Assignment Submitted to: Dr. Tanveer

Submitted By: Zohaib Saleem

Registration no. 2012-ag-2642

Roll no. 727

Section C

Behaviour of dogs

WHAT IS BEHAVIOUR

Behavior is the internally coordinated responses (actions or inactions) of the domestic dog (individuals or groups) to internal and/or external stimuli.

How dogs differ in behaviour than other animals Intelligence Senses

Different types of behaviours

Communication behavior Social behavior Reproduction behavior Feeding behaviour

CommunicationCommunicationCommunication occurs upon production of a signal by one animal that is recognised and alters the behaviour of the receiver of the signal

Communication can be:VisualAuditoryChemicalTactile

Inter and Intra-specie Communication

Communication Behaviour

Dog to dog communication Dog to Human communication

DOG-DOG communication

These communication behaviors include: Eye gaze Facial expression Vocalization Body posture (including movements of

bodies and limbs)

DOG-DOG communication

gustatory communication (scents, pheromones and taste) including in it

Dog-Human Communication

Humans communicate with dogs by using

Vocalization Hand signals Body posture

Visual Visual CommunicationCommunicationPositive Arousal = Distance Decreasing Signals= Affiliative BehaviourNegative Arousal=Distance Increasing Signals= Agnostic BehaviourBoth occur on a scale

Parts of the Dog to Observe in Intra or Inter Specie Communication

General “Normal” General “Normal” Visual CommunicationVisual Communication

Breed dependant

Familiar/Obvious Familiar/Obvious “Positive Arousal” “Positive Arousal” Visual CommunicationVisual Communication

Positive Arousal •Demonstrate arousal with sensory responses •Switch off other sensory inputs•Over exaggerate clear positive body signals

Familiar/Familiar/Obvious“Negative Obvious“Negative Arousal” Visual Arousal” Visual CommunicationCommunicationNegative Arousal

Two types:

Flight based•Make themselves smaller•Withdraw/Submit (show they have no defences)•May change to fight based if pushed

““Negative Arousal” Negative Arousal” Visual CommunicationVisual Communication

Negative Arousal

Two types:

Fight based•Make themselves look bigger (sometimes lower)•Show defences•Prepared to protect/defend (resource related)

Auditory Communication Bark- an alert, most likely

an adapted behaviour. Easily socially learnt

Howl- attention seeking behaviour as both positive and negative arousal

Whine signal- stress Growl signal- play or fight

Chemical Communication

Release of Pheromone Release from pads, anal

glands and face Chemicals remain

longer than visual signals often given

at the same time.

Tactile Communication

Seen mostly as:Play

Affection or

Aggression

Social behavior

Play (Dog-dog , Dog-human) Empathy Personalities Leadership, dominance Scent Feral dogs

Play

Most dogs play…but most mammals only do this when

young.Through Domestication Dogs have

remained “neotenous”.We encourage them to remain juvenile.

Theories as to why dogs play

Helps with development of bone and muscle Teaches useful communication skills Teaches hunting skills (although not required in

domestication) Teaches co-operation between group members Teaches about surrounding environment Allows for trial and error learning Puppy enjoys doing it!…functional behaviour.

Reproduction behavior

Dogs reach sexual maturity and can reproduce during their first year, in contrast to wolves at two years-of-age. Bitches have their first estrus ("heat") at 6 to 12 months-of-age; smaller dogs tend to come into heat earlier whereas larger dogs take longer to mature.

Reproduction behavior

Dog bitches have an estrous cycle that is nonseasonal and monestrus, i.e. there is only one estrus per estrous cycle

The average duration of estrus is 9 days with spontaneous ovulation usually about 3 days after the onset of estrus.

Reproduction behavior

The male dog mounts the female and is able to achieve intromission, this is sometimes known as the “tie” or “copulatory lock”

Dogs are polygamous

Feeding behaviour

Thought to be born with chemical receptors developed to detect milk

No early recognition or interest in meat until 3 weeks

Start to ‘dabble’ in food. At 5 weeks eat ‘solid’ food.

Behaviour of the Bithch

Maternal Behaviour: Unsure as to whether mothering skills are learnt

or inherited Isolates for birth Can be protective of puppies Bitches can also kill unwell puppies (apparent to

bitch as don’t behave ‘normally’)-natural selection)

Licks puppies for elimination behaviour Bringing puppies back to the nest

Behaviour of the Dog

Paternal BehaviourIn domestic dogs the

sire has no role in the puppies development

In the wild they can act as educators from seven weeks

Affects of Puberty- Male(General) Increased hair growth Scent marking More prepared to protect territory (items of

value) Roaming Increased arousal (more excitable) More vocal Disobedient to previously taught cues More aloof/independent/curious

Affect of Puberty- Females(General) Signs of oestrous More protective More sensitive Interest in males (flirty) Scent marking More vocal Disobedient to previously taught cues More affectionate

Behaviours of the elderly dog

Behavioural changes will occur in the older dog due to:

Illness and Disease (causing pain and discomfort)

Hormone Production (and lack of) Altered Sensory Perceptions Inability to communicate effectively

Behaviours of the elderly dog

In the older dog: Reflexes are slower Memory loss occur (meaning rehearsal

of trained cues is required regularly) Can get confused and act senile Transmission of neurological messaging

slows from 200 mph to 50mph

Socialisation and the dog as a social being Between 3-twelve or thirteen weeks the

puppy is said to be in a ‘critical period’. During the time the puppy must be socialised with people and dogs so that s/he knows how to behave with them.

Effects of improper socialisation includes: nervousness or over excitable. (both over arousal)

Inter Specie sociability

Dogs are social animals But through domestication have

adapted to be sociable with other beings

Communication between species is different but someelements are the same (e.g affection and companionship)

Conclusion…Understanding the development of the dog and its

associated behaviours is important.We have huge responsibilities as a dog owner, in

initial and continual socialisation and training, and as a

potential dog trainer to know how behaviour and training can be effected by developmental stage.