Domesticated dogs may have a third-wave evolution to become better human companions. A generation or two ago, dogs were primarily workers, responsible for herding livestock, guarding homes, and hunting for pests and food. However, owners today most often choose dogs for companionship. Therefore, scientists find that modern dogs have higher levels of the social-bonding hormone. In other words, they were already man’s best friend, and now they are evolving to be even better friends.
Dogs Living Side-by-Side With People
A study from researchers at Sweden’s Linköping University in 2017 showed that canines are now more sensitive to oxytocin, the hormone that encourages social contact. The researchers examined how dogs developed their ability to cooperate with people, and their willingness to turn to humans for help when needed.
Genetic Evolution
The researchers believe oxytocin plays a role in canines’ ability to “ask for help” since the hormone is key to social relationships. Now, oxytocin creates its bonding effect based on how much it binds to the cell receptors in the brain. Previous research found that different kinds of genetic material that controls these receptors impact how canines communicate with people. That is to say, their genetics are partially responsible for their social skills.
Wolf and Golden Retriever DNA
So the 2017 study investigated how these evolution of these genetics. The researchers took DNA swabs from 60 golden retrievers to find out their type of oxytocin receptor. They also took swabs from 21 wolves and found the same genetic variation in them.
The Swedish Study
The researchers then presented the dogs with a jar of treats that was rigged to be impossible to open. The point was to see how long the retrievers would try to open it before “asking” their owners for help. The researchers did this test twice, after dosing the dogs with oxytocin nasal spray and then after giving them neutral saline nasal spray.
The Evolution of Genes
The study found that the goldens with the genes for a particular type of oxytocin receptor had a stronger reaction to the first spray compared to the other participants. Additionally, the dogs were more likely to turn to their owners after the oxytocin dose compared to after the saline dose. This research shows how generations of domestication have evolved dog genes in regard to their social interactions with humans.
Service Dogs and Genetics
Canine experts Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods also studied this new wave of evolution. Hare is the director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, and an evolutionary-anthropology professor at Duke University. Meanwhile, Woods manages the Duke Puppy Kindergarten program that trains service dogs and studies how training strategies affect their behavior and cognitive development.
Read More: Menopause Could Explain Human Evolution—and Lead to a New Role for Women
The Next Dog Evolution
“Dogs have gone from working all day and sleeping outside to relaxing on the couch and sleeping in our beds…” they wrote in the Atlantic. “Thousands of years of domestication couldn’t prepare dogs for this abrupt transition. However, after studying the cognition of 101 Canine Companion service-dog puppies at the Duke Puppy Kindergarten, we realized that these dogs are uniquely well adapted to life in the 21st century.”
Domesticated Service Dogs
They reference service dogs who are trained to assist humans with all sorts of daily tasks, interact gently with people and children, sit quietly when necessary, and calmly navigate the urban hustle and bustle. “We believe these changes are the early signs of a third wave in dog domestication,” write the dog experts.
Training at Home
However, you don’t need a professional service dog to have a well-adjusted pet. The same sort of training can be done at home, though it will take a lot of work. “If you’re not prepared for that, don’t get a puppy. Instead, foster an adult dog,” Hare and Woods advise. “Puppy personalities change and grow with time, but with foster dogs, which are usually older and have established personalities, you can test if they are a good fit for your family before committing.”
Embrace the Companionship
If you already have a dog that seems to have more wild genes than domestic ones, be patient with them, says the experts. They may never feel comfortable around strangers, and may guard you from every passing squirrel. Since they probably won’t change, acknowledge how difficult it can be for their nature to adapt to modern life. “Try to focus on the timeless skills that dogs already have: joyful greetings, love free from expectations, and a light spirit to brighten your days.”
Read More: Grandmothers Played a Crucial Role in Human Evolution