Scientists have revealed that a new era has entered the evolutionary process of dogs and how this process transformed the social roles of dogs. Dogs, which stood out in history as hunters, guards or herd protectors, are now more important as friends and loyal companions. Recent research details the effects of the domestication process on dogs’ social skills and biological structure.
Dogs, which used to excel in tasks such as hunting, guiding herds and providing home security, have taken on more of a social companion role in the modern world. This change is considered a reflection of the evolution in people’s lifestyle. The rapidly changing dynamics of modern life make dogs more people orientedenabled them to become social and harmonious creatures. Scientists discovered this new process “third wave of domestication” he calls it.
The domestication journey of dogscontinues to gain momentum with the strong bonds they have established with people. Nowadays, dogs are not only pets but also a social friend is seen as. People are placing greater value on dogs’ social interaction abilities and bonding skills. According to research, the domestication process reinforces these social skills by increasing the secretion of the oxytocin hormone in dogs. oxytocinIt is known as a hormone that promotes bonding between both humans and dogs and promotes social harmony.
The Role of the Oxytocin Hormone in the Dog-Human Bond
dogsThe hormone oxytocin stands out as one of the important elements behind the strong social bonds that humans establish with people. A study conducted in 2017 at Linköping University in Sweden revealed that oxytocin has a decisive effect on dogs’ social skills. In the study, it was observed that oxytocin strengthened the bonds that dogs established with their owners and improved their problem-solving skills.
Results of the Experiment with 60 Dogs
In the experiment conducted to better understand this process, researchers subjected 60 golden retrievers to various tests. The dogs were expected to solve the task of opening a jar that had been made impossible to open. In one part of the test, dogs were oxytocin While a nasal spray containing the hormone was administered, a neutral saline spray was applied in the other section. According to the results, dogs receiving oxytocin were much more likely to seek help from their owners than dogs given saline spray. This finding showed that dogs’ social skills are directly related to hormones and genetic factors.
Which Direction Is Dog Social Evolution Heading?
dogs They are no longer animals that only perform functional tasks, but are becoming people’s closest friends. Such studies have shown that dogs’ physical evolutionIt also shows that their social and emotional evolution continues. As people’s interest in dogs, which have become social creatures, increases, it seems that the ability of these creatures to establish emotional bonds will continue to come to the fore.
To join our WhatsApp group CLICK!
