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The origin of dogs is shrouded in mystery. In this course, you will learn how to interpret the often contradictory ideas about how, why, where and when dogs arose.
Geneticists, archaeologists, anthropologists and behavioral scientists offer a variety of often opposing ideas about how dogs—the first domesticated species—arose. Some place the origin of dogs over 100,000 years ago; others place the start of dogs just 12,000 years ago. Claims for the location of the origin of dogs range from China to Europe and many places in between. Diverse scholars have suggested dogs arose as trash scavengers or as hunters’ helpers.
This course will provide you with the tools you need to find your own way through the confusing claims about the origin of dogs.
This course is part of the Dog Behavior and Cognition XSeries.
No previous knowledge of any of the sciences contributing to the origins of dogs is assumed. Form your own assessment of the mysterious origins of “man’s best friend.”
This course is approved for CEUs by the following organizations:
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- Students who pass will receive a certificate for a total of 7 CEUs for behavior consultants. Additional CEUs are available by taking the remaining two courses in the series: Dog Perception and Cognition (7.5 CEUs) and Dog Behavior: Problems and Solutions (6 CEUs).
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Students who pass will receive a certificate for a total of 6.125 CEUs. Additional CEUs are available by taking the remaining two courses in the series: Dog Perception and Cognition (6.5 CEUs) and Dog Behavior: Problems and Solutions (5.375 CEUs).
- Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB) for Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
- Students who pass will receive a certificate for a total of 3.5 CEUs. Additional CEUs are available by taking the remaining two courses in the series: Dog Perception and Cognition (3.5 CEUs) and Dog Behavior: Problems and Solutions (3 CEUs).
Syllabus
- The difference between domestication and taming
- The importance of critical periods for social imprinting
- Behavioral development
- Hunting vs. trash scavenging as the mechanism of domestication
- Belyaev’s foxes
Instructors
- Clive D.L. Wynne, PhD
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