Well, I've missed you all, I must say. After a short break from the laptop, I'm gearing back into doing what I love most. Talking dogs and helping them be happy. So today's post is about LOVE.
So, we know our dogs love us right? But how?
Obviously, they wag their tails a lot and they snuggle us, and bound over when we return home.
These are all things that tell us yes, but, is there more to it? You betcha!
As a psychologist, we can't just think about the anecdotal stuff. And after a bit of research gathering I have some fascinating stuff to relay to you....
This BLEW MY MIND when I read about it.
So, in the USA there are camps every summer for kids. And one such camp happens to exist for kids with a very particular set of characteristics. So particular in fact, that they form what we know as Williams Syndrome.
Williams Syndrome you say? Yep, that's right. And the characteristics of this syndrome are plentiful. Whilst there are some physical features to this condition, there are other aspects which could be described as beautifully splendidly positive. They include; gregariousness, high levels of sociability, high verbal abilities and exaggerated reactions. It is not an illness, but instead, simply a genetic difference compared to those without it.
The book was written by a canine researcher who described that the particular genes which cause this syndrome have been isolated and labelled. We know these genetic abnormalities are present in those with this syndrome. But then he went about searching to uncover whether similar genes are present in our canine friends in some similar way. This was because his research led him to see that the way dogs greet their owners is sometimes also gregarious, highly sociable and beautifully splendidly positive too.
And indeed, it has now been found that dogs have, over the time they have spent with and amongst humans, developed some similarities in their genetics to some of the gene structures that are also present to produce these sociable traits in those living with Williams Syndrome.
So you see, the fact your dogs cannot help but ooze love and appreciation for you, is actually a science thing! They are born to love. It's one of the genetic differences they have developed since they roamed the earth as wolves and other wild canine species. It shows us that wolves did indeed evolve into a domestic animal that is now genetically predisposed to be man's and woman's best friend. Isn't that just THE most fabulous finding ever!!?
And that's why your dog can bound over to lick your face, in a way that you could never cuddle a pet wolf, no mater how domesticated they might have become or however hard you try. if you're intersted in reading this book it's called "Dog is Love" by Clive Wynne PhD.
Ahh the wonders of our dogs. Just awesome... :)
See you next time.
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