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The Interplay Between Affect, Dog's Physical Activity and Dog-Owner Relationship
Heli Väätäjä1,2, Päivi Majaranta1, Anna Valldeoriola Cardó3
1Research Group for Emotions, Sociality, and Computing, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|December 27, 2021
Summary
A strong dog-owner bond correlates with higher daily dog activity. Dog physical activity also links to owner-reported emotions when dogs are left alone, highlighting the connection between relationship, activity, and affect.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Canine Ethology
- Human-Animal Interaction
Background:
- Dog-owner relationships significantly influence canine behavior.
- Limited research exists on the combined effects of dog-owner bond, physical activity, and emotions during owner absence and reunion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the correlation between a dog's physical activity and owner-perceived affective states during separation and reunion.
- To investigate the interplay between the dog-owner relationship, daily physical activity, and emotional experiences.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen dogs wore activity trackers for two weeks, collecting 24-hour physical activity data.
- Owners completed questionnaires on dog-owner relationship, dog behavior, and perceived dog emotions during separation and reunion.
Main Results:
- A strong emotional dog-owner relationship positively correlated with higher mean daily activity levels.
- Dog physical activity levels were correlated with owner-reported affective experiences when the dog was left alone.
Conclusions:
- The dog-owner relationship influences a dog's daily physical activity.
- Dog physical activity is linked to affective states during owner absence, suggesting a complex interplay affecting canine welfare.
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