Bite inhibition
Bite inhibition, sometimes referred to as a soft mouth (a term which also has a distinct meaning), is a
Bite inhibition is typically learned as part of juvenile
Bite inhibition is an important factor in the socialization of pets because many breeds do not innately have the ability to moderate the strength of their bites. In addition to its role in
Evolution of bite inhibition in modern dogs
Modern dogs learn bite inhibition for the same reason that their ancestors, the wolves, did: in order to establish an effective
Lorenz vs. Schenkel: Interpreting canine aggression
Austrian scientist Konrad Lorenz explains that the inferior animal shows its most vulnerable part to the superior animal as an act of submission. The superior animal could, in theory, kill the other immediately, but instead shows mercy to the inferior animal. Submission was thought to reduce losses for an animal that knows it cannot challenge the other.[8]
A few years later, this idea was challenged by Rudolf Schenkel, who suggests that, contrary to Lorenz's beliefs, the inferior dog is the one with his jaws open near to the superior's neck. The superior canine remains growling and his posture is erect, as though to prepare for an attack. Schenkel suggests that the bite inhibition in this instance is shown by the inferior to show that he does not dare to bite the superior.[9]
Chemicals involved in aggression
Testosterone has a major effect on aggression in animals. Dogs with excess testosterone are found to act out violently, and are far less likely to practice bite inhibition, especially without proper training.[10]
In observations of a wild population of
However, while short-term increases in GCs can be beneficial under stress, long-term increases are harmful to health, as GCs contribute to immune and reproductive system suppression, as well as loss in muscle mass.[11] Therefore, being a dominant individual in the pack has a high cost (and high benefit), while accepting subordination is low cost-low benefit.[12]
Soft mouth
The term "soft mouth" is used by
Training
Bite inhibition is typically learned as part of juvenile play behaviors, when the animal is still in the company of its mother and siblings: by biting each other during play, the young animals learn that biting a companion too strongly leads to the abrupt termination of play activities. This behavior is crucial later in life, as well, when dogs need to maintain the carefully constructed dominance hierarchies. Therefore, a useful method for training a puppy or dog to monitor the strength of its bite would simply be to ignore the dog immediately after the incident occurs. This way, the dog learns that harmful biting will lead to punishment.
A dog's first instinct to unpleasant stimulus is not a bite. A dog will use several techniques to stop a perceived threat before resorting to biting. Therefore, it is important to avoid suppressing important canine communications such as growling and snarling. If a dog learns that a growl is an inappropriate response to a threat, then humans may be encountered with an unexpected bite when they accidentally, for example, step on the dog's tail. Even a dog that would never bite out of anger can snap when met with a painful or threatening stimulus, so training in bite inhibition can be useful to keep them from accidentally hurting another dog or human.[15]
References
- ^ Domestic Animal Behavior (4th edition) by Katherine A. Houpt, Wiley-Blackwell Publications, 2005
- ^ Before & After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, & Well-Behaved Dog by Ian Dunbar, New World Library, 2004
- ^ The Everything Dog Obedience Book: from bad dog to good dog – a step-by-step guide to curbing misbehavior by Jennifer Bridwell, F+W Publications, 2007
- ^ Lindsay, Steven R. (2001). Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume 2: Etiology and assessment of behavior problems. Iowa State University Press.
- ^ Ehrlich, Paul; Dobkin, David; Wheye, Darryl. "Dominance Hierarchies". web.stanford.edu. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
- ^ Houpt, Katherine A. (2005). Domestic Animal Behavior. Blackwell Publishing.
- ^ Mech, L. David. "Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs". nrc research press.
- ^ Lorenz, Konrad (2002). King Solomon's Ring (PDF). Routledge. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
- ^ Schenkel, Rudolf. Submission: Its Functions and Features in Wolf and Dog. Archived from the original on 20 March 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
- ^ O'Heare, James. "The Effects of Spaying and Neutering on Canine Behavior". Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. James O'Heare. Archived from the original on 2014-10-22. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
- .
- S2CID 205510847.
- S2CID 20817654.
- ISBN 1-58574-618-5.
- ^ Miller, Pat. "Teaching Bite Inhibition". The Whole Dog Journal. Belvoir Media Group. Retrieved 12 November 2014.