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Isparta S, Töre-Yargın G, Wagner SC, Mundorf A, Cinar Kul B, Da Graça Pereira G, Güntürkün O, Ocklenburg S, Freund N, Salgirli Demirbas Y. Measuring paw preferences in dogs, cats and rats: Design requirements and innovations in methodology. Laterality 2024; 29:246-282. [PMID: 38669348 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2024.2341459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Studying behavioural lateralization in animals holds great potential for answering important questions in laterality research and clinical neuroscience. However, comparative research encounters challenges in reliability and validity, requiring new approaches and innovative designs to overcome. Although validated tests exist for some species, there is yet no standard test to compare lateralized manual behaviours between individuals, populations, and animal species. One of the main reasons is that different fine-motor abilities and postures must be considered for each species. Given that pawedness/handedness is a universal marker for behavioural lateralization across species, this article focuses on three commonly investigated species in laterality research: dogs, cats, and rats. We will present six apparatuses (two for dogs, three for cats, and one for rats) that enable an accurate assessment of paw preference. Design requirements and specifications such as zoometric fit for different body sizes and ages, reliability, robustness of the material, maintenance during and after testing, and animal welfare are extremely important when designing a new apparatus. Given that the study of behavioural lateralization yields crucial insights into animal welfare, laterality research, and clinical neuroscience, we aim to provide a solution to these challenges by presenting design requirements and innovations in methodology across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevim Isparta
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gülşen Töre-Yargın
- Brunel Design School College of Engineering Design & Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
- METU/BILTIR-UTEST Product Usability Unit, Department of Industrial Design, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selina C Wagner
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Annakarina Mundorf
- Institute for Systems Medicine and Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bengi Cinar Kul
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Goncalo Da Graça Pereira
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Research Center One Health Ruhr, Research Alliance Ruhr, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ocklenburg
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- ICAN Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Garbiec A, Karpiński M, Wojtaś J, Czyżowski P. The Relationship Between the Motor Lateralization and the Concentration of Cortisol and Tyrosine in Dogs Exposed to Stress During Veterinary Activities. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:294-303. [PMID: 35634900 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2082249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the motor lateralization in dogs and the concentration of cortisol and tyrosine in their plasma during a visit to a veterinary clinic. The research group consisted of 56 dogs. Motor lateralization was tested by of an adhesive tape test. The stress intensity was assessed basing on the levels of cortisol and ft4 in the serum blood. The statistical analysis revealed that in the group of 56 dogs there were 14 left-pawed dogs, 36 right-pawed dogs, and 6 dogs did not show particular paw preference. The average cortisol levels in particular groups were as follows: 7.94 ug/dl, 3.92 ug/dl and 3.7 ug/dl, whereas the level of tyrosine in the subjects that demonstrated left-sided lateralization (mean ± SE) (1.95 ± 0.46 ng/dl) for those with right-side lateralization (1.56 ± 0.23 ng/dl) and ambilateral dogs (1.01 ± 0.22 ng/dl). The statistical calculation of Pearson's χ2 showed a significant relationship between the sex and the lateralization (χ2 = 6.238, df = 2, p = 0.0442).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Garbiec
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosław Karpiński
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Justyna Wojtaś
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Czyżowski
- Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Goldblatt A, Gazit I, Cappon E, Terkel J. Paw preference as an indicator of operational suitability in working dogs: an ex post facto analysis. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
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Does owner handedness influence paw preference in dogs? Anim Cogn 2023; 26:425-433. [PMID: 36057017 PMCID: PMC9950156 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Handedness has proven to be the most effective and least intrusive measure of laterality in many species. Several studies have investigated paw preference in dogs (Canis familiaris) without considering the potential impact that owner's handedness may have on it, despite dogs being a domesticated species. The aim of this study was to investigate whether owner handedness influences paw preference in their dogs. Sixty-two dogs had their paw preference tested using a Paw Task and a Reach Task in their home over 10 days, recorded by their owners. Interestingly, it was found that left-handed owners were more likely to own a dog with a left paw bias, and right-handed owners were more likely to own a dog with a right paw bias. In the Paw Task, the hand presented to a dog did not significantly predict which paw the dog lifted in response. Furthermore, it was found that females displayed a right paw bias at all age groups. However, males had a left paw bias in puppyhood and right paw bias in older age groups. We conclude that owner handedness influences paw preference in dogs, and it should be considered when suitably pairing dogs to potential owners, especially in assistance work.
