Dogs training humans?
We have just completed weeks of discussing canine paediatrics and how to choose the right pup to live in your home, as an integral part of your family for the next decade or more.
Let’s therefore take a break from ‘science’ and be a bit more relaxed, yet thoughtful.
Since we previously mentioned the word ‘domestication,’ let me share a quick passing thought. Alexandra Horowitz, whom I mentioned in the column two weeks ago, has argued that the insistence (especially of dog ‘breeders’ and ‘trainers’) that “a dog is just an animal” may be true, but not wholly true. The dog is an animal domesticated. This latter word has its roots in the word meaning ‘belonging to the house.’ Come to think of it, domestication is actually a variation of the process of evolution, whereby the selection process has not been just due to natural forces over a long stretched-out period, but rather, in the case of dogs, due to specific and conscious human influence – with the eventual intention of bringing the dog into the house.
I saw an article a long time ago written by one Michael Christie who posited that old dogs may have taught mankind some essential tricks which possibly paved the way for humans to develop. It could have been that new tricks were taught to people by dogs more than 100,000 years ago, prompting humankind to take a leap in development, leading to modern culture and society.
It is believed that there were several forces that led to the development of anatomically and behaviourally modern humans, and that the close relationship between our human ancestors and wolves was one of the key factors.
There seems to be growing archaeological and genetic evidence to support the contention that the ancestors of man’s best friend were instrumental in helping humans to survive and thrive. This partnership goes back at least 100,000 to 130,000 years – far longer than conventionally thought.
For example, wolves and dogs have always been ferociously territorial. This quality may have rubbed off on humans after generations of the two species living together. Humans have a strong sense of territorialism. (I suppose that is why we put up fences between ourselves and neighbours, and why we feel uncomfortable if we find someone sitting in our favourite chair.) Cave art or stencilled outlines of hands on rock could have been ancient man’s means of marking his territory, in much the same way as a dog marks his with urine.
As man’s sense of smell diminished (possibly because we began to rely on the sense of smell of domesticated wolves), a visual and more durable way of staking out territory would have been a logical alternative to scent-based markings. Eventual-ly, this may have led to the development of all sorts of figurative art around 40,000 years ago.
Also, big game hunting would have been easier with some co-operation from wolves. By pursuing big game, man was able to survive in less friendly environments and occupy desert and arctic climates.
Of perhaps greatest significance is the theory that learning how to get on with and then domesticate wolves could also have taught humans how to develop relationships with other humans. Some authors have gone a step further and argue definitively that the human-canine partnership potentially paved the way for friendly contact between humans. This would have been a tremendous survival advantage, because it would have accelerated the exchange of ideas between groups of people, the exchange of material culture and of course gene flow. Through such resultant cooperation, we’ve achieved incredible feats as humans.
The idea that a man may owe his best friend more than we acknowledge needs a lot more study, I’m sure.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
