If some dogs have actually evolved human style emotions simply by being
artificially selected_for maybe they have this mood that represents
human contentment, they may display and experience this in a more
sustained way than even their designers can?
- : African Wild Dog Society.
African wild dogs, unlike lions, do not attack each other. The dominant
male or dominant female (each sex has its own hierarchy), lets his or
her superiority be known by posture and tail position. Submission is
quite elaborate and ritualistic. Members of this species seem to like
being 'the underdog'-they literally burrow beneath each other, with the
whole group sometimes forming a heap. When a domestic dog licks you,
this is a similar form of ritual submission, derived from the dog's
direct ancestor, the wolf.
As hunters, African wild dogs are very successful. The pack leader
singles out a zebra or gazelle and chases it, while the others follow
in a widely dispersed line, to catch the prey even if it zig-zags.
Speed (up to 40 mph) and endurance are essential. After one dog seizes
the prey, the others help to immobilize it, and may devour it entirely
in only ten minutes. Lacking either free arms or anatomical pockets,
the dogs must carry food back to the den by eating it and then
regurgitating it. Even if the dog did not get enough to satisfy
himself, he will still apportion a share to the others. Because of
this, disabled adults at the den may be supported indefinitely. As will
be seen later, the hunting niche has caused some behavioral
similarities between canines and humans. Perhaps it is evolutionary
convergence of emotional traits that makes dogs such understanding
companions...
...Some features which humans share with African wild dogs, probably
due to their similar ecological niche as social predators, are:
eagerness to submit to leadership, willingness to share food, the
male-female long-term pair-bond, team spirit and cooperation in work,
and some communal care and training of offspring...
...Perhaps it would be more useful to look at dogs and wolves for
evidence of morality. Indeed, due to a similar ecological niche, as
social predators, dogs have independently evolved a number of traits
like us. Examples are: obedience to a leader, patience and endurance
while stalking prey, team spirit, and self-restraint. (To be fair, I
should also mention that, because of hunting, carnivores are known for
their cunning too, and their ruthlessness in attack-perhaps we share
these qualities as well.) The central issue of food-sharing in the
pack-dogs' lifestyle is probably the main cause of their developing a
conscience. They must restrain themselves not to consume more than
their share of meat. As is well known, even the domestic dog can easily
be trained not to eat meat left on the kitchen table. And a 'moralizing
look' from his owner may be ample punishment for the dog if he
transgresses.
Human Evolution - A Philosophical Anthropology
-- Mary Maxwell
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0231059469/
googoowikipoop
Darwin trod carefully, but, I think, with some gleeful malice in
approaching the topic of religion....
Darwin wished to deal explicitly only with the problem of the religious
sentiments of savages, though implicitly to suggest an answer to the
question of God's existence quite different from that given by the high
intellects.
The theologically disposed Victorian could dismiss as rank superstition
the native's beliefs in spirits and ghostly beings, yet, as Darwin
knew, most would recognize that the primitive's feelings were of a
genuinely religious cast.
(1) He proposed that as soon as
the faculties of imagination and
wonder had developed, along with
some reasoning ability, early man,
like the contemporary savage, would
have begun to speculate on terrifying
natural phenomena, as well as
on his own existence.
(2) Yet the tendency of primitives to
imagine that natural objects were
animated by spirits seemed, Darwin
observed, little different from that
exhibited by his own dog, which barked
and growled at a parasol blown by the
wind, apparently believing that its
flight indicated the presence of
some invisible agent.
(3) Moreover, the feeling of religious
devotion, which he analyzed as consisting
of "love, complete submission to an
exalted and mysterious superior, a
strong sense of dependence, fear,
reverence, gratitude, hope for
the future, and perhaps other
elements"-such feeling bore
strong resemblance to that
simpler emotional complex
displayed by his dog's
worshipful devotion
to its master.
Darwin and the Emergence of Evolutionary
Theories of Mind and Behavior
by Robert J. Richards
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0226712001/
ON DOG INTELLIGENCE AND EMOTION
http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/lexi/emotions.html
by Lexiann Grant
Email: lexiann@
frognet.net
Copyright© 2001
In the following article, author Lexiann Grant, was interviewed by a
student intern at the Miami Herald on the subject of canine emotions
and intelligence. The questions and answers below are a summary of that
interview.