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Testing of Behavioural Asymmetries as Markers for Brain Lateralization of Emotional States in Pet Dogs: A Critical Review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104950. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Masilkova M, Šlipogor V, Lima Marques Silva GH, Hadová M, Lhota S, Bugnyar T, Konečná M. Age, but not hand preference, is related to personality traits in common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220797. [PMID: 36300134 PMCID: PMC9579762 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The proximate mechanisms underlying animal personalities, i.e. consistent inter-individual differences in behaviour, are a matter of discussion. Brain lateralization, expressed as the preferred use of the contralateral limb, has been suggested as one of these mechanisms. In this study, we measured a proxy of brain lateralization in captive common marmosets (N = 28) by testing hand preference in a simple food-reaching task and evaluated personality by coding a wide range of behaviours observed in daily situations. We explored the links between personality and both direction and strength of hand preference, as well as age and sex, using linear models. Principal component analysis revealed that the stable behavioural variables were organized in three personality dimensions: Agreeableness, Extraversion and Neuroticism. Regarding hand preference, 14 individuals were left-handed, seven were right-handed and seven were ambilateral. Contrary to our predictions, we did not find any relationship between personality scores and hand preference or sex. Instead, age was a significant predictor of personality scores, with older individuals being more agreeable and less extraverted. The link between brain lateralization and personality seems to be equivocal and dependent on personality and brain lateralization assessment methods. Further examinations of other proximate mechanisms, such as physiology or (epi)genetics, may elucidate what drives personality variation in common marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Masilkova
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vedrana Šlipogor
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | | | - Magdaléna Hadová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Bratislava Zoo, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Lhota
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Ústí nad Labem Zoo, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Bugnyar
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Konečná
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Duncan A, Simon T, Frasnelli E. Investigating the influence of neuter status on paw preference in dogs and cats. Laterality 2022; 27:359-378. [PMID: 35688604 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2022.2086563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Motor lateralization is commonly observed through preferential paw use in dogs and cats. Previous studies have uncovered sex-related differences in paw preference, hypothesizing that these differences may be related to sex hormones. The current study aimed to compare neutered and entire individuals to further investigate whether paw preference is influenced by sex hormones. Dog and cat owners were required to fill in a questionnaire with demographic information such as sex and neuter status of their pets. They then carried out two simple paw preference tasks within their homes: a "reaching for food" task and a "reaching for a toy" task. This study revealed an overall preference among the 272 dogs and 137 cats tested to use their right paw in both tasks. In cats, the degree of paw preference (i.e., regardless of the direction) was significantly influenced by an interaction between neuter status and life stage. Also in dogs, both life stage and an interaction between neuter status and life stage tended to influence the degree of paw preference. Post-hoc power analysis revealed a lack of statistical power, suggesting that future studies using a larger sample size are needed to further investigate potential effects of neuter status on paw preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Duncan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Tim Simon
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Elisa Frasnelli
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.,CIMeC Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
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Simon T, Frasnelli E, Guo K, Barber A, Wilkinson A, Mills DS. Is There an Association between Paw Preference and Emotionality in Pet Dogs? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1153. [PMID: 35565578 PMCID: PMC9103732 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Research with humans and other animals has suggested that preferential limb use is linked to emotionality. A better understanding of this still under-explored area has the potential to establish limb preference as a marker of emotional vulnerability and risk for affective disorders. This study explored the potential relationship between paw preference and emotionality in pet dogs. We examined which paw the dogs preferentially used to hold a Kong™ and to perform two different locomotion tests. Dogs' emotionality was assessed using a validated psychometric test (the Positive and Negative Activation Scale-PANAS). Significant positive correlations were found for dogs' paw use between the different locomotion tasks, suggesting that dogs may show a more general paw preference that is stable across different types of locomotion. In comparison, the correlations between the Kong™ Test and locomotion tests were only partially significant, likely due to potential limitations of the Kong™ Test and/or test-specific biomechanical requirements. No significant correlations were identified between paw preference tests and PANAS scores. These results are in contrast to previous reports of an association between dog paw preference and emotionality; animal limb preference might be task-specific and have variable task-consistency, which raises methodological questions about the use of paw preference as a marker for emotional functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Simon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (E.F.); (A.B.); (A.W.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Elisa Frasnelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (E.F.); (A.B.); (A.W.); (D.S.M.)
