Abstract
The
aim of this study was to analyze the behavioral and physiological
reactions of guide dogs in a distressing situation which promotes
attachment behaviors towards their blind owners, and to compare such
reactions with those of untrained or trainee dogs.
The
subjects were 57 adult Labrador and Golden retriever dogs (14 males, 43
females) belonging to four different groups: 19 Custody dogs, 13
Apprentice dogs, 10 Guide dogs and 15 Pet dogs. Dogs were tested using
the Strange Situation Test, consisting in seven 3-minute episodes in
which the dogs were placed in an unfamiliar environment, introduced to
an unfamiliar woman and subjected to separation from their human
companion. Tests were video-recorded and behaviors were scored using a
5-second point sampling method. Polar Vantage telemetric system was used
to record cardiac activity.
ANOVAs for
repeated measures with groups and breeds as independent variables,
showed a more anxious reaction in pet dogs, which revealed a high degree
of proximity seeking behavior. Cardiac activity increased during
episodes characterized by the exclusive presence of the stranger, but
this increase was more conspicuous in guide dogs than in custody and
apprentice dogs. Golden retrievers showed more behaviors suggesting
distress compared to Labrador retrievers.
This
study showed that guide dogs, when separated from their blind owner,
reveal a controlled behavioral reaction that is however accompanied by a
stronger cardiac activation.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.