Question Miami Herald Intern (QMHI):
Are dogs more intelligent than we give them credit for being?
Answer Lexiann Grant (ALG):
Absolutely. For most of the thousands of years that dogs have lived
side by side with humankind, they were viewed in primarily a
utilitarian manner -- as hunting aids, or farm workers. This
relationship was self-limiting in that humans did not expect more and
were unaware of canine potential.
When we look at what a dog can accomplish without special training,
say, saving the life of a loved one by warning them of a fire in the
home, it is even more amazing what they can be trained to do. Early on
we learned to develop their natural instincts to do such things as
guard livestock or hunt, now they help us in many capacities including
serving as ears for hearing impaired persons, leading the blind, as
arson detection dogs and much more.
As humans ask "What can a dog learn to do?", we raise the expectation
and discover that dogs are capable of learning a great deal more than
originally believed, and that they are capable of using that knowledge
to interact with humans in helpful, meaningful ways.
The scientific community, in particular animal behaviorists, have only
recently begun to study animal intelligence on a serious level. The
findings of some of the initial studies are astounding -- that some
non-human animals can comprehend abstract ideas, symbols, new concepts,
and, can analyze situations and choose varied but appropriate responses
for their reactions.
Personally I believe that there has always been much more to the canine
mind than what we have in the past permitted ourselves to perceive.
Believing this is no longer the wishful thinking of a pet owner
anthropomorphizing their own thoughts onto those of their dog's.
Rather, dogs have recognizable intelligence.
QMHI:
Do dogs have a similar state of mind as humans? Do they share our
emotions? For example, when a dog's owner returns home after being gone
and their canine companion shows happiness or is excited, is it because
their human is back and the dog is truly happy that they have returned,
or do you think they know food is now available to them?
ALG:
Intellect or intelligence, and emotion, are two different things.
However, in addition to intelligence, the field of animal emotions are
also now being investigated in depth by scientists. The result? Animals
do have recognizable emotions. Many animals, particularly the dog, are
social animals. In order to live in a society or pack, or even within a
human family, it is necessary to use intellect to survive and maintain
order.
Emotions come into play when the members of an animal social group
interact with one another -- playing, respecting the pack leader (or
head human), appearing to be lonely or missing another pack member when
they are gone. Are they the same as what humans feel? I can't know for
certain, but I strongly feel they are similar and serve similar
functions.
Do my dogs miss me when I'm gone? Are they happy when I return? Yes, I
believe they are. I've had this discussion with a few trainers who
believe that dogs are intelligent enough to know that when their human
is gone, they can't get the food necessary to their survival. These
trainers believe that everything a dog does is done out of what they
instinctually know to be in their best interest. However, I have seen
instances where food is forgotten, or someone else is providing the
food and the dog still appears sad when their human is away and happy
when they return. In my opinion that makes the "instinct to please in
order to survive" theory less of a complete explanation.
The bond, the connection that I share with my dogs is primarily one of
emotion. I do not have dogs for them to perform tasks for me. And I
certainly don't have them just to provide the items necessary for their
survival. I choose to live with dogs because of the emotional
relationship that enhances and enriches my life.
What do these emotions, this emotional interaction, do for the dogs?
The connection is not one way, but is reciprocal. I feel my dogs loving
me and I believe they feel my love for them. We play together, I laugh,
they look as if they are happy. At night we cuddle up together and
there is a comforting peace. My dogs are healthy and content. And given
a choice, I don't think that if they could, they would chose to live
anywhere else. The food and shelter may be equally as good elsewhere,
but they would remain here because of emotions -- the emotional bond
that nourishes their minds and souls*, not just their bodies.
* This raises another issue: Do dogs have souls? I'll leave that
discussion to the philosophers and theologians for now! Personally I
think that every living being has a soul.
QMHI:
Do dogs understand our verbal communication to them, or have they just
memorized certain sounds and motions of ours?
ALG:
Studies have shown recently that dogs, cats, horses and some other
animals recognize certain words or sounds. As in human societies, each
culture has it's own language or dialect, as well as symbolic gestures.
In order to live within the bounds of these societies, members of the
society, and even outsiders who wish to become a part of the society,
learn the special words or motions in order to communicate more
accurately with one another.
