Understanding Vocal Communication in Dogs

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The loyal dog, our first friend, has been an integral part of human society for thousands of years. Over this extensive period of domestication, dogs have developed a sophisticated and diverse repertoire of vocalizations, of which barking is the most prevalent and distinctive. Recent research has begun to unravel the complexities of dog vocal … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Understanding Vocal Communication in Dogs," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

A Closer Look at Dog Vocalizations

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From barks and growls to whines and howls, dogs employ a fascinating array of vocalizations to communicate with humans and other dogs. Dogs, like many other animals, have a surprisingly intricate and nuanced system of communication that allows them to express a wide range of emotions and intentions. First, let’s explore some of the common … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "A Closer Look at Dog Vocalizations," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Canine Hearing Ability and Auditory Perception

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When we think of a dog’s sense, it’s often their sense of smell that first comes to mind. However, a dog’s hearing ability is equally impressive and vital for their survival and adaptability. Their hearing system has evolved to optimize predation and effectively localize sounds produced by likely prey species such as small rodents. … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Canine Hearing Ability and Auditory Perception," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Affiliative Relationships in Dogs: A Shift from Dominance

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Animal behavior, particularly in domestic dogs, has long been an area of interest for both scientists and dog owners alike. Historically, the interpretation of dog behavior was heavily influenced by the concept of dominance hierarchies, where interactions between individuals were often explained through the lens of “dominance” and “submission”. However, modern understanding of dog behavior … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Affiliative Relationships in Dogs: A Shift from Dominance," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Understanding and Managing Genetic Load in Dog Breeding

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The term “genetic load” is a fundamental concept in genetics and particularly important for understanding the health of a population, including specific dog breeds. Genetic load refers to the presence of deleterious alleles, or harmful genes, within a population’s gene pool. These can negatively impact an organism’s fitness and are maintained in populations through a … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Understanding and Managing Genetic Load in Dog Breeding," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Understanding the Coefficient of Inbreeding in Population Genetics

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The Coefficient of Inbreeding, formulated by Sewall Wright, measures the probability that two alleles at any locus in an individual are identical by descent from the common ancestors of the parents. This is a fundamental concept in population genetics and is often used in animal breeding to measure the level of inbreeding. In simpler terms, … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Understanding the Coefficient of Inbreeding in Population Genetics," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

What is the Right Age to Breed Your English Shepherd?

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Determining the right time for a dog to have their first litter can indeed depend on many factors. Here are a few things to consider: In general, many experts suggest that females be at least two years old before their first litter. This allows them to reach full maturity and provides an opportunity for health … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "What is the Right Age to Breed Your English Shepherd?," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

The English Shepherd Metapopulation

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The concept of breeders as “conservators” of their breed’s gene pool emphasizes the importance of their role in maintaining and enhancing the health, vitality, and unique traits of their breed. In conservation biology, the concept of the “metapopulation” is often used to describe a group of geographically isolated populations of the same species. This concept … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "The English Shepherd Metapopulation," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Practical Assortative Mating

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A dog breed, or any animal breed, requires a delicate balance between genetic diversity and consistency of traits. Both of these aspects are essential for the breed’s long-term survival and health, as well as for maintaining the breed’s defining characteristics. Variability for Health: Variability in a breed’s gene pool is essential for maintaining the breed’s … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Practical Assortative Mating," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.

Balancing Breed Identity and Genetic Health

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The fascinating world of canine breeds is as diverse as it is complex. Each breed, distinct in its ancestry, purpose, and typology, carries a unique identity woven together by these three threads. However, the challenges of maintaining breed purity and breed-specific traits often push these breeds into a narrow genetic corner, leading to potential … Read more

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Tony Bierman, "Balancing Breed Identity and Genetic Health," OBTESA, Accessed December 21, 2024, http://esbt.us/ee.