The Difference of Dogs Before and After Human-Interaction

Abstract

The exploration of dog consciousness has become even more important since dogs cannot communicate thoughts and feelings through language as humans can. Research has shown that dogs have self-awareness and problem-solving skills, exhibit complex cognitive skills such as imitation, empathy, and memory, and are even aware of their body size. Interactions with humans have increased dogs' consciousness with cognitive abilities related to social interactions. Whether dogs have a similar consciousness to humans is currently unconfirmed, which is important for understanding animal cognition and consciousness. Wild dogs remain wild in their interactions with humans, and improved breeds of wild dogs have been purposely bred to be more docile to humans. The temperament, size, physical strength, and breed of wild dogs have changed in their interactions with humans, and the improved breeds have benefited more humans. This study also analyzed the origins of dogs and showed that dogs originated from wolves, which was accomplished through selective breeding by humans. With human intervention, the wolf's personality and physical characteristics changed dramatically. They share 99% of the DNA of their ancestors but bear little resemblance to each other in terms of behavior.