Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study

Hunt, Rebecca L.; Whiteside, Helen; Prankel, Susanne

doi:10.3390/ani12020141

Cited by 13 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Previous studies have also studied the benefit of environmental enrichment for stress reduction. Hunt et al demonstrated that environmental enrichment increases relaxation behavior and decreases alert and stress behaviors in dogs [ 46 ]. Albanese et al reported that environmental enrichment increases their positive behavior and reduces the fecal cortisol metabolite in the study of non-human primates, which are another captive animal species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Stress Caused by Environmental Changes for Improving the Welfare of Laboratory Beagle Dogs

Lee

Kang

et al. 2023

Animals

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Animal stress is influenced by environmental factors, yet only a few studies have evaluated the effects of environmental stress on captive dogs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental and social enrichment on the stress levels of captive dogs housed in a lab. We assessed stress levels in eight Beagle dogs by measuring their body weight, cortisol levels, a stress hormone, the alkaline phosphatase activity in serum, the number of steps per hour, as well as clinical sign observations in a changed environment for 6 weeks. Four dogs assigned to a control group were raised alone in a relatively narrow place without toys; four dogs assigned to an experimental group were raised together in a relatively large place with toys. The body weight of the control group remained unchanged, while that of the experimental group decreased. Cortisol levels in the control group increased throughout, whereas those in the experimental group increased for up to 2 weeks and decreased thereafter. Consequently, cortisol levels in the experimental group significantly decreased compared to the control group at 6 weeks (p = 0.048). Fighting was observed among the dogs in the experimental group at 3 weeks; thus, one dog was separated from the group. The number of steps per hour was more than twice as high in the experimental than in the control group. Thereby, we determined that social housing, with appropriate companions and environmental enrichment materials, can reduce stress levels in captive dogs more efficiently than in single housing without such materials. Our study provides useful insights for captive animal organizations, such as kenneled dogs’ management, to improve animal welfare.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Stress Caused by Environmental Changes for Improving the Welfare of Laboratory Beagle Dogs

Lee

Kang

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…Establishing directions of causation is a limitation, and further studies using experimental designs would be of use. Given that studies of kennelled dogs have found non‐food environmental enrichment to reduce stress more than CEF, 55 future studies should investigate the impacts of different types of enrichment on pet dogs within home environments.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Bowls are boring’: Investigating enrichment feeding for pet dogs and the perceived benefits and challenges

Heys,

Lloyd,

Westgarth

2023

Veterinary Record

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BackgroundCanine enrichment feeding (CEF) is recommended by canine professionals, yet research into its use by dog owners is absent. This study is the first to investigate who uses CEF and the perceived benefits and barriers.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey advertised in July and August 2021 received 1750 usable responses about owner and dog demographics, feeding methods used, canine quality of life and behaviour (Mini‐Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire [C‐BARQ]).ResultsKongs, chews and activity toys were the most popular forms of CEF. CEF was most often used for a treat, delivering meals and keeping dogs busy. Owners not using CEF were more likely to be male and older. Dogs not fed using CEF were more likely to be older, of working type and have lower exercise needs. Furthermore, they were less likely to show meal interest, dog‐directed fear or training difficulties. A common perceived benefit was mental stimulation; however, lack of time was commonly perceived to be a barrier. Certain feeding methods were associated with perceptions of reduced hunger and begging.LimitationsThe survey methodology means there is a risk of selection bias and conclusions cannot be drawn about causation.ConclusionCEF was perceived by most owners to benefit behavioural problems and reduce food seeking. Further research using experimental research designs is required to establish causality.

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“… Term Definition Whining Dog produces sounds such as whines, whimpers, yelps, etc. originating from the throat and mouth 38 Not Whining Sound production ceases 38 Panting Increased shallow respiration through an open mouth, may have tongue out 47 Mouth not visible Can not see mouth area. Panting/Not Panting cannot be determined ( defined for this study ) Not Panting Mouth is closed—normal breathing resumes 38 Yawn An involuntary intake of breath through a wide-open mouth 38 Shake Dog's whole body and/or head starts moving rapidly from side to side while the dog stands 48 Bark Head and lips forward, mouth opening and shutting repeatedly to omit a large, sharp, short sound emitted from the throat 38 Howl Raised muzzle perpendicular to ground and emits a long, drawn-out sound through semi-closed jaws.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of indicators of acute emotional states in dogs

Flint,

Weller,

Parry-Howells

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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A complete assessment of animal welfare requires not just an understanding of negative emotional states, such as fear and anxiety, but also of positive states, such as calmness and happiness. However, few studies have identified accurate and reliable indicators of positive emotional states in dogs. This study aimed to identify parameters that may serve as indicators of short-term emotional states in dogs. Using a cross-over design, 60 dogs living at a research facility were exposed to six different 10-min scenarios expected to elicit responses varying in emotional valence and arousal. A range of behavioural and physiological parameters were collected and their relationship to anticipated emotional valence and arousal was analysed using linear and logistic mixed models. Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, heart rate variability, panting, whining, and body shake all demonstrated significant differences based on arousal levels, but only within negative valence scenarios. Scores from a qualitative behavioural assessment (QBA) were associated with both emotional valence and arousal and were considered the best indicator of positive valence. Activity, ear temperature, and sitting were associated with positive high arousal, although this may have been influenced by differing levels of movement induced during these scenarios. Meanwhile, heart rate, secretory immunoglobulin A, standing and lying all showed similar changes associated with arousal for both positive and negative valence scenarios. This study provides a critical first step towards identifying evidence-based indicators of short-term emotional states in dogs, while highlighting considerations that should be made when employing these parameters, including the influence of coder bias, food provision, exercise, and external temperature. Overall, it is recommended future dog emotion and welfare research use a combination of parameters including indicators of both emotional valence and arousal.

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Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study

Cited by 13 publications

References 31 publications

Assessment of Stress Caused by Environmental Changes for Improving the Welfare of Laboratory Beagle Dogs

Assessment of Stress Caused by Environmental Changes for Improving the Welfare of Laboratory Beagle Dogs

‘Bowls are boring’: Investigating enrichment feeding for pet dogs and the perceived benefits and challenges

Evaluation of indicators of acute emotional states in dogs

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