- CIMeC—Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Kun Guo
- Department of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK;
| | - Anjuli Barber
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (E.F.); (A.B.); (A.W.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Anna Wilkinson
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (E.F.); (A.B.); (A.W.); (D.S.M.)
| | - Daniel S. Mills
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (E.F.); (A.B.); (A.W.); (D.S.M.)
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Reicher V, Kis A, Simor P, Bódizs R, Gácsi M. Interhemispheric asymmetry during NREM sleep in the dog. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18817. [PMID: 34552141 PMCID: PMC8458274 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98178-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional hemispheric asymmetry was evidenced in many species during sleep. Dogs seem to show hemispheric asymmetry during wakefulness; however, their asymmetric neural activity during sleep was not yet explored. The present study investigated interhemispheric asymmetry in family dogs using non-invasive polysomnography. EEG recordings during 3-h-long afternoon naps were carried out (N = 19) on two occasions at the same location. Hemispheric asymmetry was assessed during NREM sleep, using bilateral EEG channels. To include periods with high homeostatic sleep pressure and to reduce the variance of the time spent in NREM sleep between dogs, the first two sleep cycles were analysed. Left hemispheric predominance of slow frequency range was detected in the first sleep cycle of sleep recording 1, compared to the baseline level of zero asymmetry as well as to the first sleep cycle of sleep recording 2. Regarding the strength of hemispheric asymmetry, we found greater absolute hemispheric asymmetry in the second sleep cycle of sleep recording 1 and 2 in the frequency ranges of alpha, sigma and beta, compared to the first sleep cycle. Differences between sleep recordings and consecutive sleep cycles might be indicative of adaptation-like processes, but do not closely resemble the results described in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Reicher
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
- MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anna Kis
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Simor
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Bódizs
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Identifying Behavioural Traits and Underlying Personality Dimensions in Domestic Ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082173. [PMID: 34438631 PMCID: PMC8388451 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Personality research is lacking in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). The fundamental objective of this study was thus to investigate the underlying structure of personality in ferrets. Owner-reported trait ratings were collected using an online questionnaire, which entailed ferret owners rating several traits (adjectives) on a Likert scale, according to how well they applied to their ferret(s). Four key personality dimensions emerged and were labelled Extraversion, Sociability, Attentiveness, and Neuroticism, according to the types of traits they were composed of. Certain characteristics were found to influence personality: male ferrets were rated as more sociable than females, whereas females were rated as more attentive and neurotic. Extraversion generally decreases with age, and de-sexing was insignificant across all personality dimensions. These results are beneficial for informing the discussion concerning the evolutionary significance of animal personality as well as providing aid in positive welfare management, that is, catering to the needs of individuals rather than groups. Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the personality structure of domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) by using owner-based reporting of personality traits. A total of 743 ferret owners participated in an online questionnaire, with a total of 1029 ferrets being assessed. Respondents rated 67 adjectives based on their ferret(s) behavioural traits and personality. Principal component analysis (PCA) of these trait ratings identified four underlying personality dimensions, which accounted for 47.1% of the total variance. These were labelled according to the traits that they encompass: Extraversion, Sociability, Attentiveness, and Neuroticism. Details about ferret sex, de-sexing status, age, and coat colour were also sought, and General Linear Mixed Models were used to test the main effects of these characteristics on the personality dimensions. It was found that sex (p < 0.01) and age (p < 0.001) significantly influenced certain personality components, whereas de-sexing did not. Sociability, Attentiveness, and Neuroticism were found to differ based on sex, whereby males were rated as more sociable than females, but females were rated higher on the Attentiveness and Neuroticism subscales. Finally, Extraversion was found to generally decrease with age. We can use the findings of this study to make cross-species comparisons and further inform the discussion regarding the adaptive relevance of animal personality. Identifying differences in personality types can improve welfare by using this information to satisfy the different needs of individuals.
