Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behaviour
Behavioural signs of fear or anxiety on exposure to noises in owned domestic dogs have been suggested in clinical studies to be common and a significant welfare concern. In this study two approaches were taken to investigate the occurrence of, and risk factors for, these behaviours: a postal survey of dog owners to investigate general […]
Measuring fear in dogs by questionnaires: An exploratory study toward a standardized inventory
Several types of questionnaires are in use to measure fear-related behaviour in family dogs. Our aim was to develop a general questionnaire based on relevant previous studies in order to facilitate the standardization of measurements of fear-related behaviour in dogs (social fear, non-social fear, separation problems, anxiety/destructiveness and neuroticism). We investigated which aspects of fear […]
A simulated avalanche search and rescue mission induces temporary physiological and behavioural changes in military dogs
Saving human lives is of paramount importance in avalanche rescue missions. Avalanche military dogs represent an invaluable resource in these operations. However, their performance can be influenced by several environmental, social and transport challenges. If too severe, these are likely to activate a range of responses to stress, which might put at risk the dogs’ […]
Dogs’ coping styles and dog-handler relationships influence avalanche search team performance
Avalanche search dogs are valuable resources in the event of environmental disasters. The aim of this study was to determine whether dog search strategies and dynamics of interaction with his handler influence team performance during a simulated avalanche search trial. This consisted in discovering a warm scented article, buried under the snow (−20 cm), within […]