Exploration Behavior of Pet Dogs During Off-Leash Walks

Abstract

Studied was the behavior of free-ranging (off-leash) exploring domestic pet dogs (n=30) whilst walking with their owners in new as well as familiar areas (n=120) and not being signaled or called to. Aim of this study was to collect data to assess distance and time dogs spent away from the owner and to determine movement or exploration patterns. The roaming behavior of the dogs was measured via GPS during four consecutive walks whilst off the leash at all times. Individual runs were assessed if the dog travelled in excess of 20 m away from their owner in any direction (n= 3145 runs) and seven different exploration patterns were evaluated. All dogs herein found back to their owner, in known and unknown areas even subsequent to having explored out of range of visibility. Due to great intraspecific variability three groups were established. Almost half of the dogs displayed a distance of less than 150 m away from the owner (43 %) on all walks; about 1/3 of the dogs never explored beyond the 350 m radius (27 %); 30 % of the dogs explored at least once beyond the 350 m radius. Out of all runs >20 m (n= 3145) the dogs utilized primarily (62 %) the travelling pattern of running ahead of the owner on the path and waiting or following. Results herein are in accordance with expected socioecological differences, in that male dogs explored further than female dogs (p = 0.003; Mann-Whitney-U Test), possibly because of a relevant function in reproduction. With respect to reproductive status no differences were found. All dogs travelled significantly longer distances (Wilcoxon test p<0.001) than their owners and at significantly higher speed (Wilcoxon test p<0.001).These are important indications that dogs need to walk off leash to choose their physiological walking pace. In conclusion, most dogs stay close to their owner and off leash restrictions should be reconsidered.