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Laverack K, Pike TW, Cooper JJ, Frasnelli E. The effect of sex and age on paw use within a large sample of dogs (Canis familiaris). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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12
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Siniscalchi M, d’Ingeo S, Quaranta A. Lateralized emotional functioning in domestic animals. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Affective styles and emotional lateralization: A promising framework for animal welfare research. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Wells DL. Paw preference as a tool for assessing emotional functioning and welfare in dogs and cats: A review. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Effect of Stroking on Serotonin, Noradrenaline, and Cortisol Levels in the Blood of Right- and Left-Pawed Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020331. [PMID: 33525654 PMCID: PMC7911233 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The endocrine balance, reflected in the level of neuromodulators, is necessary for maintenance of homeostasis and facilitates adaptation to stressful conditions. An important role in processing the information reaching the brain is played by the asymmetric specialization of cerebral hemispheres referred to as laterality. The domestic dog shows preference of the forelimb determined by the predominance of the activity of the right or left brain hemisphere. Investigations of various animal species indicate that the left-brain hemisphere is involved in the control of unchanging stimuli or repetitive actions, while the right hemisphere is specialized in the quality of emotional reactions such as aggression or fear. A skillful observation of combined behavioral and physiological symptoms of stress in dogs provides better insight in the dog’s perception of veterinary care, and any means of reduction of the stress level is highly recommended, as it improves animal’s welfare. The results of the present study indicate that dogs’ laterality and sex affect the stress response and stroking can relieve stress. The level of the analyzed neuroregulators indicating intensification of stress or adaptation to stress conditions was higher in the males and in the right-pawed dogs. Our results confirm our assumptions that right-pawed dogs are better adapted to stressful conditions. Abstract It has been assumed that stroking relieves stress responses in dogs, and dogs with the activation of the left-brain hemisphere (right-pawed) may show better adaptation to stress conditions. The aim of the study was to determine whether the stroking stimulus induced changes in the level of selected neuroregulators in dogs’ blood and whether these changes depended on the sex and the predominance of the activity of one of the brain hemispheres. The study involved 40 dogs of various breeds and both sexes. The experimental animals were subjected to a behavioral tests (Kong test), and the levels of noradrenaline, serotonin, and cortisol were determined in their blood plasma. The results of the behavioral test revealed that most dogs exhibited increased activity of the left hemisphere. Furthermore, irrespective of the sex and paw preference, stroking the animal was found to alleviate the stress response, which was reflected in reduced cortisol levels and increased serotonin levels. It was found that the plasma noradrenaline, cortisol, and serotonin levels were lower in the female dogs than in the males. Additionally, the plasma noradrenaline and serotonin levels were higher in the right-pawed dogs than in the left-pawed dogs. The present results confirm the assumption that right-pawed dogs adapt to stressful conditions more readily.
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Sex differences in the behavioral responses of dogs exposed to human chemosignals of fear and happiness. Anim Cogn 2021; 24:299-309. [PMID: 33459909 PMCID: PMC8035118 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01473-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
This research focuses on sex differences in the behavioral patterns of dogs when they are exposed to human chemosignals (sweat) produced in happy and fear contexts. No age, breed or apparatus-directed behavior differences were found. However, when exposed to fear chemosignals, dogs’ behavior towards their owners, and their stress signals lasted longer when compared to being exposed to happiness as well as control chemosignals. In the happy odor condition, females, in contrast to males, displayed a significantly higher interest to the stranger compared to their owner. In the fear condition, dogs spent more time with their owner compared to the stranger. Behaviors directed towards the door, indicative of exit interest, had a longer duration in the fear condition than the other two conditions. Female dogs revealed a significantly longer door-directed behavior in the fear condition compared to the control condition. Overall the data shows that the effect of exposure to human emotional chemosignals is not sex dependent for behaviors related to the apparatus, the owner or the stress behaviors; however, in the happiness condition, females showed a stronger tendency to interact with the stranger.
