Reveals the mystery of the friendly dogs
Scientists from Germany’s University found that “sociability” of dogs is affected by the level of the hormone oxytocin in their blood.
The details of the survey can be found in Hormones and Behavior.
During domestication dogs have learned to get along with people. For example, many of them began to “apply” to people for help if faced with a problem. However, dogs of various breeds, as dogs are the same species, often differ from each other. Scientists have figured out why not all dogs are equally willing to communicate with people.
The researchers have known that oxytocin plays an important role in social relationships between humans and animals. Previous studies showed that differences in the willingness of the dogs to “dialogue” associated with variations in genetic material, are located near the gene that encodes the oxytocin receptor. In the new experiment, experts examined 60 Golden retrievers, who were to solve a problem.
We showed dogs that, when you open the lid of the jar, they will get a treat. However, the lid was too tightly closed. We watched how long animals will try to open it on their own before they turn to the master for help.MIA Personator research
Before the experiment, the researchers increased the level of oxytocin in the blood of dogs, spraying the hormone them in the nose. Animals from the control group was sprayed with plain water. Scientists also examined the DNA of dogs, to understand which variant of the gene for the oxytocin receptor have with each dog.