Canine Behaviour (Cram 1/3)

What is the order, family, genus, and species that the domesticated dog is a part of?

Order: Carnivora

Family: Canidae

Genus: Canis

Species: familiaris

Define pup/whelp

A young canine

Whelping

Process of giving birth to whelps/pups

Litter

Group of whelps/pups born of the same pregnancy

Pack

Group of dogs

Stud

Intact male dog

Sire

Male parent of his offspring

Bitch

Intact female

Dam

Female parent of her offspring

What is the first growth period of dogs?

Neonatal period

When does the neonatal period take place?

Weeks 0–2

What is a species called when its young are deaf/blind and completely dependent on their mothers?

Altricial

What growth period is tail docking done in?

Neonatal period (weeks 0–2)

Do puppies in the neonatal period have a lasting fear response to stimuli?

No

When does the transitional period take place?

Weeks 2–3

Which period is referred to as the first critical period?

Transitional period (weeks 2–3)

When do whelps eyes open?

Between 10–16 days old

When do a whelp's ears open, and they can be startled by noises?

Day 14 to 18 onward

When can whelps support their own weight on four legs?

Day 12 to 14

How do dam's elicit neonatal whelps to defecate/urinate?

By stimulating the anogenital region

When do whelps start leaving the nest to eliminate?

Transitional period (weeks 2–3)

When do whelp's teeth start to erupt?

Day 19 to 20

When does the socialization period take place?

Weeks 3–12

Which growth period is referred to as the second critical period?

Socialization period (weeks 3–12)

Why is the socialization period considered the most important critical period in regards to behaviour development?

Weeks 3–12 are when socialization take place. This includes socialization with humans. This is necessary during so that whelps can establish trusting relationships with humans later on in adulthood

When are whelps able to sit and stand like adults?

28 days

During which weeks do whelps startle easily and react fearfully, but are said to recover quickly?

Weeks 3–5

When does sexual behaviour start to occur?

Week 6

When is the critical socialization period with humans?

Weeks 5–9 (peak sensitivity at weeks 6–8)

Before what week must young dogs have contact with humans in order for them to be able to have substantial trusting relationships with their owners?

Before 16 weeks

What will happen if a whelp is removed completely from its mother before 4–5 weeks?

It can interfere with their ability to perceive themselves as dogs and development of appropriate canine social skills

When do dogs best adapt to a new environment?

Weeks 10–12 and 16–20

When does a young dog develop substrate preferences?

Around 8 1/2 weeks

When is the first fear period?

Weeks 8–10

Why is it so important to make the first vet visit a positive experience?

The first visit usually coincides with the first fear period. It is important to avoid traumatizing the dog, as it may develop a life–long aversion to the vet. The vet can instead teach coping skills and make the visit positive

When is the second fear period?

6–14 months

When is the juvenile period?

12 weeks to sexual maturity

What is the optimal time to train a dog?

The juvenile period (12 weeks to sexual maturity)

What is the third critical period?

Weeks 12–16

When is the adult period?

Sexual maturity to death

When is the social maturity neurodevelopmental stage?

18–36 months (approx. 1–3 years)

What do clients often notice about their dogs during the 1–3 year period?

They notice behaviour changes, aggression or anxiety issues may develop

What are the six reasons puppies play?

1. Safe exploration

2. Learn/imitate adult behaviour

3. Exploration

4. Establish social relationships

5. Problem solving

6. Improve dexterity (mental)

When do pups start to mouth each other around the head?

3 weeks

When can pups start to nip painfully?

4 weeks

When does play fighting become skilled?

4–5 weeks

What are the three reasons that bite inhibition is important for dogs to learn?

1. Discipline

2. Fighting

3. Carrying puppies

When does social play decrease?

10–11 weeks

During what time period is the absence of play behaviour a sign of pathological abnormality?

3–9 weeks

True or false: Dogs have more binocular vision (ability to focus both eyes together) than humans

False. They have less binocular vision

What is the reflective surface at the back of an animal's eye called?

Tapetum

How can having vision problems effect a dog's social skills?

Much of the communication between dogs is visual. If a dog has visions problems he will thus have less social skills. He may respond inappropriately to other dogs, resulting in behaviour problems

True or false: Dogs respond better to visual commands than verbal

True

What are the five common vocal communications of dogs?

1. Bark

2. Whine

3. Whimpering

4. Howl

5. Growl

What is the difference between a high pitched bark and a low pitch bark?

High pitched = excitement, fear, frustration, wants attention

Low pitched = growly warning, potential territorial defense

What is the main purpose of a whine?

Care–soliciting

Why is punishing a dog for growling a bad idea?

Growling is a warning. If you train a dog out of growling, it will just bite without warning

Why is it important to use enzyme cleaners in clinic?

Dogs can spontaneously express anal glands when fearful. This pheromone can be detected by other dogs, causing them to become fearful as well

What are the three ways dogs leave scent markings?

1. Urination

2. Anal gland secretion

3. Interdigital sebaceous glands (scratch ground after defecation)

What are the three ways dogs communicate through touch?

1. Greet another dog by touching flanks, tail base, and face

2. Grooming

3. Licking

What position do mating dogs end up in during ejaculation?

They will roll or twist after the coital tie, and face opposite directions. They will remain tied this way for 10–30 minutes