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Whittaker AL, Barker TH. A consideration of the role of biology and test design as confounding factors in judgement bias tests. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Beths T, Munn R, Bauquier SH, Mitchell P, Whittem T. A pilot study of 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte, a novel nutraceutical, in the management of naturally occurring osteoarthritis in dogs. Aust Vet J 2020; 98:591-595. [PMID: 32978786 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The primary goal of this pilot study was to assess, the efficacy of a new nutraceutical, 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte, containing, as a standalone, a proprietary plant oil extract, Epiitalis, in dogs presenting with signs of osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty dogs aged 9.2 (±3.2) years with signs of naturally occurring OA were included in this report. They were free of other comorbidities and were not on any medications except for those utilised for managing their OA. In these dogs, the current treatments were continued to avoid any sudden changes in their disease management. The effects of the 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte were assessed both at the beginning and at the end of a 1 month-long treatment period. The evaluation consisted of an objective lameness assessment (TPI%[total pressure index]) using a gait analysis (GAITRite® Portable Walkway System) and a subjective quality-of-life questionnaire, the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI). Additional exploratory objective measurements included the Symmetry Index (SI) and the fore/hind limb ratio (T/P TPI%). Of dogs, 74% (34/46) registered a numerical improvement in TPI% in their worse limb. In addition, of the 93.5% of the dogs that demonstrated improvement in their HCPI scores by at least 5% on the quality-of-life questionnaire, 79% demonstrated improvements in gait based on TPI%. Finally, there were improvements measured in both exploratory objective endpoints SI and T/P TPI%. These encouraging results will be used to develop a protocol for a follow-up placebo-controlled randomised study to confirm the efficacy of this new nutraceutical for dogs suffering from OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Beths
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - R Munn
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - S H Bauquier
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - P Mitchell
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - T Whittem
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
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Wallis LJ, Szabó D, Kubinyi E. Cross-Sectional Age Differences in Canine Personality Traits; Influence of Breed, Sex, Previous Trauma, and Dog Obedience Tasks. Front Vet Sci 2020; 6:493. [PMID: 31993445 PMCID: PMC6971055 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The dog has been suggested as a possible model for personality development over the lifespan, however, we know little about how aging may shape their personality or the magnitude of age-related changes. Previously we established that aging influences multiple dog demographics, which could also affect how personality traits change across different age periods. A demographic questionnaire and the Dog Personality Questionnaire were completed for a cross-sectional sample of 1,207 adult dogs living in Hungary (Mage = 7.71, SD = 4.12), split into six different age groups. Results revealed three of the five factors showed significant age effects. Activity/Excitability decreased with age, and whilst Responsiveness to training also decreased, only dogs older than 12 years differed significantly from the other groups. Aggressiveness toward animals showed a quadratic trajectory peaking in dogs aged 6–10 years. The greatest magnitude of age-related change was detected between late senior and geriatric ages, likely caused by compensatory behavioral changes to biological aging and owner attitudes to aging. When the models were re-run including the other explanatory variables, age group was no longer significant for the Responsiveness to training trait. The amount of time spent interacting/playing with the owner partially mediated the relationship between age and this trait, implying that interventions to increase play and training motivation may alleviate the negative effects of aging on dogs' trainability. Fifteen out of 28 explanatory variables were significantly associated with at least one of the five factors [weight, breed (pure/mixed breed), sex, off-leash activity, diet, previous trauma, age of dog when arrived in the household, play, dog training activities, number of known commands and dog obedience tasks]. Similarly to humans, dogs that had previously experienced trauma scored higher in fearfulness and aggression. A higher level of basic obedience was linked to some desirable dog personality traits (lower Fearfulness and Aggression, and higher Activity/Excitability and Responsiveness to training). Regardless of the direction of this relationship, obedience is an important aspect contributing to dog personality questionnaires and the dog-owner relationship. This study is unique in that it considered a wide variety of demographic variables which are influenced by aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Wallis
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Szabó
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Wells DL, McDowell LJ. Laterality as a Tool for Assessing Breed Differences in Emotional Reactivity in the Domestic Cat, Felis silvestris catus. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E647. [PMID: 31484446 PMCID: PMC6770185 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cat breeds differ enormously in their behavioural disposition, a factor that can impact on the pet-owner relationship, with indirect consequences for animal welfare. This study examined whether lateral bias, in the form of paw preference, can be used as a tool for assessing breed differences in emotional reactivity in the cat. The paw preferences of 4 commonly owned breeds were tested using a food-reaching challenge. Cats were more likely to be paw-preferent than ambilateral. Maine Coons, Ragdolls and Bengals were more likely to be paw-preferent than ambilateral, although only the Bengals showed a consistent preference for using one paw (left) over the other. The strength of the cats' paw use was related to cat breed, with Persians being more weakly lateralised. Direction of paw use was unrelated to feline breed, but strongly sex-related, with male cats showing a left paw preference and females displaying a right-sided bias. We propose that paw preference measurement could provide a useful method for assessing emotional reactivity in domestic cats. Such information would be of benefit to individuals considering the acquisition of a new cat, and, in the longer term, may help to foster more successful cat-owner relationships, leading to indirect benefits to feline welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Wells
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK.
