Comments on: What caused the domestication of wolves? http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/ The premier natural history series Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:47:44 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Ruth http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-13389 Ruth Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:50:16 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-13389 If any of you are interested in how the dog began to develop all the physical and behavioral differences from wolves which we see today based just on the tameness factor, or if you doubt that dogs domesticated themselves then check this out. http://www.floridalupine.org/publications/PDF/trut-fox-study.pdf. This experiment shows just how much resource and time is needed to domesticate these animals and shows that it must have begun by dogs moving closer themselves in a time when people had niether the time nor the knowledge to attempt to start the process. If any of you are interested in how the dog began to develop all the physical and behavioral differences from wolves which we see today based just on the tameness factor, or if you doubt that dogs domesticated themselves then check this out.

http://www.floridalupine.org/publications/PDF/trut-fox-study.pdf.
This experiment shows just how much resource and time is needed to domesticate these animals and shows that it must have begun by dogs moving closer themselves in a time when people had niether the time nor the knowledge to attempt to start the process.

]]> By: Elyse Skeoch http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-11656 Elyse Skeoch Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:34:37 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-11656 Elizabeth Meyer - "My family and i had a dog who became aggressive to my children. We couldnt understand because we treated him well and he was vert protective of them. After biting both my children badly, i had to ethanize him. It was heart breaking, and we mourned him. We did do some research on his breed, and learned that although he was protective of the children, he viewed them as “lower” in the pack order. He bit them over food, so it seemed correct. AND after watching both programs on IPTV we learned that his breed was selected for those tendancies to be aggressive and fiercly protective." It is a common misconception that aggression is due to a particular breed of dog. Yes, dogs have been bred to do certain jobs (Border Collies are for herding livestock, and Bull Mastiff’s were to guard prisons) and so still have their natural “instincts” in them today. But, the truth is, we humans have the power to manipulate dog behaviour and prevent these bad instincts from escalating into something like aggression. Simply by regular training and a better understanding – we can stop dogs from believing they are the pack leader (such as your dog did) and therefore prevent dominant (and dangerous) behaviour. Dogs can be followers just as easily as they can be leaders. The owners of the dog (that is, the whole family) need to take the leader role, and this can be easily achieved with proper training and understanding. I believe with all my heart (and 15 years of experience in the dog industry) that there are no bad breeds, only bad or uneducated owners. Elizabeth Meyer – “My family and i had a dog who became aggressive to my children. We couldnt understand because we treated him well and he was vert protective of them. After biting both my children badly, i had to ethanize him. It was heart breaking, and we mourned him. We did do some research on his breed, and learned that although he was protective of the children, he viewed them as “lower” in the pack order. He bit them over food, so it seemed correct. AND after watching both programs on IPTV we learned that his breed was selected for those tendancies to be aggressive and fiercly protective.”

It is a common misconception that aggression is due to a particular breed of dog. Yes, dogs have been bred to do certain jobs (Border Collies are for herding livestock, and Bull Mastiff’s were to guard prisons) and so still have their natural “instincts” in them today. But, the truth is, we humans have the power to manipulate dog behaviour and prevent these bad instincts from escalating into something like aggression. Simply by regular training and a better understanding – we can stop dogs from believing they are the pack leader (such as your dog did) and therefore prevent dominant (and dangerous) behaviour. Dogs can be followers just as easily as they can be leaders. The owners of the dog (that is, the whole family) need to take the leader role, and this can be easily achieved with proper training and understanding. I believe with all my heart (and 15 years of experience in the dog industry) that there are no bad breeds, only bad or uneducated owners.

