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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to McConnell, why is there aggression in a social hierarchy?
(a) Because the leader has to fight to remain dominant.
(b) Because there are dogs fighting for dominance.
(c) Because all dogs are aggressive.
(d) Because there is constant flux in every group.

2. What choice should humans make in regard to how they treat dogs, according to McConnell?
(a) Humans should choose to be the benevolent, wise leader.
(b) Humans should choose to be the aggressive, strong leader.
(c) Humans should choose to be the benevolent, kind follower.
(d) Humans should choose to be the indifferent, passive follower.

3. What is one claim owners make about their dog's personality that is erroneous, according to McConnell?
(a) "But he can't be trained!"
(b) "But he doesn't like treats!"
(c) "But he acts different in new environments!"
(d) "But he never acts this way at home!"

4. What is the name of the book by Marc Hauser McConnell discusses?
(a) Wild Hearts.
(b) Wild Minds.
(c) Wild Times.
(d) Wild Winds.

5. Why does McConnell advocate for a dog to be in the right environment for its breed?
(a) Because otherwise it will be expensive to keep the dog.
(b) Because otherwise the dog cannot be trained.
(c) Because otherwise it is a disservice to the dog.
(d) Because otherwise the owners will give up on the dog.

6. According to McConnell, what is NOT a reliable indicator of personality?
(a) The mother's.
(b) The dog's.
(c) The father's.
(d) The breed.

7. What are two other ways to distract a dog from its unwanted behavior, according to McConnell?
(a) Give it food and take it on a walk.
(b) Give it affection and take it on a walk.
(c) Give it food and give it another command.
(d) Give it affection and give it another command.

8. Should an owner choose a breed if she or he wants a personality?
(a) Yes.
(b) It depends on the owner.
(c) No.
(d) It depends on the breeder.

9. What area of a dog's body is considered a form of dominance if petted?
(a) Sides.
(b) Head.
(c) Back.
(d) Belly.

10. Who does NOT display affection by "ventral-ventral contact"
(a) Every one.
(b) Primates.
(c) Humans.
(d) Dogs.

11. When does the "sensitive period" occur in a dog's life?
(a) From birth to 3 or 4 months.
(b) From birth to 2 or 3 months.
(c) From 1 to 3 months.
(d) From 3 to 4 months.

12. Who are dogs' ancestors?
(a) Wolves.
(b) Foxes.
(c) Wolverines.
(d) Coyotes.

13. According to McConnell, much of a dog's behavior has to do with what is _______versus what is _______.
(a) Familiar; unfamiliar.
(b) Safe; dangerous.
(c) Appealing; unappealing.
(d) real; fake.

14. Who is usually confident in his position in the social hierarchy?
(a) The delta dog.
(b) The alpha dog.
(c) The omega dog.
(d) The beta dog.

15. According to McConnell, what human behavior signals to a dog that the human is NOT in control?
(a) Politeness and patience.
(b) Listening and commanding.
(c) Yelling and hitting.
(d) Directing and controlling.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many types of individuals are typically in a social hierarchy?

2. Besides chimps, who are our closest primate relatives?

3. Does McConnell see similarities in personality between humans and dogs?

4. Does McConnell believe that generalizations about breeds are correct?

5. What is the #1 preference prospective owners base their decision to adopt or buy a dog?

(see the answer keys)

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