Modelling behavioural evolution and cognition in canines: Some problematic issues

Abstract

Comparative behavioural research in canines may have the potential to add a new impetus for cognitive research on animals and humans. However this is a very young area that needs also re-thinking of old problems and questions which have been around for a long time. In this short essay we tackle three partially related problems: (1) interpretation of behavioural differences in dogs and wolves, (2) the idea of co-evolution of dogs and humans, and (3) issues of theory of mind. We present a simple synergic model that takes both genetic and environmental factors into account in order to provide a balanced picture on the effect of domestication on dog behaviour, and how human social environment affects dog and wolf behaviour development. In the absence of evidence we argue against dog-human co-evolution in biological terms, leaving open the possibility for co-evolution at the cultural level. Finally, we suggest that the utilisation of complex cognitive models, such as theory of mind, is questionable, and actually more confusing in present day research on dogs' sociocognitive skills.