]]> By: Kim http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-11599 Kim Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:43:43 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-11599 In response to: I was wondeding, if wolves than turned into domesticated dogs, how long would it take for it to be a chawawa or a poodle. That couldn’t be just wolves. We helped in the way so I think wolves didn’t make all dogs, they made some, but humans mostly breeded the dogs to make new species. :-) All dogs are the same species, they just have different genetic traits. If you watch the show they go into great detail about how the canine genes have an amazing ability to adapt certain traits from one generation to the next. In the Victorian times (can't remember the years it says in the programs), but people figured this out and began breeding dogs based on their appearance. In the past dogs were selectivly breed for their ability, mainly hunting. In response to: I was wondeding, if wolves than turned into domesticated dogs, how long would it take for it to be a chawawa or a poodle. That couldn’t be just wolves. We helped in the way so I think wolves didn’t make all dogs, they made some, but humans mostly breeded the dogs to make new species. :-)

All dogs are the same species, they just have different genetic traits. If you watch the show they go into great detail about how the canine genes have an amazing ability to adapt certain traits from one generation to the next. In the Victorian times (can’t remember the years it says in the programs), but people figured this out and began breeding dogs based on their appearance. In the past dogs were selectivly breed for their ability, mainly hunting.

]]> By: billy bob joe http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-4299 billy bob joe Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:38:17 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-4299 hello my name is billy bob joe and i love wolves they are awesome and pretty many people are also wolf lovers but i am definently one of the biggest i have been to yellow stone national park and o my! we saw 4 different wolf packs! all with beautiful leaders that were as brave as could be! when we were down there we heard about the most famous wolf pack and they had been going from farm to farm house to house and most of the residents had agreed to kill the leader. she was the most BEAUTIFUL wolf i have ever seen and she was on a role with her group. since they made this decision, the pack was almost destrioed until a male came and put every thing back in to place! thankyou tor reading billy bob joe! hello my name is billy bob joe and i love wolves they are awesome and pretty many people are also wolf lovers but i am definently one of the biggest i have been to yellow stone national park and o my! we saw 4 different wolf packs! all with beautiful leaders that were as brave as could be! when we were down there we heard about the most famous wolf pack and they had been going from farm to farm house to house and most of the residents had agreed to kill the leader. she was the most BEAUTIFUL wolf i have ever seen and she was on a role with her group. since they made this decision, the pack was almost destrioed until a male came and put every thing back in to place!
thankyou tor reading
billy
bob
joe!

]]> By: Elizabeth Meyer http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-3517 Elizabeth Meyer Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:13:58 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-3517 Wabishkewajiw, I believe you are right. We as humans are animals too. We are all related and have connections that are rarely sought or realized! If only more people could understand and embrace our kin with animals. It is what we lack most in our world, is our connection to our environment and every living creature! I would also like to comment on the temperament of dogs breeds. My family and i had a dog who became aggressive to my children. We couldnt understand because we treated him well and he was vert protective of them. After biting both my children badly, i had to ethanize him. It was heart breaking, and we mourned him. We did do some research on his breed, and learned that although he was protective of the children, he viewed them as "lower" in the pack order. He bit them over food, so it seemed correct. AND after watching both programs on IPTV we learned that his breed was selected for those tendancies to be aggressive and fiercly protective. Had we known, or done research before he was given to us, we would not have taken him. Or at least would have found an appropriate outlet for his tendancies. Wabishkewajiw, I believe you are right. We as humans are animals too. We are all related and have connections that are rarely sought or realized! If only more people could understand and embrace our kin with animals. It is what we lack most in our world, is our connection to our environment and every living creature!
I would also like to comment on the temperament of dogs breeds. My family and i had a dog who became aggressive to my children. We couldnt understand because we treated him well and he was vert protective of them. After biting both my children badly, i had to ethanize him. It was heart breaking, and we mourned him. We did do some research on his breed, and learned that although he was protective of the children, he viewed them as “lower” in the pack order. He bit them over food, so it seemed correct. AND after watching both programs on IPTV we learned that his breed was selected for those tendancies to be aggressive and fiercly protective. Had we known, or done research before he was given to us, we would not have taken him. Or at least would have found an appropriate outlet for his tendancies.