| | - Louise J McDowell
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
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Abstract
Although olfactory laterality in canids has been demonstrated experimentally, the extent to which nostril bias occurs in "nature" is not well known. We tested whether there was olfactory laterality of untrained dogs in various off-leash dog parks within Victoria, British Columbia to manipulated scents placed at the tail base of full-size dog replica. Using video-playback, we found that of 192 separate approaches (N = 119 different subjects), dogs used the right nostril first greater than 66% of the time and for longer periods when investigating estrous dog secretions, deer urine and coyote urine. Similar trends were observed when using scents on a similar-sized box rather than the dog model. There was no side preference for the scent of commercial pet food. These results support right hemisphere control of the sympathetic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and encourage more detailed evaluations of olfactory laterality in wild canids and other carnivores where olfaction is the major sensory modality.
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O'Hara SJ, Worsley HK. A cost-effective, simple measure of emotional response in the brain for use by behavioral biologists. Biol Futur 2019; 70:143-148. [PMID: 34554416 DOI: 10.1556/019.70.2019.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Studies combining brain activity measures with behavior have the potential to reveal more about animal cognition than either on their own. However, brain measure procedures in animal studies are often practically challenging and cost-prohibitive. Therefore, we test whether a simple measure of ear temperature can be used to index hemispheric brain activation using a handheld thermoscanner. Cortisol levels are correlated with the activation of the right cortical region, implying that, when stressful situations are experienced, increased right hemisphere activation occurs. This leads to corresponding locally detectable increases in ipsilateral ear temperature. METHODS We compared right-and left-ear temperatures of 32 domestic dogs under non-stressful and partially stressful conditions. RESULTS We detected significant elevations in right-ear temperature - but not left-ear temperature - relative to baseline readings in the partially stressful condition that were not detected in the non-stressful condition. DISCUSSION These findings provide encouraging support for the notion that tympanic membrane temperature readings can provide a simple index for canine hemispheric brain activation, which can be combined with data on behavioral decision-making, expectancy violations, or other measures of emotional processing. Devices are cheap, simple to use, portable, and only minimally invasive providing a means for realtime brain and behavior measurements to be conducted in real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J O'Hara
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
| | - Hannah K Worsley
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, UK
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Ocklenburg S, Isparta S, Peterburs J, Papadatou-Pastou M. Paw preferences in cats and dogs: Meta-analysis. Laterality 2019; 24:647-677. [DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2019.1578228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ocklenburg
- Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sevim Isparta
- Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jutta Peterburs
- Biological Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marietta Papadatou-Pastou
- School of Education, Department of Primary Education, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Lack of association between paw preference and behaviour problems in the domestic dog, Canis familiaris. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Abstract
It has been reported that during the first few days following entry to a kennel environment, shelter dogs may suffer poor welfare. Previous work suggests that motor bias (the preferred use of one limb over the other) can potentially be used as an indicator of emotional reactivity and welfare risk. In this study, we investigate whether paw preference could be used as a predictive indicator of stress coping (measured using cortisol levels and behavioural observation) in a sample of 41 dogs entering a rescue shelter. Cortisol levels and behavioural observations were collected for one week after admission. We scored the dogs’ paw preference during a food-retrieval task. Our results showed that increasing left-pawedness was associated with a higher expression of stress-related behaviours such as frequent change of state, vocalisations and lower body posture. These results are in keeping with previous findings showing that left-limb biased animals are more vulnerable to stress. Paw preference testing may be a useful tool for detecting different coping strategies in dogs entering a kennel environment and identifying target individuals at risk of reduced welfare.
