Dog behavior

Predator scent influences olfactory investigation and feeding choices in urban free-ranging dogs

2026-02-10T16:46:32+00:00

Olfaction is a key tool for dogs for finding food, identifying threats, navigating space, and communicating socially. Urban free-ranging dogs adapt their smelling behavior in several important ways to survive in complex, human-dominated environments. This study examines how feeding choices of urban free-ranging dogs is affected by the predator scent, based on a treatment of meat bait with the urine of leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a meso-predator of lowland ecosystem in Nepal. This experiment was done in 43 dogs in Itahari Sub-metropolitan City in Sunsari District of Koshi Province, Nepal. Each dog was presented with plain meat (control) and meat dipped in leopard cat urine (treatment). Majority of dogs had chosen the control meat first (67.4%) probably showing a choice for the safer option. Dogs spent significantly longer time on sniffing the treatment meat (5.44±2.69 sec) compared to the control meat (1.30±0.63 s) (t=10.07, df=42, p < 0.001). Four dogs (9.30%) completely rejected the treatment bait. Tail and ear postures showed mild caution, but the aggressive behavior was not detected. These findings support the notion that free-ranging dogs retain an innate sensitivity to predator odors, which can modify both their approach behavior and feeding decisions even within urban environments where direct encounters with wild carnivores are rare. Therefore, predator scent cues could serve as a natural, non-invasive means to deter or guide their movements in urban areas.

A Comprehensive Review of Canine Anxiety: Pathogenesis, Behavioral Outcomes, and Treatment

2026-01-03T10:59:44+00:00

Canine anxiety is a complex and multifactorial emotional condition characterized by the anticipation of perceived threats and associated with a wide range of clinical and behavioral manifestations. It can significantly impair animal welfare and the quality of the human–animal relationship, representing one of the most common reasons for referral in veterinary behavioral medicine. This paper provides an updated review of anxiety disorders in dogs, examining their pathogenesis through the interaction of genetic predisposition, life experiences, environmental factors, and concurrent clinical conditions. The main clinical forms of anxiety and the most frequent behavioral comorbidities, such as aggression, compulsive behaviors, separation-related problems, and social impairments are described. Particular attention is devoted to the neurobiological basis of canine anxiety, focusing on limbic neural circuits, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and the key neurotransmitter systems involved in emotional regulation. The importance of an integrated therapeutic approach is emphasized, combining environmental management, behavioral modification strategies, and, when indicated, pharmacological or nutraceutical interventions. Overall, the review highlights the value of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary perspective for accurate assessment, effective treatment, and targeted prevention of anxiety disorders in dogs.

Affection and Emotional Communication in the Human–Dog Dyad

2026-01-03T11:03:53+00:00

The human–dog relationship depends on an intricate system of communication through human affection gestures (e.g., stroking, hugging, vocal modulation) and canine affiliative signals (e.g., proximity-seeking, relaxed postures, social gaze) which both parties understand. The analysis of these exchanges serves as a foundation for attachment theory and social cognition and welfare science. The research used PubMed and Scopus and PsycINFO databases to review literature from 2015 to 2025 alongside fundamental earlier studies that included observational field work and cross-modal paradigms and eye-tracking and fMRI. The synthesis process focused on three main areas: (i) attachment and the secure-base model; (ii) canine recognition and decoding of human emotions through multimodal integration (social referencing); (iii) neurobiological mechanisms which support affective communication through oxytocinergic and dopaminergic pathways. The research shows that mutual eye contact leads to oxytocin release while social contact strengthens affiliation and these interactions create physiological synchronization. The main differences between humans and dogs stem from anthropomorphism (hugs provide comfort to humans but create restriction for dogs) and developmental differences in children's ability to detect canine distress signals and cultural variations in what constitutes intimate behavior. The generalizability of findings remains limited due to methodological constraints which include small sample sizes and WEIRD population biases and breed preferences and unverified owner reports and non-preregistered cross-sectional designs. The promotion of communicative literacy helps decrease misinterpretations while creating balanced interactions that lead to better welfare results. Future research needs to focus on cross-cultural comparisons and AI-driven non-invasive behavioral analysis and multimodal physiological biomarkers to assess relationship quality.

A Case Of Multiple Behavioral Disorders In A Dachshund With Early Environmental Deprivation

2026-01-27T08:14:18+00:00

Environmental conditions during critical developmental periods play a fundamental role in the behavioral development of dogs. Individuals subjected to sensory deprivation and limited social contact may develop persistent behavioral disorders in adulthood.

This paper describes the case of Drago, a two-year-old intact male standard wire-haired Dachshund, raised in a kennel environment during the first four months of life, who exhibited: fear-based defensive aggression toward a family member, predatory-like behavior toward children, intolerance to handling with defensive responses, and learned demand barking.

The multimodal therapeutic approach included: environmental management, family education on communication signals, systematic desensitization to handling, structured play activities with children, artificial den training, and differential reinforcement. The intervention emphasized predictable routines, respect for tolerance thresholds, and controlled gradual exposure.

After eight weeks of weekly sessions, significant improvements were observed: reduced frequency and intensity of aggressive responses, decreased chasing behavior, improved tolerance to handling, and reduction in demand barking.

This case highlights the behavioral consequences of early environmental deprivation and the effectiveness of a multimodal behavior modification approach calibrated to the specific etiology.

A Case of Sensory Deprivation Syndrome Evolving into Generalized Phobia in a Young Dog

2026-01-03T11:01:11+00:00

Sensory deprivation during the sensitive developmental period represents a significant risk factor for the onset of emotional and behavioral disorders in dogs. The present paper describes the clinical case of Zoe, an eight-month-old mixed-breed dog raised in a domestic environment characterized by severe sensory and social impoverishment. The puppy exhibited intense fear responses, avoidance behaviors, freezing, and marked difficulties in interaction, consistent with a sensory deprivation syndrome that had evolved into generalized phobia. The therapeutic approach was based on a multimodal protocol including reorganization of daily management, a structured behavioral rehabilitation program, and pharmacological support prescribed by a veterinarian with expertise in behavioral medicine. The intervention emphasized predictable routines and gradual exposure to stimuli. At follow-up, a progressive improvement in exploratory behavior and a reduction in fear responses were observed, although the need for long-term management remained. This case highlights the central role of early experiences in canine behavioral development and the importance of an integrated, individualized approach in the management of sensory deprivation disorders.