Behavioural and Noise-Level Differences Associated with Response-Independent Treat Delivery in Shelter Dogs

Animal shelters can be stressful environments for dogs. Undesirable in-kennel behaviours may reflect poor welfare and negatively affect adoption outcomes. Response-independent treat delivery has shown promise for improving in-kennel behaviour, but its effectiveness when delivered by multiple people is less understood. This study evaluated behavioural and noise-level differences associated with response-independent treat delivery in shelter dogs and responses to a subsequent Novel Person. Twenty-four dogs were observed during Baseline and Intervention phases. During Intervention, volunteers delivered treats when approaching kennels. Compared with Baseline, dogs in the Intervention phase were more likely to be at the front of the kennel, face forward, and stand, and were less likely to be at the back of the kennel, face backward, or exhibit prolonged barking. Behavioural changes across and within days occurred primarily during the Baseline. During the Novel Person comparison, several behaviours differed from Trial 4 during Baseline, while standing increased during Intervention. Because Baseline always preceded Intervention, phase was confounded with time, and the observed differences cannot be attributed unequivocally to treat delivery. The observed phase-associated differences in dogs' in-kennel presentation appeared context-dependent and should not be interpreted as a generalized improvement in behaviour or welfare.