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Fahie MA, Cortez JC, Ledesma M, Su Y. Pressure Mat Analysis of Walk and Trot Gait Characteristics in 66 Normal Small, Medium, Large, and Giant Breed Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:256. [PMID: 30386786 PMCID: PMC6198868 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To document temporospatial variables and gait symmetry measured by the GAITRite® system for normal, healthy dogs at the walk and trot with the leash side recorded. Study Design: Observational, prospective, cohort study. Sample Population: 66 healthy dogs of various common breeds with no evidence of lameness that were small (< 10 kg), medium (10- < 25 kg), large (25- < 40 kg), or giant (≥40 kg). Methods: Dogs walked and trotted at their preferred velocity on a pressure sensing walkway system. Video observation confirmed inclusion criteria were met for three valid trials at each gait for each dog. Coefficients of variance were used to summarize the data for analysis. Fore and hindlimb ratios were compared. Gait symmetry was assessed with the leash on the left and right side. Results: Coefficients of variation for gait parameters ranged from 20 to 28% for all except velocity and hind reach. There was no statistically significant difference in differences in fore and hindlimb ratios for stance %, GLS, TPI, or step:stride ratio, across weight categories or between walk and trot. Less than 8% of normal dogs had a GLS score < 90 (indicating lameness). Leash side did influence gait symmetry, since GLS, TPI, and step:stride all had statistically significant differences in means between leash side, irrelevant of the weight category or gait. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This system allowed simple, reliable gait assessment and values reported may be considered normal reference ranges for temporospatial variables collected with this system within the weight ranges and gaits reported. Controlling leash side and patient size is recommended for therapeutic intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Fahie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan C Cortez
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States.,VCA Yorba Regional Animal Hospital, Anaheim, CA, United States
| | - Marc Ledesma
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yuhua Su
- Dr. Su Statistics, Kaunakakai, HI, United States
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Scandurra A, Alterisio A, Di Cosmo A, D'Aniello B. Behavioral and Perceptual Differences between Sexes in Dogs: An Overview. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:E151. [PMID: 30142932 PMCID: PMC6162565 DOI: 10.3390/ani8090151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we review the scientific reports of sex-related differences in dogs as compared to the outcomes described for wild animals. Our aim was to explore whether the differences in male and female dogs were affected by the domestication process, in which artificial selection is the main driver. For this purpose, we used information regarding personality traits, cognitive processes, and perception, for which there is a wide theoretical framework in behavioral ecology. Aggressiveness and boldness, described as a behavioral syndrome, were reported as being higher in males than females. Females also seemed more inclined to interspecific social interactions with humans in tasks that require cooperative skills, whereas males appeared more inclined to social play, thus implying different levels of social engagement between the sexes, depending on the context. Studies on cognitive processes underlined a greater flexibility in resorting to a particular navigation strategy in males. Most lateralization studies seem to support the view that males are preferentially left-handed and females are preferentially right-handed. Reports on visual focusing coherently rank females as superior in focusing on single social and physical stimuli. Only male dogs are able to discriminate kin; however, the timing of the olfactory recording in sexes is related to the stimulus relevance. Dogs are largely in line with life-history theories, which indicate that sex differences in dogs are mainly rooted in their biological and evolutionary heritage, remaining unchanged despite artificial selection. In contrast, the higher intraspecific sociability in wild male animals was not replicated in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Scandurra
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Anna Di Cosmo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Biagio D'Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy.
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Stability of motor bias in the domestic dog, Canis familiaris. Behav Processes 2018; 149:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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30
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McDowell LJ, Wells DL, Hepper PG. Lateralization of spontaneous behaviours in the domestic cat, Felis silvestris. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Adámková J, Svoboda J, Benediktová K, Martini S, Nováková P, Tůma D, Kučerová M, Divišová M, Begall S, Hart V, Burda H. Directional preference in dogs: Laterality and "pull of the north". PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185243. [PMID: 28945773 PMCID: PMC5612717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Laterality is a well described phenomenon in domestic dogs. It was shown that dogs, under calm Earth's magnetic field conditions, when marking their home ranges, tend to head about north- or southwards and display thus magnetic alignment. The question arises whether magnetic alignment might be affected or even compromised by laterality and vice versa. We tested the preference of dogs to choose between two dishes with snacks that were placed left and right, in different compass directions (north and east, east and south, south and west or west and north) in front of them. Some dogs were right-lateral, some left-lateral but most of them were ambilateral. There was a preference for the dish placed north compared to the one placed east of the dog ("pull of the north"). This effect was highly significant in small and medium-sized breeds but not in larger breeds, highly significant in females, in older dogs, in lateralized dogs but less significant or not significant in males, younger dogs, or ambilateral dogs. Laterality and “pull of the north” are phenomena which should be considered in diverse tasks and behavioral tests with which dogs or other animals might be confronted. The interaction and possible conflict between lateralization and "pull of the north" might be also considered as a reason for shifted magnetic alignment observed in different animal species in different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Adámková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Svoboda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Benediktová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Martini
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Petra Nováková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - David Tůma
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kučerová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Divišová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Understanding the complementary specialisation of the canine brain has been the subject of increasing scientific study over the last 10 years, chiefly due to the impact of cerebral lateralization on dog behaviour. In particular, behavioural asymmetries, which directly reflect different activation of the two sides of the dog brain, have been reported at different functional levels, including motor and sensory. The goal of this review is not only to provide a clear scenario of the experiments carried out over the last decade but also to highlight the relationships between dogs’ lateralization, cognitive style and behavioural reactivity, which represent crucial aspect relevant for canine welfare.
