Have you ever wondered why your doggy's behaviors resemble your own? They're a lot more like humans than you think. Check out this article that explains it all. The truth will shock you.
Dogs Turn to Humans for Help Solving Problems
A recent study from Sweden has revealed that dogs’ social skills are determined by the same genes that influence human behavior.1The researchers were able to establish a relationship between five different genes and the ability of dogs to interact with humans. Interestingly, four of those genes also happen to be similar to the genes found in humans with certain social behavior disorders.
Are Dogs Smarter Than Wolves?
It’s thought that modern dogs have one common ancestor — the Eurasian grey wolf. Tens of thousand of years ago (the exact timeframe is hotly contested), a subspecies of wolf likely began interacting with humans, perhaps as the animals searched for food at human settlements.Interactions between wolves and people ultimately led to domesticated dogs who are able to recognize and respond to human communication cues. This skill is not present in wolves. When faced with an unsolvable task, wolves typically just stay at it until they eventually give up.
Dogs Look to Humans for a ‘Social Cognitive Solution’
One 2015 study evaluated 10 pet dogs, 10 shelter dogs and 10 wolves who were given three opportunities to open a puzzle box (a covered plastic container containing a bit of sausage, with a rope that would open the box when pulled).6The animals were given access to the puzzle boxes under different scenarios. In one test, they were left alone with the box for two minutes, during which time eight of the wolves opened the box, compared to just one shelter dog and no pet dogs.
In the next test, they were given access to the puzzle with a person standing nearby. The results were nearly identical: eight wolves and one pet dog succeeded in opening the box, but this time no shelter dogs solved the puzzle. The dogs spent much more time gazing at the human than the wolves did.
While the wolves are persistent and independent, working hard to solve the problem on their own with little notice or expectation of help from humans, dogs “prefer a social cognitive solution,” Udell said, meaning they prefer to get help from their owner.
“It’s not that dogs can’t do it… But they don’t even try unless they’re socially motivated… We tell them not to do things, so they learn to inhibit their actions and to wait for directions from us…
WOW! Who knew that we have so much influence over our pups?! The fact that they prefer to take encouragement to complete challenges from humans is amazing. It looks like they're a lot like us after all. Or maybe, we're a lot like them? LOL!
For more on this study, be sure to check out Healthy Pets.
