Welfare assessment of the sheltered dogs using behavioral indicators

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the welfare of sheltered dogs using behavioral indicators that indicate negative and positive emotional states (provoked and unprovoked behavior). The behavior of the selected animals was evaluated by direct observation of the indicators. The data collected was used for computing a life quality score (LQ). Forty-three behavioral indicators (23 negative indicators and 20 positive indicators) were identified and analyzed in 20 dogs housed for more than two years in the shelter. Six negative indicators (tail chasing, circling, escape attempt, chewing bars, coprophagy and lifting a front leg) were not identified in any of the 20 evaluated dogs. An average LQ score of 0.115 was obtained, with values between -0.35 and 0.4. The results showed that 55% of the assessed dogs had higher LQ scores than the mean value. Canine behavior can be assessed within a reasonable amount of  time by recording the presence or absence of certain behavioral indicators. These recordings can then be processed to obtain a quality of life score for each animal.