“Beasts of science” is like a collection of stories. Beautiful stories that tell the living in all its newness. But also in all its complexity. A parenthesis to marvel at the riches of the world. For this new episode, let’s go back to the one that is most definitely closest to us: the dog.
We have never seen a child rub the legs of a chair or cut on a couch. Nothing at all? In any case, we’ve already seen a greedy kid throwing himself a cake on the table. But usually before he learns control impulses. Imagine that, in your dog’s head, it happens a little bit like what would also happen to your child in such a situation.
That’s ten thousand years dogs accompany us in our daily lives, which they do more than be with us, it seems! According to the researchers, dogs take their symptoms from us, from our children. Thus they developed glass, mental functions that reflect ourselves. To ensure accommodation and board. By forging with us, a very special relationship that other animals, regardless of their levelintelligencenever successfully established.
But what are these particular mental functions? Researchers call them executive functions. They relate to detailed thought processes involving logic, planning or reasoning. These processes are driven by situations that require reflection, creativity. Flexibility too. To adapt to new circumstances. In humans, developed executive functions are associated with success. School or professional.
All dogs can learn
In dogs, the researchers identified six components of these executive functions: behavioral flexibility, attention to people,prevent motor skills, following instruction, delay prevention and working memory. Ingredients that dogs know how to execute in the same way as children. On their own in some cases. With a little help from others. That way they can restrain themselves from barking when there is a visitor. But also to obey a command given by their people or to remember some daily routine. In those “little thing” that they are likely to be combined to adapt to our environment. Because the dog that dares to attack his man or steal food from him has little chance of continuing to be hospitable in the house.
And you might not be surprised to learn that working dogs, those who keep sheep on farms or those who help people with disabilities, are somehow champions of the executive function. For them, more than a simple lap dog, it is unimaginable to indulge in chasing a cat or play ball while their man relies on them to perform daily tasks.
You should also know that the researchers promise that, for our children, everything will eventually learning question. A little bit of good education and you can improve the executive functions of your four -legged friend. And yet another proof of the closeness that our best friend has created over the millennia. Also a proof that the dog is never a fool!
bernese mountain dog Young Bernese mountain dog. © AB – All rights reserved
But no, I didn’t sleep. Before bed, dogs often turn 2-3 times. It is a matter of instinct, until now, their ancestors prepared their bed of grass, sand or snow in this way. Credit: Lecates CC ni sa
super star dog Owners and their dogs can participate in multiple competitions, if shown by the dog, that reward the dogs closest to the breed standards, agility competition or canicross. Credit: Regeniabrabham CC’s
Between dog and wolf The dog has a relationship with the wolf, even if their relationship is not yet clear. Is the dog a pet wolf or is there a primitive dog? In any case, the appearance of the Siberian Husky, more so than the Chihuahua, is reminiscent of their closeness. Credit: CC’s rhythm
Who am i Where am I from? There are over 380 different dogs in the world. This puppy is a mongrel of the Shih tzu and Bichon Maltese. Credit: Wsilver CC’s
No one wants to play with me! At a very young age, puppies will spend their time talking about everything they can reach. Watch out for shoes, cables and furniture feet! Credit: 23am.com CC’s
Indifference is like a sated puppy There are three important things for young dogs: play and eat… and sleep afterwards. Credit: Basykes CC’s
Clean as a new puppy Female dogs are patient and attentive mothers who regularly groom their young children… to erase the signs of their final escape. Credit: Wsilver CC’s
mickey blue eyes How can you resist this look of asking for a hug? In fact, dogs remain adult children all their lives, unlike their wolf cousin: they continue to bark and sometimes their ears bend, like cubs but are definitely not adults. wolves. This is called neoteny. Credit: Chadmiller CC’s
Does he think he saw our folly? Very young, the dogs are already beginning to socialize, to know their place in the society around them: who is dominant, who is submissive, who is alpha (the leader of the group)? For the dog, man is a dog just like everyone else, so we have to put our place in the pack: the alpha. Credit: Sarahemcc CC’s
A little sleep between the two fools Like all children, puppies need a lot of sleep for their development. Credit: Richard Stowey CC’s
Who are you Puppies explore their world with tireless curiosity (well, yes…) from their large, questioning eyes. Credit: Wsilver CC’s
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