Animal Behavior Flashcards
(38 cards)
____ have the largest morphological variation of any species
Dogs
What are the morphological and behavioral differences between wolves and dogs?
- Morpholocial - dogs have paedomorphism (retention of puppy-like traits)
- Behavioral - dogs are nonseasonal breeders, have reduced parental care, are hypersocial, have a reduced predatory sequence
What are sensitive periods?
Formerly critical periods. They are time periods in which environmental factors are particularly potent in affecting an animals behavior.
When does maximal socialization occur for dogs?
Weeks 4-8
Dog sensory development periods.
Smell - 8-13d
Hearing - 19.5d, reliably 25d
Vision - open 13d, see forms 25d, guided 4 wk, mature 8 wk
Onset of fear in dogs
49 days on average. However, there are different levels of socialization needed for different breeds as fear expression varies based on breed.
What are the main developmental stages in dogs?
Neonatal - 0-12 days
Transitional - 13-20 days
Socialization - 3-12 weeks
Juvenile - 12+ weeks
Sexual maturity - ~1 year
Social maturity - 1-3 years
Neonatal period of dogs
0-12 days. Respond to stimulation slowly, mostly reflexive behavior, cannot thermoregulation
Transition period of dogs
13-20 days. Eyes and ear open, startle reaction to sound, tail wagging, control of bodily functions, walking, backwards and forwards, social bonding with littermates, pain perception developed, first teeth, beginning of ingestive behavior
Socialization period of dogs 1.
Weeks 3-14. Individuals noticed at a distance, mother starts to leave pups alone, strong relationships between siblings, learning various canine behaviors
Socialization period of dogs 2.
3-12 weeks. Learn positive associations with humans, fear onset begins, EEG similar to adults, START TRAINING DESIRABLE BEHAVIORS (sit/stay, bite inhibition, leash walking, etc.)
Fear period in dogs.
8-11 weeks (varies by breed). Temporarily more fearful, continue socialization but at appropriate level with lot of positive associated.
MAY have second fear period between 6-14 months, anecdotal evidence.
Juvenile stage in dogs
11-16 weeks. Becomes more bold, contacting more reinforcers in the environment, less dependent on humans. Prefrontal cortex is not fully developed, need to continue training for what you wan but might have fits and starts.
When do behavioral issues, espeically dog-dog, start to occur?
Social maturity - 1-3 years of age
Effects of early gentle handling of neonates?
More locomation, more exploratory behavior, more emotional stability
How should we socialize dogs?
- Ensure puppy always feels safe while still challenging them slightly
- Scaffold challenges
- Make exposure fun by pairing with treats and toys
- Pay attention to signs of stress and remove puppy immediately
- Make sure the dog isn’t overwhelmed as this can sensitize them and make them more scared.
Impacts of socialization deficits in dogs
- Fearfullness of other dogs, people, or settings - freezing, lower rates of conspecific engagement, less likely to approach humans
- Over arousal
How do you socialize an undersocialized adult dog?
- NOT a dog park or daycare
- Contact professional who uses + reinforcement
- Muzzle train undersocialized dog
- Start with one-one-one sessions with a dog savvy dog - undersocialized dog muzzled untill confident of its reactions, also on leash or long line, short and sweet
- Move on to other dogs that are more boisterous
What is ‘rude’ for dogs?
Direct approach, staring, reaching
Describe how morphological variations can impact communication between dogs.
Cropped ears and tails might restrict some communication or lead to misinterpretation.
What are the two points of domestication for cats?
Modern day Turkey & Egypt. Spread by humans along the trade routes and interbred with native wild cats.
Feline sensory development
- Eyes open 7-10d, fully open 14d
- Ears open 7d
- Olfaction 4 wks
- Acuity in sight 5 wks
What are the developmental stages in felines?
- Neonatal - 0-14d
- Transitional 14-21d
- Socialization 3-9 weeks
- Juvenile 9+ weeks
- Sexual maturity 4-12 months
- Social maturity 2-4 years
Neonatal stage in cats
0-2 weeks. Separation from mom or littermates can lead to social issues as adults. Visual progression maturing.