This could apply to dogs living with humans: They learn our language
and gestures in order to conduct the communication necessary to live
with us on our terms. Do they understand us? They appear to understand
very well much of what we say to or request of them on a regular basis.
My dogs clearly comprehend what I mean when I say to them, "dinner,
sit, treat, stay, walk" or "ride." Trainers and behaviorists explain
that this recognition is the tone we use when we say these words to
dogs that causes them to react. However, if I speak in a normal tone
they still respond appropriately. If I use an excited voice to say
words meaningless to them, such as "laundry" or "light," they ignore
me.
What about when we don't say or gesture any communication to them? When
we purposely block body language so it can't be said that they are just
reading the motions we make? I have witnessed too many episodes of dogs
responding appropriately to a human, interacting with them, to not
believe that they somehow understand us.
A non-doggy person might call me crazy, but I carry on conversations
with my dogs. It is an outlet for me that provides a compassionate
audience. Although their response is non-linguistic, they do
communicate with me and are an active part of the conversation. When
I'm sad, they snuggle and are gentle and loving, not playful or rough.
When I share good news with them, they respond by jumping around or by
bringing me one of their toys. To me, this illustrates in the dog, a
certain degree of intelligence and emotion, as well the ability to
read, understand and interact with us.
Whether it's words, tone, gestures, body language or even telepathy, it
doesn't matter, it's all communication.
QMHI:
How long have you observed and read about canine behavior?
ALG:
Casually for 20 years, more seriously for seven years. I am an
award-winning dog-columnist and freelance writer. I have served as
educational liaison for a local dog club, and volunteer with various
dog rescue programs. My husband and I have shown our dogs in
conformation and agility and have trained them for obedience; some of
them are therapy dogs. In college I studied philosophy, sociology and
psychology.
QMHI:
What are your overall views of our canine friends?
ALG:
I enjoy their company, their behavior and watching them think. I love
them immensely and cannot imagine my life without them in it. Because
of a dog -- their emotions and intelligence -- I:
Have a career;
Have been lifted from depression;
Found a new, more profound meaning in my life;
Coped successfully with a long recovery from chronic illness;
Learned what is truly important in my daily life...and what is not;
Know about love freely given and received without judgment.
QMHI:
If you believe dogs experience emotions, do you think that they are the
only animals who do? Why? What other animals do you feel possess this
state of mind?
ALG:
As I stated above, I believe that every living being has a soul, and if
they have a soul, then it probably follows that they must also
experience emotions as part of their life.
Other animals which I have observed personally, or about which I have
read in various studies that have shown to exhibit emotion and
intelligence include a large variety of primates, bears, pigs, horses,
cattle, cats, a few various rodents, elephants and so forth. For those
interested in learning more about animal intelligence and emotion,
readers can research the work of Marc Bekoff, Jane Goodall, Rupert
Sheldrake or Mary Lou Randour; these are just a few of the scientist
currently working in this field.
As we enter the new millennium, humans are being called to review their
relationships with pets and all animals. We share one world together,
are all part of one creation. Since we have domesticated some animals
and placed others in captivity, it is our responsibility and duty to
care for them with the utmost respect for their lives and well-being
and this includes their emotional and intellectual well-being. Through
this stewardship, we can come to fully realize the depth and joy of the
bond we are privileged to share with dogs...and other animals.
Lexiann Grant; copyright 2000, 2001
http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/lexi/emotions.html
http://www.sacredshadow.com/Portfolo/DogGod.htm
Introduction to Canine Psychology
A foundation course designed to introduce the student to the ways in
which dogs think, learn and live within the modern world. The course
considers the development of the canine/human relationship and will
introduce the student to the ways in which play, socialisation, diet
and health affect the way dogs think and behave. The course provides a
sound basis from which to progress to the Intermediate Canine
Psychology and other higher level courses. Students who have gained
their Certificate in Pet Ownership only need to undertake Units 3 and 4
and the special study to complete this course.
