behavior and Learning (done?) Flashcards
What is the ontogeny (origin/development) of social behavior in candids:
domestication results in both physical and behavioral changes like a prolonged juvenile period of play behavior in adulthood – neotenty
What is canine cognition?
the way a dog’s brain processes the world around it
what are the two hypotheses of canine cognition?
- Domestication hypothesis: dogs evolved an inherent sensitivity to human gestures (at an early age)
- Two-sage hypothesis: acceptance of humans as social companions (interaction with humans during a sensitive development period) and learning: conditioning to follow human limbs
what are the critical neurological stages: EEG modifications
- Neonatal: 0-14 days
- Transitional: 14-21 days
- Socialization: 21-70 days
- Juvenile: 70 days and older
older dogs: longer wavelengths smaller amp
younger dogs: high amp and short wavelength
What is socialization
the process whereby an animal learns how to recognize and interact with its own species and the species with which it cohabits
What are the dogs and cats socialization periods
-3-8 weeks: interaction with other dogs
-5-12 weeks: interaction with people
-10-20 weeks: exploring novel environments
-3-7 weeks of age
what are the basics of canine cognition/ certain learned behaviors?
- selectively avoid “forbidden” food
-beg from an individual who can see them
-learn via social learning and limitation
-sensitive to human pointing gestures
-learn words
A greater degree of socialization…
better skills
Human-animal bond?
dogs may perform actions that are counterproductive for themselves if humans ask for that action
What are the basics of feline cognition?
-neuroanatomical similarities
-can learn and remember
-can be trained
Describe the puppy parties/classes
Parties
-between 9-12 weeks of age
-up to eight puppies can be accommodated at each party
Classes:
-16 weeks of age: socialization class spans 4-6 weeks and in a course for early training, appropriate socialization, and responsible pet ownership
What does Australia/UK offer for cats
Australia
-class accommodate kittens of 12-14 weeks of age (vaccination)
UK
-kittens’ socialization periods run from 2-7 weeks of age and therefore the benefit of actual social interactions with other kittens during the class may be limited
What is the critical development period of 3-7 weeks?
tremendous growth, homeostasis: to regulate own temperature to pee/poo alone
learn bite inhibition by 8 weeks
first socialization period: expose the pup to different experiences
losing immune protection from the mother, first vaccination
What is the critical development period of 8-16 weeks?
-may be placed in a new home (9-10 weeks are best)
(depends on development/longer waits for some breeds)
-incredible amounts of learning: start basic obedience and puppy social skills
When is the first fear period for dogs
around 8 weeks of age
when is the second fear period?
6-14 months
“fear of situations period”
Single event learning
a single frightening or painful experience during the fear period can have a lasting impact for the rest of your dog’s life
6-14 months
What are the fear periods in puppies and what can happen during this time
- 8-11 weeks
-teen period (4-6 months)
-appx. 8-9 months (sexual maturity)
-appx. 12 months
-appx. 14-18 months
during these periods puppies/adolescents/young adults may show fear/aggression of items, situations or people with whom they formerly felt safe.
what is seen in 17-40 weeks?
- teen period
-eruption of permanent teeth is usually complete by 6 months
-sexual maturity occurs
What is seen in 40-52 weeks
-still a teenager
-hormones if not neutered
-small breed pups reach maturity
-giant breeds: 2-3 years old
What is seen in 1-3 years
small breeds: little physical growth or development
puppies of this age tend to be more combative with puppies or dogs of the same sex as themselves: “sibling or littermate syndrome”
guardian breeds: you can start to see those instincts rise to the surface
never encourage a puppy to guard or act aggressively or defensively
– will confuse them or frighten them
– correct gently
what are the signs of “sibling/littermate syndrome”
- fear of strangers (people or dogs)
-fear of unfamiliar stimuli - high level of anxiety when separated even for a short time
- failure to learn basic obedience commands
-bullying and aggression between siblings
around 1-3 years
What are the rules of 7s
By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old…
- Been on 7 different types of surfaces: carpet, concrete, wood, grass
- played with 7 different types of objects
- 7 different types of surfaces: around the house or car
- Met and plated with 7 new people
Rules of 7’s continued
- been exposed to 7 physical (play) challenges
- Eaten from 7 different containers
- eaten 7 different locations: crate, yard, basement
Why is the rule of 7’s helpful;
exposure to different levels and qualities of noises
promotes adaptability, friendly temperatures
continue this environmental enrichment for the next 5 months
puppies/kitties continue to learn how to react to their environments through these exercises
What are common issues seen with pets isolated in crates or kennels?
range from 8 weeks to 6 months
Agoraphobia: fear of new places or experiences (also called “kennelosis”
what are control devices for dogs
haltis and gentle leaders; mimic a muzzle bite from a mother or dominant individual
what social facilitation
a phenomenon in which the behavior of an animal reflectively increases the occurrence of the same behavior among its social partners
What are the types of play
exploratory (running, jumping)
social (with others)
Object (with a toy)
What is the importance of play
a special form of social behavior
dopamine is secreted in the brain: reward pleasure
Describe play
self- handicapping
- changing strength and ability based on age and size of dog
role reversal
- dominant individual allowing himself to play submissive interactions
puppies: usually play in dyads
What are 2 self- reinforcing properties of play?
psychological benefits
- opioid- mediated pleasurable experience
increase in stressful situations in response to reduced parental care
- rebound after a period of deprivation
play as an individual/ group welfare indicator
What are the types of learning?
simple non-associative:
- habituation + sensitization
associative:
- classical and instrumental conditioning
spatial:
- maze learning
-navigation
Perceptual:
- imitation, observational, song learning
- imprinting
complex problem solving
