T2: Behavior and Learning (done?)

Question 1

What is the ontogeny (origin/development) of social behavior in candids:

Answer 1

domestication results in both physical and behavioral changes like a prolonged juvenile period of play behavior in adulthood – neotenty

Question 2

What is canine cognition?

Answer 2

the way a dog’s brain processes the world around it

Question 3

what are the two hypotheses of canine cognition?

Answer 3

1. Domestication hypothesis: dogs evolved an inherent sensitivity to human gestures (at an early age)
2. Two-sage hypothesis: acceptance of humans as social companions (interaction with humans during a sensitive development period) and learning: conditioning to follow human limbs

Question 4

what are the critical neurological stages: EEG modifications

Answer 4

1. Neonatal: 0-14 days
2. Transitional: 14-21 days
3. Socialization: 21-70 days
4. Juvenile: 70 days and older

older dogs: longer wavelengths smaller amp
younger dogs: high amp and short wavelength

Question 5

What is socialization

Answer 5

the process whereby an animal learns how to recognize and interact with its own species and the species with which it cohabits

Question 6

What are the dogs and cats socialization periods

Answer 6

-3-8 weeks: interaction with other dogs
-5-12 weeks: interaction with people
-10-20 weeks: exploring novel environments

-3-7 weeks of age

Question 7

what are the basics of canine cognition/ certain learned behaviors?

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

A greater degree of socialization…

Answer 8

better skills

Question 9

Human-animal bond?

Answer 9

dogs may perform actions that are counterproductive for themselves if humans ask for that action

Question 10

What are the basics of feline cognition?

Answer 10

-neuroanatomical similarities
-can learn and remember
-can be trained

Question 11

Describe the puppy parties/classes

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What does Australia/UK offer for cats

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What is the critical development period of 3-7 weeks?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What is the critical development period of 8-16 weeks?

Answer 14

-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

Question 15

When is the first fear period for dogs

Answer 15

around 8 weeks of age

Question 16

when is the second fear period?

Answer 16

6-14 months

“fear of situations period”

Question 17

Single event learning

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What are the fear periods in puppies and what can happen during this time

Answer 18

• 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.

Question 19

what is seen in 17-40 weeks?

Answer 19

• teen period
  -eruption of permanent teeth is usually complete by 6 months
  -sexual maturity occurs

Question 20

What is seen in 40-52 weeks

Answer 20

-still a teenager
-hormones if not neutered
-small breed pups reach maturity
-giant breeds: 2-3 years old

Question 21

What is seen in 1-3 years

Answer 21

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

Question 22

what are the signs of “sibling/littermate syndrome”

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

What are the rules of 7s

Answer 23

By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old…

1. Been on 7 different types of surfaces: carpet, concrete, wood, grass
2. played with 7 different types of objects
3. 7 different types of surfaces: around the house or car
4. Met and plated with 7 new people

Question 24

Rules of 7’s continued

Answer 24

5. been exposed to 7 physical (play) challenges
6. Eaten from 7 different containers
7. eaten 7 different locations: crate, yard, basement

Question 25

Why is the rule of 7’s helpful;

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What are common issues seen with pets isolated in crates or kennels?

Answer 26

range from 8 weeks to 6 months

Agoraphobia: fear of new places or experiences (also called “kennelosis”

Question 27

what are control devices for dogs

Answer 27

haltis and gentle leaders; mimic a muzzle bite from a mother or dominant individual

Question 28

what social facilitation

Answer 28

a phenomenon in which the behavior of an animal reflectively increases the occurrence of the same behavior among its social partners

Question 29

What are the types of play

Answer 29

exploratory (running, jumping)
social (with others)
Object (with a toy)

Question 30

What is the importance of play

Answer 30

a special form of social behavior

dopamine is secreted in the brain: reward pleasure

Question 31

Describe play

Answer 31

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

Question 32

What are 2 self- reinforcing properties of play?

Answer 32

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

Question 33

What are the types of learning?

Answer 33

simple non-associative:
- habituation + sensitization

associative:
- classical and instrumental conditioning

spatial:
- maze learning
-navigation

Perceptual:
- imitation, observational, song learning
- imprinting

complex problem solving