Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
08:59
The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
Does the attachment system towards owners change in aged dogs?
Paolo Mongillo1, Elisa Pitteri, Paolo Carnier
1Laboratory of Applied Ethology, Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.
Physiology & Behavior
|August 6, 2013
Summary
Older dogs experience more emotional distress than younger adult dogs. Aged dogs showed increased cortisol levels and passive behavior when separated from their owners, indicating less efficient coping mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging (senescence) impacts emotional and relational needs in individuals.
- The attachment system's characteristics can change with age.
- Understanding age-related emotional responses in companion animals is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emotional and physiological responses of aged dogs compared to adult dogs in a distressing situation.
- To assess how old age affects a dog's attachment behavior and stress levels.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of behavioral parameters in adult (AD) and aged (AG) dogs using the Strange Situation Test (SST).
- Measurement of salivary cortisol variations before and after the SST to assess physiological stress.
- Observation of attachment behaviors during owner separation and interaction with an unknown person.
Main Results:
- Both adult and aged dogs displayed clear attachment patterns to their owners.
- Aged dogs sought more physical contact initially but showed less interest in strangers during separation.
- Aged dogs exhibited a significant increase in salivary cortisol levels post-SST compared to adult dogs.
Conclusions:
- Older dogs cope less effectively with emotional distress from mild social challenges.
- Age-related changes in dogs affect their ability to manage stress and social interactions.
- Findings highlight the need for age-specific considerations in canine welfare.
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