Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025

The Other End of the Leash: An Experimental Test to Analyze How Owners Interact with Their Pet Dogs
Published on: October 13, 2017
Animal-Assisted Interventions: Factors Affecting Donkey Behaviours and Attitude Toward Humans
Serenella d'Ingeo1, Valeria Straziota1, Marcello Siniscalchi1
1Animal Physiology and Behaviour Research Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy.
Abstract:
The relationship between humans and donkeys has ancient origins. In recent years, donkeys' involvement in Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) has grown, raising major concerns about their welfare during these activities. We investigated the factors affecting donkeys' behaviour during an AAI programme for migrants. We observed an effect of human distance from the animal, the interaction mode, and food presence on the animals' behaviours and attitudes toward humans. Moreover, we provide preliminary evidence of the effect of AAI on migrants' welfare and prosocial behaviours and offer insights into the issues to address in future studies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Naturalistic Observations
Ethics in Research
What is Behavior?
Nonconscious Mimicry
Surveys
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...