]]> By: Wabishkewajiw http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-3248 Wabishkewajiw Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:41:21 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-3248 In follow up to my last comment. Wolves or coyotes that have been banned from the pack, such as perhaps "my coyote," quickly learn where an easy meal comes from. We actually can survive on almost the same diet as my Native American Ancestors did with the wolves. Wolves and coyotes didn't follow them because they could pick up leftover squash. My ancestors learned to live in harmony with the wolf and other wild animals. The stories from Native Americans about the wolf and coyote are not legend (legend denotes some untruth from my point of view). They are our oral history that has been passed down through generations. They are one of our main family clans in my tribe. I love the Wolf!!! I have dreams about them. In follow up to my last comment. Wolves or coyotes that have been banned from the pack, such as perhaps “my coyote,” quickly learn where an easy meal comes from. We actually can survive on almost the same diet as my Native American Ancestors did with the wolves. Wolves and coyotes didn’t follow them because they could pick up leftover squash.

My ancestors learned to live in harmony with the wolf and other wild animals. The stories from Native Americans about the wolf and coyote are not legend (legend denotes some untruth from my point of view). They are our oral history that has been passed down through generations.

They are one of our main family clans in my tribe.
I love the Wolf!!! I have dreams about them.

]]> By: Wabishkewajiw http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-3162 Wabishkewajiw Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:35:42 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-3162 On a hunt for white tailed deer with my family I noticed a coyote circling our hunt. It stayed outside our circle, but remained close by. I assumed he was waiting for the fresh gut pile that would be left following a kill. As the coyote circled the hunt it yelped and howled as if to keep any deer from trying to get out of the hunt. I thought about this behavior for awhile. Maybe we began our lives together by hunting together. On a hunt for white tailed deer with my family I noticed a coyote circling our hunt. It stayed outside our circle, but remained close by. I assumed he was waiting for the fresh gut pile that would be left following a kill. As the coyote circled the hunt it yelped and howled as if to keep any deer from trying to get out of the hunt. I thought about this behavior for awhile. Maybe we began our lives together by hunting together.

]]> By: Betsy DeMarino, V.M,D. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-1761 Betsy DeMarino, V.M,D. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:55:01 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-1761 An important criterion for domestication in addition to flight distance was the ability of the wolf-to dog precursors to be able to read human expression and body language to know what human intentions were...something wolves and other wild canidae may not have developed even to the current day. This important trait allowed them to know who meant them harm and who might toss them a scrap. Dogs have been working that angle to their advantage ever since. An important criterion for domestication in addition to flight distance was the ability of the wolf-to dog precursors to be able to read human expression and body language to know what human intentions were…something wolves and other wild canidae may not have developed even to the current day. This important trait allowed them to know who meant them harm and who might toss them a scrap. Dogs have been working that angle to their advantage ever since.

]]> By: Carisa Gaghan http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-1757 Carisa Gaghan Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:11:30 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-1757 I was wondeding, if wolves than turned into domesticated dogs, how long would it take for it to be a chawawa or a poodle. That couldn't be just wolves. We helped in the way so I think wolves didn't make all dogs, they made some, but humans mostly breeded the dogs to make new species. :-) I was wondeding, if wolves than turned into domesticated dogs, how long would it take for it to be a chawawa or a poodle. That couldn’t be just wolves. We helped in the way so I think wolves didn’t make all dogs, they made some, but humans mostly breeded the dogs to make new species. :-)

]]> By: Paul Brewer-Jensen http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/dogs-that-changed-the-world/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves/1276/comment-page-1/#comment-1749 Paul Brewer-Jensen Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:55:56 +0000 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/2008/08/15/what-caused-the-domestication-of-wolves-/#comment-1749 Gracchus, In the program it states that the size of the brain shrank during the selective process going from wolf to dog. Are you suggesting that a smaller brain correlates to greater intelligence? The effect on brain size of the domestication of other mammals is similar. read http://www.primitivism.com/domestic.htm for more details. I would argue that the same phenomenon applies to most domesticated humans as well. I think the smarter wolves, wisely, kept their distance from humans. Gracchus,

In the program it states that the size of the brain shrank during the selective process going from wolf to dog. Are you suggesting that a smaller brain correlates to greater intelligence? The effect on brain size of the domestication of other mammals is similar. read http://www.primitivism.com/domestic.htm for more details. I would argue that the same phenomenon applies to most domesticated humans as well.

I think the smarter wolves, wisely, kept their distance from humans.

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