[RedskinRat]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

Amazing photo of the fierce eyes of a wolf. To think, every single type of dog out there is a descendent of these guys. (even your chihuahuas)

Why a wolf will never be man’s best friend: Scientists find out why dogs become domesticated (and say the first month of their life is key)

The mystery of why dogs are man’s best friend, while their wolf cousins are seen as feral beasts may have been solved.
Research from the University of Massachusetts has found that wolves develop faster than dogs.
And although the animals are almost identical on a genetic level, these early experiences and developmental differences define their personalities, the researchers say.

Evolutionary biologist Dr Kathryn Lord studied how seven wolf pups and 43 dogs reacted to smells, sounds and visual stimuli.
She discovered both animals develop their senses at the same time.
The sense of smell at two weeks; hearing at four weeks; and vision by six weeks, on average.
However, the two subspecies enter what’s called the ‘critical period of socialisation’at different stages.
This period of socialisation is when animals begin exploring their world without fear.
All the smells, sights, tastes and noises these animals experience during this time become familiar and safe. As the period progresses, fear increases and once the window of socialisation has closed new sights, sounds and smells will be seen as unfamiliar and scary.
For wolf and dog pups this period of socialisation lasts for four weeks.
During this time, dogs are usually introduced to humans and other animals so will be comfortable with them forever.
Wolves traditionally are not, and this makes them consider humans as threats when and if they do eventually come into contact with them.



So just sneak a wolf cub away from its very protective Mother early and after you leave hospital enjoy your new pet.