The Evolution, Domestication and Biology of Canines: Understanding Their Behavioral Responses to Solitude

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Degree type
Master of Science in Animal Welfare and Behavior (MSc AWB)
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Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Animal, animal welfare, animal behavior, animal science.
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2025
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Tia Bevier
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Abstract

This paper explores the evolutionary, behavioral, and physiological foundations of canine distress during solitude, arguing that modern dogs’ difficulty with being alone is not merely a behavioral issue but a deeply rooted outcome of domestication, human-driven selection, and social conditioning. Drawing from ethological studies, evolutionary theory, and personal experience as a professional dog trainer, the paper examines how domestication has amplified dogs’ need for social companionship while reducing their natural resilience to solitude. Key topics include the evolutionary transition from wolves to dogs, the biology of behavior and stress response, the impact of early human-canine bonding, and the often-overlooked role of anthropomorphism in shaping canine emotional dependency. Emphasis is placed on interpreting distress-related behaviors not as disobedience but as symptoms of psychological imbalance. Ultimately, the thesis advocates for evidence-based strategies to build canine independence and emotional resilience, promoting better welfare for modern domestic dogs.

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Jenni, Punt
Date of degree
2025
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