Rethinking dog stress behaviours: contextual and physiological insights from the attachment framework.
Dog behaviors traditionally viewed as stress indicators may not be reliable, as their meaning can vary based on individual attachment styles and context.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the oxytocin corpusSummary and findings
The study evaluated dog behaviors as potential stress indicators using the Strange Situation Procedure in 64 dogs, analyzing behaviors and physiological measures including salivary cortisol and oxytocin. Significant effects were observed for various behaviors across test episodes, with attachment style affecting head-turning. The findings indicate that behaviors do not function linearly as stress indicators.
Abstract
While dogs' behavioural indicators of psychological stress are widely used, their function as reliable stress markers remains debated. Using the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) as a social-stress paradigm, we evaluated contextual correlates of dog behaviours to explore their validity as stress indicators. In 64 dogs, behaviours commonly used as stress markers were video-coded and analysed via GLMMs to investigate differences across test episodes and attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant), while salivary cortisol, oxytocin, and rectal temperature provided a physiological framework. Episode had significant effects on shaking (p < 0.05), lip-licking (p < 0.001), paw-lifting (p < 0.001), whining (p < 0.001), head-turning (p < 0.001), sniffing the door (p < 0.001), and locomotion (p < 0.001), while attachment style significantly affected head-turning only (p = 0.004). Our findings suggest that the observed behaviours were not expressed linearly in relation to expected stress levels across the SSP episodes. This lack of linearity, combined with the divergent physiological correlates found across attachment groups-for instance, oxytocin correlated positively with lip-licking in securely attached dogs (p < 0.05), but negatively in anxious ones (p < 0.05) -, suggests that these behaviours do not function as simple stress indicators. Rather, their meaning appears to be contingent upon the individual's internal state and the socio-environmental context. We discuss our results in light of an alternative semiotic interpretative framework.
Background
This paper addresses the reliability of behavioral indicators of psychological stress in dogs, a topic of ongoing debate. Previous studies have suggested that certain behaviors may serve as stress markers, but their validity remains uncertain. Understanding the contextual and physiological factors influencing these behaviors is crucial for interpreting canine stress responses accurately.
Methods
The study utilized the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) as a social-stress paradigm involving 64 dogs. Behaviors were video-coded and analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to assess differences across test episodes and attachment styles. Physiological measures included salivary cortisol, oxytocin, and rectal temperature.
Results
Significant effects of episode on shaking (p < 0.05), lip-licking (p < 0.001), paw-lifting (p < 0.001), whining (p < 0.001), head-turning (p < 0.001), sniffing the door (p < 0.001), and locomotion (p < 0.001) were observed. Attachment style significantly affected head-turning only (p = 0.004).
Interpretation
The findings suggest that the behaviors commonly used as stress indicators do not exhibit a linear relationship with stress levels, indicating a more complex interaction influenced by individual attachment styles. While some behaviors showed statistically significant changes, the clinical significance remains unclear. The study's reliance on behavioral observations and the small sample size may limit the robustness of the conclusions.
Key findings
- Episode had significant effects on shaking (p < 0.05)
- Episode had significant effects on lip-licking (p < 0.001)
- Episode had significant effects on paw-lifting (p < 0.001)
- Episode had significant effects on whining (p < 0.001)
- Episode had significant effects on head-turning (p < 0.001)
- Oxytocin correlated positively with lip-licking in securely attached dogs (p < 0.05), but negatively in anxious ones (p < 0.05)
Limitations
- small n=64
- behavioral observations may not capture all stress responses
- single-site study limits generalizability
- short follow-up period