Conceptual replication of canine serum oxytocin increase following a positive dog-human interaction

Abstract

The neurohormone oxytocin is known to exert a special function in the regulation of social relationships throughout vertebrate taxa. Recently it has been discovered that not only within-species, but in certain cases, between-species social bonds are also mediated by the same hormone, e.g. in case of the dog–human relationship. However, despite the exponential growth of findings at the behavioural level, there are still a lot of controversies on the biochemical assessment of oxytocin in canine samples. Thus, in the current study we replicate previous findings of canine serum oxytocin increase following a positive dog–human interaction. We provide a detailed description of both the immunoassay method used as well as the behavioural protocol (including crucial time-parameters). This will serve as a base for further studies that both our group as well as others in the field will conduct.