Researchers from Sweden’s Linköping University showed how our modern lifestyles drive a new wave of dog domestication.¹
The study involved 60 golden retrievers attempting to open a treat jar, an impossible task for a dog. The dogs were given the task twice – once after receiving an oxytocin nasal spray and once with a neutral saline spray.
The results showed that dogs with a specific genetic variant of the oxytocin receptor responded more strongly to the hormone, making them more likely to seek help from their owners. This suggests that oxytocin sensitivity, influenced by genetics, plays a key role in shaping dogs’ social skills and ability to bond with humans.
Could this be the key to creating the perfect pet?
From Working Dogs to Emotional Support
In the past, dogs were primarily valued for their practical skills, such as hunting, herding, or guarding. These roles were essential in agrarian societies and early urban settlements, where dogs were crucial to human survival and economic activities.
However, as society has evolved, so has the role of our canine companions. Today’s dogs are increasingly seen as emotional support animals, providing comfort, companionship, and stress relief to their owners.
This shift reflects the changing needs of modern humans in an increasingly urbanized and digitally connected world.
Adapting to Urban Lifestyles
The transition from rural to urban living has presented new challenges for dogs and their owners. Limited space, noise restrictions, and the fast-paced nature of city life have forced dogs to adapt to new environments and routines.
This adaptation has led to changes in breeding preferences, with the focus on smaller, more apartment-friendly breeds and dogs with calmer temperaments.
The emphasis has shifted from physical prowess to social and emotional intelligence, as dogs are expected to navigate complex social situations and provide emotional support to their owners.
The Science of Bonding
Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is crucial in social bonding across many species. In dogs, this hormone has been found to enhance their ability to interpret human social cues and form strong emotional connections with their owners.
The Linköping University study demonstrated that dogs given oxytocin nasal spray were more likely to seek help from their owners when faced with a challenging task.
This finding suggests that oxytocin is key in strengthening the human-canine bond and promoting social behavior in dogs.
Genetic Factors in Oxytocin Sensitivity
The study also revealed that certain dogs possess a genetic variant that makes them more sensitive to oxytocin. This increased sensitivity may explain why some dogs seem naturally more attuned to human emotions and better suited for companionship roles.
Understanding these genetic factors could have significant implications for breeding programs. For example, breeders could select dogs with a greater predisposition to form strong emotional bonds with humans.
This knowledge could be particularly valuable in breeding service dogs or emotional support animals.
The First Two Waves of Domestication
The journey of dog domestication began thousands of years ago when wolves first started scavenging around human settlements. (ref) This initial phase, known as the first wave of domestication, saw these animals become less fearful of humans and more attracted to their food sources.
The second wave of domestication occurred after the Industrial Revolution, focusing on breeding dogs for specific physical traits. This period saw the emergence of many of the distinct dog breeds we recognize today. Each is developed for particular purposes or aesthetic preferences.
The Third Wave: Emotional Compatibility
We are now witnessing the third wave of dog domestication, which focuses on emotional compatibility and adaptability to human needs. This shift is driven by dogs’ changing role in society, from working animals to companions and emotional support providers.
Social intelligence, emotional responsiveness, and adaptability to urban environments are becoming increasingly valuable in this new phase.
The emphasis is no longer solely on physical characteristics or working abilities but on a dog’s capacity to form strong emotional bonds with humans and thrive in modern living conditions.
The Service Dog Model
Service dogs represent an excellent example of how dogs can be bred and trained to meet specific human needs. These animals are selected for their calm temperament, intelligence, and ability to focus on their handler, even in distracting environments.
By studying the traits that make service dogs successful, breeders and trainers can apply these principles to develop companion animals better suited to modern lifestyles.
This approach could lead to dogs that are more adaptable, emotionally attuned, and capable of thriving in urban environments.
Balancing Emotional Needs & Canine Well-Being
As we continue to shape dogs to fit our emotional needs, it’s crucial to maintain a balance that ensures the animals’ well-being. Breeding practices should prioritize physical and mental health, avoiding extreme traits that could compromise a dog’s quality of life.
The future of dog breeding lies in creating companions that are not only emotionally compatible with humans but also healthy, well-adjusted, and capable of expressing natural canine behaviors.
This balanced approach will ensure that dogs remain cherished companions, while maintaining their unique identity as a species.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.