Defensive Behaviour in Shelter Dogs

Abstract

Dogs in shelters are exposed to a new environment, and to permanent stress factors, they interact with foreign dogs and persons. These factors lead to behaviour disorders, including the occurrence of a defensive aggressive behaviour. This type of aggression will be observed in individuals which are fearful, insecure in certain circumstances; that is why, as a means of protection, they will use aggression. Theses tests aim to create an inventory and an identification of behaviours specific to aggressive defensive dogs, as a result of their being accommodated in shelters. This study includes a number of 20 dogs, selected from a number of 200 dogs living permanently in a shelter in the city of Timisoara. Experiments were registered with a video camera; the images were processed and interpreted. Defensive behaviour evaluation was based on a test comprising several criteria. During the first test, the evaluator tried to establish a visual contact with the dog. The second defensive behaviour evaluation criteria consisted in the attempt to approach the dog and to communicate verbally with it. During the third test, the physical contact between evaluator and dog was sought, through stroking. During the first stage, a number of 10 dogs immediately established eye contact with the evaluator, 5 avoided eye contact, 2 dogs accepted visual contact but refused physical contact, 3 dogs stepping away from the evaluator. During the second stage, 12 dogs responded favourably, 5 dogs allowed the touch, 3 dogs not allowing the touch. During the last stage, 11 dogs have accepted stroking, showing no signs of aggressiveness stemming from fear, 4 accepted the touch, 5 refused this type of interaction. Due to the environmental conditions in shelters, these dogs may respond in an unfavourable way, displaying defensive aggression. Through body language knowledge and defensive dog behaviour identification, one can avoid unpleasant situations when these dogs become aggressive.