One theory which purports to account for the social flexibility of the domesticated dog is the theory of neotony. This is the idea that infantile characteristics and tendencies of the wolf, which the wolf outgrows as it matures, are in dogs, carried over into adulthood and this is said to explain why dogs are so social, outgoing, and ameanable to direction from humans as authority figures. Dogs are seen as emotionally retarded wolves. A Canadian trapper once jumped into a pit dug to trap wolves, and one by one snapped the necks of six adult wolves who offered no resistance. Apes are clearly more intelligent than dogs.
Some researchers claim that apes can learn the rudiments of human language.
Of any species of animal, they are the closest to man on the phylogenetic tree. A prevailing theory of social behavior asserts that sexual hormones promote aggression. Neutering of dogs is therefore said to promote social behavior. In the wild, wolves are never neutered and yet they are the most social and cooperative species of animal on earth. Male dogs are more aggressive than female dogs.