Canine Cognition and Canine–Human Interactions: How Can Research on Wolves and Other Canines Benefit Dogs?

Dear Colleagues,

The comparative study of canine cognition and behavior, especially comparisons of social interactions of wolves and dogs both in intra- and interspecific contexts, has received increasing scientific interest during the last decade. It has been suggested that the family-centered social organization and cooperative social behavior of wolves have selected for social skills that, in turn, may have provided the basis for the unique evolution of dog–human communication and cooperation during domestication. At the same time, the identification of mechanisms that underlie complex social behavior is needed to determine what makes each canine species unique. This research has the potential to help reconstruct important aspects of the phylogeny of animal and human cognition and social behavior across taxa. Indeed, during the last 40 years there have been a number of research projects that have compared human-raised wolves and dogs under identical conditions and documented differences in their intraspecific as well as human-directed behavior.

One important consideration is the impact that canine research has on the public perception of wolves and dogs. For example, research on wolf behavior often finds its way into articles, books, films, and educational programs that aim at informing the public about dog cognition, dog behavior, and dog–human interactions. This can in-turn influence dog training or care practices. While in some cases this may be appropriate, it can also be problematic if environmental context or species differences are not taken into account.

The aim of this Special Issue is to consolidate this duality of cognitive and behavioral comparisons of dogs and wolves on a scientific basis. We invite empirical, opinion, as well as review papers on comparative canine cognition and behavior, with a special focus on wolves or wolf–dog comparisons.  Each paper in this Issue should also address how the information presented can inform our understanding of domestic dogs, the human–dog bond, or applied practices with dogs (e.g., dog training or management). Dogs living in human families, in shelters, or in other confined groups, as well as free-ranging dogs, should be considered.

Dr. Zsófia Virányi
Dr. Monique Udell
Guest Editors

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• dog
• wolf
• domestication
• cross-breeding
• cognition
• social behavior
• problem solving
• aggression
• socialization