Abstract
The study investigated the affectional bond developed by dogs (Canis familiaris)
towards their human companions during the selection process to become
guide dogs and compared this bond with that formed by pet dogs with
their owners. One hundred and nine dog-owner pairs were tested using a
modified version of the Strange Situation Test: custody dogs-puppy
walkers (n = 34), apprentice dogs-trainers (n = 26), guide dogs-blind owners (n = 25) and pet dogs-owners (n = 24).
Twenty-six
behaviours were scored using a 5 s point sampling method and two vocal
behaviours were recorded as bouts. Factor analysis carried out on 24
mutually exclusive behaviours highlighted two different profiles of
response. A relaxed reaction characterised by a high play activity was
distinctive of custody and apprentice dogs, whereas an anxious reaction
characterised by a high degree of proximity seeking behaviours was
distinctive of pet dogs. Guide dogs were intermediate between these two
extremes, expressing their attachment to the owners but showing a more
controlled emotional reaction. This finding suggests that guide dogs can
be viewed as “working pets”. Furthermore, the experimental set-up,
characterised by the presence of a frightening stimulus, revealed that
untrained dogs (pets and custody dogs) were more fearful than trained
dogs (guide dogs and apprentice dogs). Finally, differences in
temperament emerged between retrievers: Golden retrievers showed a
higher level of affection demand while Labrador retrievers were more
playful. Overall, these findings show that in spite of separations from
previous attachment figures, guide dogs established with their blind
owner a rather good and secure affectional bond.
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