Secret of connection between dogs and humans could be genetic
Scientists have found a handful of genes that they may be linked to the tendency for dogs to seek human help and contact :The secret of why dogs are man’s best friend could be lurking in their genes, according to new research.Scientists say they have found a handful of genes that appear to be linked to the tendency for dogs to seek human help and contact.
“[Our aim] is to try to understand the genetic underpinnings of domestication: what is it that has helped to turn the wolf, which is really not interested in humans to start off with, into this extremely sociable creature which is the dog?” said Per Jensen, co-author of the research from Linköping University in Sweden. “We think we have at least found some of the genetic background of this process.”
The scientists describe how they sought to probe the genetics behind canine behaviour by enlisting the help of 437 beagles bred and raised in laboratory conditions.Each dog was placed in a room with a researcher they did not know and presented with the same task.
Three transparent, sliding plastic lids, each covering a treat, were presented to each dog. However, one of the lids was fixed and could not be moved, no matter how much the dog pawed it or pushed it with its nose.
“We know that wolves don’t seek help, they will attempt to solve the problem on their own, and some dogs actually do that – they just keep going and trying to open this lid,” said Jensen. “But the most common reaction is at some point to turn to the human.”
Each dog was given three minutes to retrieve the treats, with their behaviour recorded on video and scored for the frequency and duration of various behaviours , such as jumping up at the researcher or making eye contact.