Ethology is a scientific discipline that studies the behavior of animals, focusing on their natural behavior and their interactions with their environment. The dog, as a widespread domestic animal and partner of man for millennia, is a privileged subject of study in ethology.
The origins and purposes of ethology
Ethology has its roots in the naturalistic observations of the 18th and 19th centuries, with scientists like Charles Darwin and Konrad Lorenz studying animal behavior to better understand the evolution of species and their adaptation to their environment. Modern ethology emerged in the 20th century, with research into the mechanisms and functions of animal behavior.
The main objective of ethology is to study the behavior of animals, by observing how they interact with their environment and other members of their species, and by analyzing the mechanisms that govern these behaviors. In the case of cats, ethology allows us to better understand their communication, socialization, reproduction, diet and "territorial" behavior, among others.
Study methods in ethology
Ethology uses different study methods to observe and analyze the behavior of animals. These methods include:
1. Direct observation: Ethologists observe animals in their natural environment or in captivity, noting details of their behavior and interactions with their environment and other animals.
2. Experimentation: Researchers set up experiments to test hypotheses about the mechanisms and functions of animal behavior.
3. Inter-specific comparison: Ethologists compare the behaviors of different species to better understand the similarities and differences between them, and to study the evolution of behaviors.
Ethology applied to cats
Feline ethology is a specific area of ethology that focuses on the study of cat behavior. This discipline is particularly important for professionals working with cats, as it allows them to better understand and interpret the signals and behaviors of these animals. Among the aspects studied in feline ethology, we find:
1. Communication: Cats use a variety of vocal, body and scent signals to communicate with other cats and humans.
2. Socialization: Cats are animals that develop complex intra- and interspecific relationships.
3. Reproduction: Feline ethology studies behaviors related to reproduction, such as mate choice, mating and rearing kittens.
4. Diet: Cats have specific eating behaviors, influenced by their domestication and adaptation to life alongside humans.
5. Territorial Behavior: Cats may exhibit territorial behaviors, such as marking and defending their territory (but the designation of "territorial" in cats is questioned, as it does not entirely meet the definition of territorial). territorial animal).
The importance of ethology for professionals in the feline world
Knowledge of ethology is essential for professionals working with cats, such as veterinarians, feline behaviorists and breeders. By understanding cat behaviors and the mechanisms behind them, these professionals can:
1. Improve the well-being of cats by adapting their environment and their care to their specific needs.
2. Prevent and solve behavior problems, by identifying the causes and implementing appropriate interventions.
3. Facilitate communication between cats and humans, teaching cat owners how to interpret and respond to their pet's signals.
4. Make informed breeding and breeding decisions, taking into account the reproductive behaviors and needs of the kittens.
Conclusion
The job of behaviorist would not be very serious if it relied solely on the intuition of those who practice it. Theoretical knowledge is necessary to advise and help dog and/or cat owners to restore a damaged relationship with their animal.
This knowledge comes largely from the human and animal sciences. Among these, ethology is undoubtedly the one that best sheds light on the dimensions of the relationship between Man and Animal.
Nota bene
It seems important to remember that it is not enough to have observed animals to claim to be an ethologist.
The "trainers" of cats and dogs (who apply coercive methods) will no doubt have everything to gain from developing their practice by taking advantage of the knowledge provided by ethology, from the moment they stop claiming that their “training techniques” are based on a scientific discipline.
As ethologist Michel Jean Dubois wrote on his site:
Ethology is a scientific discipline in its own right which aims to study the variety of determinants of behavior. We can only regret the abusive and inconsiderate use of the term "ethology" like talking about what is actually training, conditioning, and functional re-education for the sole benefit of the human master…".
Ref. : https ://afpro.eu - Sonia Paeleman - Michel Jean Dubois
