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Does our connection to animals make us human?
We, as humans, have to keep changing our definition of what makes us human. For example, we used to claim that one way we are differentiated from other animals is through our use of tools. Until we discovered that some other species do use tools. The more we learn, the more we discover we share a lot more with other species than we used to think. So what does differentiate us from other animals?
I recently read Pat Shipman’s book The Animal Connection: A New Perspective on What Makes Us Human. Ms. Shipman is a paleoanthropologist who hypothesizes: “that our connection to animals is ancient and fundamentally important because it drove humans to our three great behavioral advances: the making of stone tools; the origin of language and symbolism; and the domestication of animals.”
This book is primarily about human evolution and how our connection with animals has shaped who we are today as a species. Since dogs were domesticated long before any other animals, the domestication of dogs figures heavily into this book, which is what caught my interest. Ms. Shipman suggests that humans are genetically disposed to a connection with other species, something that is not commonly seen in any other species. We might see occasional stories of two animals of different species becoming “friends” but nothing that compares to the propensity among various human cultures for keeping “pets” of various species. Anthropologists find this in most cultures throughout the world.
Romeo & Sue snuggling
According to Shipman:
“If being connected to animals is a genetically based behavior typical of humans, then there ought to be observable benefits to being with animals – and there are. . . Pets. . . fulfill a need in our lives. . . Pet owning individuals have better health, more social contacts, more exercise, and a better outlook on life than non-pet owners. Simply being with a pet lowers the heart rate, lowers cholesterol, and lowers anxiety in most people. Being with pets also raises oxytocin levels, the hormone that is key in bonding with our own infants and our mates. Increased oxytocin levels produce a feeling of calm and peacefulness, and heighten our sensitivity to nonverbal communication. Meg Daley Olmert, in her book Made For Each Other, suggests that oxytocin was the ‘main biological ingredient’ underlying animal domestication and our affection for animals.”
Ms. Shipman certainly gives us something to think about. I think I will ponder it while I snuggle with my dogs.
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The domestication of dogs
It is commonly believed that dogs have been around for around 12,000 years give or take a couple thousand. But new evidence is beginning to show that the change from wolf to dog might have begun long before that.
Christine Dell’Amore’s article for National Geographic News titled Ancient Dog Skull Shows Early Pet Domestication discusses the discovery of a skull in Russia that is believed to be about 33,000 years old and one of the earliest dogs.
If you’re interested in learning more about the domestication of dogs and evidence as to when and where it might have begun, there are two recent books that discuss this in much greater detail.
One is The Animal Connection: A New Perspective on What Makes Us Human by Pat Shipman.
The other is Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw. Both are worth reading, but if you only have time for one, definitely ready Bradshaw’s book!
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Good dental health can prolong your dog’s life, says article in Prevention Magazine
Romeo displaying his pearly whites while playing with another dog
According to an article in the September issue of Prevention magazine, dental disease affects 78% of dogs (and 68% of cats) over 3 years of age. In addition to the risk of losing teeth, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to cardiac, kidney or liver disease. Keeping their teeth clean can extend their lives by three to five years.
You can take your dog to the vet for a professional cleaning, but if you regularly brush your dog’s teeth, you can spread those visits to the vet farther apart. Here are some signs that your pet could be having dental trouble:
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Your dog becomes shy/sensitive about anyone touching her head/mouth.
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Your dog starts picking kibble out of the bowl and dropping it on the floor. This or other changes in your dog’s eating habits could be a sign of not feeling well.
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Your dog’s gums are red instead of pink. This could mean your dog has an infection.
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Your dog shows less interest in chew toys. This could mean your dog’s gums are aching.
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Your dog spends less time with you or is less active. If your dog is not feeling well, s/he will want to spend less time with you and less time having fun.
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Your dog’s breath drives you away. Granted most dogs don’t have the greatest breath anyway, but if it’s really nasty, then it could mean there is trouble. Get it checked out sooner rather than later.
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“Alpha wolf” – reality or myth?
In recent years, the terms “alpha” and “dominance” and the whole “wolf pack theory” of dog training have become popular again. The appeal, I think, lies in the way it is sensationalized on television and in other media. It grabs attention. Unfortunately, most of what is espoused in the name of dog training and behavior is more fiction than fact.
I’m in the process of reading John Bradshaw’s new book Dog Sense, which lays out the scientific evidence that having to dominate your dog to establish your position as the alpha or pack leader is not an appropriate method to follow when it comes to training our dogs. (Great book, I highly recommend it!)
Trainers and others who claim to be experts in dog behavior who espouse “wolf pack theory” and establishing your dominance over your dog are spouting misinformation. They haven’t bothered to keep up with what we have learned about dogs – and wolves – in the past several decades. It’s a bit scary if you think about it. Can you imagine going to a doctor who has not stayed abreast of the latest in health and medicine over the last twenty, thirty or fifty years? Yet people pay dog trainers and people who claim to be “behaviorists” good money to be told outdated info that, in some cases, will actually make things worse instead of better.
Romeo: “Ever seen a wolf do this?!”
While we can learn some things about dogs by studying wolves, dogs are NOT wolves. They have a common ancestor. But they are not and have not been wolves for THOUSANDS of years! Just for fun, though, let’s say that wolves are a good example to use when dealing with our dogs behavior issues. What do you really know about wolves? Why not hear it from someone who has spent the majority of his life – the last 50+ years – studying wolves. Who better to give you the facts about wolf behavior and “packs”?
Take a look at the article and YouTube video below from David Mech, the guy who REALLY knows what wolves do in the wild.
Article: Whatever Happened to the Term Alpha Wolf?
Video: http://youtu.be/tNtFgdwTsbU
The next time you think about emulating the “alpha” wolf, remember: your dog is not a wolf and neither are you!
Places to comment on this article: My Blog or Google+
Links and Social Stream Activity
Sue Brown, MNM, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
AKC CGC Evaluator
APDT Professional Member and Colorado State Greeter
Co-Founder, Colorado Dog Trainers Network
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I am a dog trainer and behavior consultant. The Light Of Dog Newsletter is sent every other week. I post regularly about dogs, especially dog training. I also offer eClasses, workshops and seminars and products including e-books and DVD’s. My upcoming book, Juvenile Delinquents, will be published in Fall 2011 in both print and e-book format.
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