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Turcsán B, Miklósi Á, Kubinyi E. Owner perceived differences between mixed-breed and purebred dogs. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172720. [PMID: 28222103 PMCID: PMC5319786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies about the behaviours of mixed-breed dogs are rare, although mixed-breeds represent the majority of the world’s dog population. We have conducted two surveys to investigate the behavioural, demographic, and dog keeping differences between purebred and mixed-breed companion dogs. Questionnaire data were collected on a large sample of dogs living in Germany (N = 7,700 purebred dogs representing more than 200 breeds, and N = 7,691 mixed-breeds). We found that according to their owners, mixed-breeds were (1) less calm, (2) less sociable toward other dogs, and (3) showed more problematic behaviour than purebreds (p < 0.001 for all). Mixed-breeds and purebreds were similar in trainability and boldness scores. However, twelve out of 20 demographic and dog keeping factors differed between purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and two factors showed considerable (> 10%) differences: neutering was more frequent among mixed-breeds, and they were acquired at older ages than purebreds (p < 0.001 for both), which could result in the observed behaviour differences. After controlling for the distribution of the demographic and dog keeping factors, we found that mixed-breeds were (1) more trainable than purebreds, (2) less calm, and (3) showed more problematic behaviour than purebreds (p < 0.001 for all). We discuss that these differences at least partly might be due to selective forces. Our results suggest that instead of being the “average” dogs, mixed-breeds represent a special group with characteristic behavioural traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borbála Turcsán
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
| | - Ádám Miklósi
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethological Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Plueckhahn TC, Schneider LA, Delfabbro PH. Assessing lateralization in domestic dogs: Performance by Canis familiaris on the Kong test. J Vet Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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37
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Wells DL, Hepper PG, Milligan AD, Barnard S. Comparing lateral bias in dogs and humans using the Kong™ ball test. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Maciejewska M, Zięba K, Szymańska J, Warońska M. Spontaneous laterality in mouse Crl:CD1. Laterality 2015; 21:76-84. [PMID: 26305485 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2015.1075024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Lateralization developed very early in evolution and it is a characteristic of a wide range of representatives from the animal kingdom. The aim of the present study was to examine the spontaneous laterality in mice (Mus musculus) with the T-maze test. We wanted to check if this kind of functional asymmetry occurs at a population level, and also if there are gender differences in this regard. The study involved 40 mice Crl:CD1. The research procedure was simple: mice had to choose one arm of the T-shaped apparatus to find the exit. The animals performed the 10 trails one after another. We took into account only the animals' fist reactions while preparing results. Most of the animals (68%) chose the right arm of the maze. The lateralization was stronger among females--75% of them had preferences for the right side. The majority of animals, which preferred the right side, were from the food deprivation group. However, the results did not unequivocally resolve whether mice evince the functional asymmetry at the population level, or whether there are gender differences in this area. Further research with a larger group and multiple observations for each animal are required to answer these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maciejewska
- a Department of Animal Behaviour , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zięba
- a Department of Animal Behaviour , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Justyna Szymańska
- a Department of Animal Behaviour , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Magdalena Warońska
- a Department of Animal Behaviour , University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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First do no harm. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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