Module 3 and 4

Question 1

Describe how specific traits have been selected which are either useful or “appealing” in the development of canine breeds.

Answer 1

we are pre disposed to infantile characteristics: shortened face, increased body fat, large eyes
- increased number of bracheacephalic breeds of both dogs and cats
- have adapted the canine personality to suit the breed selected with specific traits, dashunds high level of assertive and stand up personality, fixation of purpose,
- border collies work drive

Question 2

how can traits can affect the types of behaviour and behaviour problems that a canine may display

Answer 2

if breeds meant to preform certain behvaiour and cannot preform behaviour issues will occur
- Border dollies not being able to herd and work can be come frustrated
- great pyranese - protective live stock guardians, these can come out over family members etc

Question 3

what are the differences between human and canine social structure

Answer 3

• normal canine behaviour is rooted in predatory behaviour
• • extended family groups, care of young, and group care are shared characteristics
• Deferential behaviour is designed to ensure that agonistic situations (disagreements) are diffused.
  -misinterpretation of and assignation of human values to canine behaviour (anthropomorphism).

Question 4

outline the general stages of canine development, sensory cues, and play, and how they can influence a dog’s future behaviour and responses

Answer 4

• prior to 3 weeks there is no social behaviour
• 3 weeks develop social skills, eyes and ears open and become mobile, start to develop social skills
• handling from day one are considered positive stresses which allow them to cope better with stress later in life
• after 4-6 months is becomes harder to add new situations and define them, this is where we can see behavioural problems occur later in life
• desensitization is extremely important throughout stages of development
• 3-8 weeks they learn to interact, important social time
• 5-7 through to 12 weeks learn ebst about people, strangers etc
• 8-10 weeks is fear impirnt stage, a severe negative experience can have a significant impact, new homes all new experiences are gradual and positive

Question 5

describe the importance of physical cues in canine communication and the differences in the thought process between dogs and humans.

Answer 5

• much of dogs communication is through visual cues
• extremely sensitive to motion
• far surpass us in sensitivity
• extremely keen auditory and olfactory capabilities, tone
• tight leash in close proximity to other dogs, facilitates aggression, opportunity for escape removed
• flight portion not possible dogs must fight
• more vocal when together

-direct gaze provides discomfort
- our face close to dogs face discomfort
- panting licking lips avoidence behaviour
- dsicplacement behaviour doesnt want conflict

Question 6

describe natural reflexes and reactions and how they influence our dogs’ responses and reactions, both positively and negatively.

Answer 6

• conditioned reflexes vs unconditioned
• punishment increases fear and increases aggression
• canine aggression is usually casued by fear
• defense bite is defense reflex
• orienting reflex alerting reflex barking, can be used to our advantage , redirection used
• chase reflex, predatory response, encouraging inappropriately can have disastrous consequences
• resistance reflex, natural to resists pressure and keep on feet, pushing on back to sit- dogs will resist . luring more effective
• digging, scent following, returning food to den, vegetable and plant eating, prey guarding, stalking herding and pointing retained from ancestors
• don’t go against a dogs natural hardwired behaviour

Question 7

describe some physical cues in canine communication

Answer 7

what a dog does is what he says, very adept at non verbal cues, ear position relaxed or perky or pointing away may be nervous, gaze - averted or directly at you-looking away could be nervousness or stress, use higher value reinforcement, posture- leaning toward or away

Question 8

agonistic behaviour vs diffrential behaviour

Answer 8

differential - appear smaller and less threatening avoid conflict, diffuse situations
agnostic - disagreements and aggression