Unit 1 RELATIONSHIPS
Natural behaviours, pack rules -the modern view, early learning, fun
and games
Unit 2 FOOD AND EXERCISE
What the dog needs, different feeding methods, a little about labels,
when and how to make changes in the diet, the value of exercise
Unit 3 BUILDING THE BOND
Early influences, the stages of puppyhood, coping with the juvenile and
adolescent dog, training for everyday life, the special needs of the
rescue dog
Unit 4 PROBLEM BEHAVIOUR
What is problem behaviour? health effects on behaviour, owner error,
the question of punishment, some ways of putting things right
http://www.corsini.co.uk/animalcare/course31.htm
Intermediate Canine Psychology
This course is the second in a suite of three designed to lead the
student to a greater understanding of the psychology of canine
behaviour and training. It considers the dog's mental and physical
development, his natural behaviours and how owners both use and seek to
change those behaviours. The canine senses are investigated and
compared to those of humans. In addition, students will examine the
wide range of canine communication and develop their ability to read
both verbal signals and body language. The course provides a sound
basis on which to progress to the Advanced Canine Psychology as well as
other Level 3 courses.
Unit 1 The dog's brain. The physical and mental development of the
puppy. How early experiences affect behaviour. How dogs learn.
Unit 2 Natural behaviours of the dog. What owners expect. Why and how
owners seek to change some behaviours. The Psychological and
physiological effects of neutering
Unit 3 Canine senses How they compare and differ from those of the
human. Canine communication - verbal and body language. Learning to
read the signals
Unit 4 The intelligent dog. How mental stimulation increases the dog's
intelligence and ability to learn. The importance of play
http://www.corsini.co.uk/animalcare/course33.htm
Advanced Canine Psychology
This advanced level course is the final course in the suite of three
devoted to understanding canine psychology. Our understanding of the
relationships between humans and dogs has changed in recent years as
the psychology and behaviour of the dog has become better understood.
The course looks in detail at the way in which owners and dogs live
together, and explains some of the reasons why at times training and
behaviour problems occur. It will be of value to those working as
instructors, those considering a career in canine behaviour, and the
enthusiast who simply wants to know more. Students must have completed
the Intermediate Canine Psychology course or a similar level of study
before undertaking this course. This course provides a sound basis on
which to progress to Canine Behaviour Counselling: Theory and Practice.
Unit 1 The Modern Dog/Human relationship - The dog as companion,
working partner, support, and procreator of the next generation. Owner
attitudes. How lifestyle affects behaviour.
Unit 2 Training past and present - Early training methods. How training
has changed. Modern methods explained, Shaping, Reward and punishment.
Owner in-fluences on training. Using training aids. The role of the
instructor.
Unit 3 The Psychology of Learning - Normal dog behaviour. The way the
dog learns. Schedules of Reinforcement. Stress and how it affects
behaviour. Considering sensitivity. How important are breed
characteristics? The faces of aggression.
Unit 4 Food, Glorious Food - Modern feeding methods compared. What does
it means? Additives and preservatives. The process of digestion.
Modifying diet and how it may affect behaviour.
Unit 5 Health and Behaviour - Common Problems. How health affects
behaviour. Veterinary checks. Common behaviour problems - considering
physical and environmental causes. The development of drug therapy.
Real life Case Histories.
http://www.corsini.co.uk/animalcare/course30.htm
Advanced Instructor's Theory Certificate
A course written primarily for Instructors but which will help owners
working in obedience, agility and working trials to get the best from
their dog. With dog training, both at home and in the training class,
frustrating plateaus in learning often occur. Why do they happen and
how can they be overcome? This course will provide the instructor and
owner with insight into the interactions between dogs and their owners
as well as considering the dog's perception of his training and the
instructors role as teacher.
Students wishing to take this course should have several years dog
handling experience and have taken the Intermediate Canine Psychology
course, Advanced Canine Psychology course, the Instructor's Certificate
or equivalent level of study.
Unit 1 Problem Prevention - Choice of puppy/breeder. Breed related
Behaviour. Genetic predisposition
Unit 2 Problem Definition - Recognition and interruption of problem
behaviour. Unrealistic owner expectations. The adolescent dog.
Unit 3 The Class - Types of classes - comparisons. Problem prevention
in the class. Rehabilitation classes. The dog's view
Unit 4 The Home Environment - The dog in the human environment.
Training aids. Problem prevention in the home. The 'behaviourist'
Unit 5 People as Owners - Human perceptions and misunderstandings.
Reinforcing the dog/ owner relationship.
http://www.corsini.co.uk/animalcare/course20.htm
