Which of the listed reflexes are not inherited by the dog's performance? - briefly
The startle reflex is not inherited by the dog's performance. This reflex occurs in response to sudden, loud noises and is an automatic, involuntary reaction.
Which of the listed reflexes are not inherited by the dog's performance? - in detail
The question of which reflexes in dogs are not inherited but rather learned through experience and environment is an intricate one. Reflexes can be broadly categorized into two groups: innate, or unconditioned, reflexes that are genetically hardwired, and conditioned reflexes that develop over time as a response to environmental stimuli.
Innate reflexes in dogs include the suckling reflex, which allows newborn puppies to nurse effectively, and the righting reflex, enabling them to turn their bodies upright when placed on their backs. These reflexes are present at birth and do not require learning or experience.
Conditioned reflexes, however, are not inherited but rather acquired through a dog's experiences and interactions with its environment. A classic example is Pavlov’s experiment where dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell with food, eventually salivating at the mere sound of the bell without any food present. This conditioned response was not inherited but developed through repetitive exposure and association.
Another notable example is fear-based reflexes. While dogs may have an innate tendency to be cautious around unfamiliar stimuli, the specific fears they develop—such as a fear of thunder or certain objects—are often conditioned responses that arise from negative experiences or associations. For instance, if a dog associates the sound of fireworks with a traumatic event, it may develop a strong fear response to similar noises.
Moreover, social reflexes and behaviors, such as those related to pack hierarchy and obedience, are significantly shaped by learning and environmental factors rather than being purely inherited. Dogs learn these behaviors through interactions with their littermates, their mothers, and later, their human families or trainers.
In conclusion, while dogs possess a range of innate reflexes that are genetically determined, many reflexes and behaviors are not inherited but instead learned through experience and environmental influences. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective dog training and behavior management.