“Beasts of Science” is like a collection of stories. Beautiful stories that tell the living in all its freshness. But also in all its complexity. A parenthesis to marvel at the treasures of the world. For this new episode, let’s go back to the one that is definitely closest to us: the dog.
We have never seen a child chew on the legs of a chair or tear a sofa to pieces. Never? At least we have already seen a child greedily throwing himself over a cake on the table. But it is normal before he learns it control one’s impulses. Imagine for a second you were transposed into the karmic driven world of Earl.
Tens of thousands of years it dogs accompany us in our daily lives, that they do even more than just accompany us, it seems! According to the researchers, dogs have taken their signals from us, from our children. They developed that way mirror, cognitive functions that reflect our own. To ensure shelter and catering. By creating with us a very special relationship that other animals despite their degree ofintelligencehas never built successfully.
But what are these particular cognitive functions? Researchers call them executive functions. They correspond to extensive cognitive processes involving logic, planning, or reasoning. These processes are mobilized in situations that require reflection, creativity. Flexibility too. To adapt to new situations. In humans, developed executive functions are associated with success. School or professional.
All dogs can learn
In dogs, researchers have identified six components of these executive functions: behavioral flexibility, attention to humans,inhibition motor skills, instruction sequence, delay inhibition and working memory. Components that dogs know how to implement in the same way as young children. By itself in some cases. With a little help from others. They are thus able to stop themselves from barking when a visitor comes. But also to carry out an order given by their human being or to remember certain daily routines. Of “little things” that they have probably integrated to adapt to our environment. For the dog who dared to attack his human or steal food from him would have little chance of remaining welcome in the house.
And it may not surprise you to learn that working dogs, those who herd sheep on farms, or those who help people with disabilities, are somehow advocates of executive functions. For them, more than for the simple lap dog, it is unthinkable to embark on a hunt for a cat or play ball while their human being depends on them to perform everyday tasks.
You should also know that scientists assure that as far as our children are concerned, everything is finite learning questions. A little well-placed education and you can develop your four-legged friend’s executive functions. And yet another proof of the closeness that has been created over millennia with our best friend. A proof also that the dog really is not that stupid!
Bernese Mountain Dog Young Bernese Mountain Dog. © AB – All rights reserved
But no, I’m not sleeping. Before going to bed, dogs often turn around 2-3 times. It is a matter of instinct until recently their ancestors prepared their bed in the grass, sand or snow in this way. Credit: Lecates CC by sa
super star dog Masters and their dogs can participate in many competitions, whether it is dog shows that reward the dogs that are closest to the breed’s standards, agility competitions or canicross. Credit: Regeniabrabham CC af
Between dog and wolf The dog is related to the wolf, although their relationship is still unclear. Is the dog a tame wolf or was there a primitive dog? In any case, the appearance of the Siberian Husky, more than that of the Chihuahua, is reminiscent of their closeness. Credit: Ritmo CC af
Who am I ? Where am I from? There are over 380 dog breeds in the world. This puppy is a mix of Shih tzu and Bichon Maltese. Credit: Wsilver CC af
Nobody wants to play with me! Very young, puppies spend their time chewing on anything that comes within their reach. Take care of shoes, cables and furniture legs! Credit: 23am.com CC by
Carefree as a satiated puppy There are three important things for baby dogs: play and eat … and sleep afterwards. Credit: Basykes CC af
Clean like a new puppy female dogs are patient and caring mothers who regularly care for their little ones… to erase the traces of their last escapade. Credit: Wsilver CC af
mickey blue eyes How can you resist this look that asks for hugs? In fact, dogs remain large babies all their lives, unlike their cousin the wolf: they keep barking and sometimes hang their ears, like cubs, but certainly not adult wolves. This is called neoteny. Credit: Chadmiller CC by sa
Do you think he saw our nonsense? Very young dogs are already beginning to socialize to determine their place in the society around them: who is dominant, who is submissive, who is the alpha (leader of the herd)? For the dog, the man is a dog like the others, so we must take our place in the herd: the alpha. Credit: Sarahemcc CC af
A little nap between two nonsense Like all babies, puppies need plenty of sleep for their development. Credit: Richard Stowey CC af
Who are you? Puppies explore their world with tireless curiosity (well, yes …) from their big, questioning eyes. Credit: Wsilver CC af
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