Dog behavior

Early-life management routines are associated with behavioral outcomes in companion dogs: a cross-sectional study

Silvia Baglietto — 2026-08-04

Early-life experiences are considered crucial for behavioral development in dogs, although the role of everyday management routines has received less attention than puppy socialization. To investigate the association between early-life management practices and behavioral outcomes in companion dogs, an owner-based cross-sectional questionnaire was completed for 79 dogs. Associations between early-life management variables and behavioral outcomes were evaluated using chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression. Leash reactivity was the most common behavioral problem (48.1%), followed by noise sensitivity (35.4%) and hyperactivity (21.5%). Gradual habituation to solitude during puppyhood was significantly associated with lower odds of separation-related behaviors (OR = 0.062; 95% CI: 0.012–0.286; P < 0.001). Sleep management remained significantly associated with leash reactivity after adjustment for age and sex (P = 0.001). In contrast, early socialization variables showed weaker or non-significant associations.

Early management routines, particularly habituation to solitude and consistent sleep management, may contribute to reducing the risk of specific behavioral problems. These findings highlight the importance of integrating practical management recommendations with traditional puppy socialization programs.

Behavior and Genetic Variability of the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog in a farm: a Case Study

Valentina Gazzano — 2026-05-27

The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is a traditional Italian livestock guardian breed valued for its low predatory drive and strong territorial instincts. This study integrates behavioral and genetic perspectives through a case study conducted on a farm located in Viterbo province, Lazio (Italy). Ten animals were considered, on which field observations of pack structure, adolescent development, and human–dog interaction were conducted. Pedigree analysis was also performed to compute inbreeding coefficients and to analyse genetic variability. Results highlight the critical role of early imprinting, adult role modeling, and responsible breeding strategies in maintaining both behavioral suitability and genetic health. Although all the ten animals analyzed showed low levels of inbreeding (F < 0.15), the pedigree analysis revealed individuals with much higher coefficients, underlining the importance of genetic monitoring. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for integrated ethological and genetic management to ensure the long-term viability of this semi-feral guardian breed.

Behavioral Responses and Heart Rate Changes in Dogs During Routine Veterinary Visits

Veronica Ponzetta — 2026-05-27

Veterinary visits are commonly associated with emotional arousal in dogs, even when procedures are routine and non-invasive. The present study aimed to evaluate behavioral responses and heart rate changes in dogs during a veterinary visit, comparing the waiting room and the clinical examination phases, and to investigate the relationship between behavioral expression and physiological activation. A total of 55 client-owned dogs undergoing routine veterinary visits were included. Behavioral responses were assessed using a structured observational scoring system, and heart rate was recorded during both the waiting room and clinical examination phases. Differences between phases were analyzed using paired statistical tests, and associations between behavioral scores and heart rate were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation. Behavioral scores were significantly higher during the clinical examination compared to the waiting room (p < 0.0001), indicating a worsening of behavioral responses during examination. Heart rate values also increased significantly during the clinical examination (p < 0.0001). Significant positive correlations were observed between behavioral scores and heart rate, particularly during the clinical examination phase. These findings indicate that routine veterinary visits are associated with concurrent behavioral and physiological changes in dogs, with the clinical examination representing the most impactful phase. The integration of behavioral observation and heart rate assessment may provide a more comprehensive evaluation of dogs’ responses during veterinary care and support strategies aimed at improving animal welfare and clinical management.

The correlation between sleep and age in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

Benedetta Sonno — 2026-07-30

Sleep is a fundamental behavioral and neurophysiological process that plays a critical role in the well-being of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). As a species that shares its life closely with humans, the dog has become an increasingly valuable model for studying sleep physiology and its relationship with aging and neurodegenerative disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in sleep patterns that occur across the different life stages of the dog, from the neonatal period to senescence. In neonates, sleep is dominated by REM activity, which supports synaptic pruning and early neural circuit development. During the juvenile phase, progressive maturation of sleep electrophysiology occurs, with full stabilization extending beyond 12 months of age. In adulthood, dogs exhibit a polyphasic sleep pattern characterized by distinct REM and NREM stages, sleep spindles subject to sexual dimorphism, and hemispheric asymmetry during sleep. With aging, sleep becomes increasingly fragmented, with a reduction in REM sleep and compensatory increases in daytime napping. These changes are particularly pronounced in dogs affected by Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, a neurodegenerative condition analogous to Alzheimer's disease in humans, in which impaired NREM sleep compromises glymphatic clearance of beta-amyloid and tau proteins. The growing availability of non-invasive polysomnographic techniques positions sleep assessment as a promising tool for the early detection and monitoring of age-related cognitive decline in veterinary practice.

Anxiety in dogs: when motor symptoms mimic neurological disorders.

Luigi Sacchettino — 2026-07-30

Differential diagnosis of paroxysmal movement disorders in dogs can be a considerable challenge, as emotional states such as anxiety can manifest as motor symptoms that mimic neurological conditions like paroxysmal dyskinesias or focal seizures. This case report describes a 4-year-old male Shiba Inu referred for behavioral consultation due to recurrent "epileptiform" motor episodes triggered by specific environmental stressors, such as thunderstorms and power outages. While neurological and metabolic examinations were unremarkable, a behavioral assessment revealed paroxysmal anxiety, characterized by hypervigilance, autonomic activation, and excessive attention-seeking. A multimodal therapeutic approach was implemented, combining the administration of a nutraceutical containing alpha-casozepine and fish muscle hydrolysate (Zylkene Plus^©) with a cognitive-olfactory enrichment program and environmental management as part of a rehabilitation plan. Within 30 days, the caregivers reported an improvement in well-being and a substantial decrease of motor episodes. Sustained stability was observed during the follow-up period, including after gradual discontinuation of the nutraceutical therapy, alongside continued behavioral and environmental management. This case illustrates the potential value of interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinary neurologists and behavioral specialists in the assessment of paroxysmal motor episodes, to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management of canine disorders.