Social Learning Mechanisms in Domestic Dogs

Social learning, the process by which animals acquire information or behaviors by observing others, is an important aspect of the development and behavior of many species, including domestic dogs. For domestic dogs, social learning can happen in a variety of contexts and through different mechanisms. Social learning mechanisms in domestic dogs are varied and complex, … Read more

Affiliative Relationships in Dogs: A Shift from Dominance

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

Sensory Adaptations in Domestic Dogs: Co-evolution with the Anthropogenic World

Dogs have a long history of coexisting with humans, dating back to their domestication from wolves around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Over time, their perceptual systems have evolved to adapt to the anthropogenic world they inhabit, enabling them to better communicate, cooperate, and bond with humans. Some of the key adaptations in dogs’ perceptual … Read more

Predatory Motor Sequences In English Shepherd Dogs

Predatory motor patterns in dogs are innate behaviors that have evolved over time to aid in hunting and capturing prey. These behaviors, inherited from their wild ancestors, can still be observed in domestic dogs, albeit to varying degrees. This entry explores the six stages of the predatory motor sequence in dogs and applies Tinbergen’s four … Read more

Canine-Human Cooperation and Its Role in Neanderthal Extinction

This study explores the hypothesis that the cooperation between Canis familiaris (domestic dogs) and Homo sapiens (anatomically modern humans) could have played a significant role in accelerating the extinction of Neanderthal man (Homo neanderthalensis). Through a comprehensive review of archaeological, genetic, and paleoanthropological evidence, we investigate the potential mechanisms by which early domesticated dogs … Read more