Dog owner interaction in dogs with and without separation anxiety related behavior (SRB) after a separation period

Abstract

In this study 22 dogs with separation anxiety related behavior (SRB) and 7 dogs without SRB were participating with their owners in a clinical trial to observe the owner-dog interaction. The behavior of the owner is thought to be an underlying cause of separation anxiety in dogs The behaviors of the owner and dogs were recorded during three phases: the table phase, separation phase and reunion phase. Owners filled in a questionnaire about the prevalence of SRB symptoms and a questionnaire about the ‘quality of life’ of their dog. This study’s focus is on the behavior of the owner during the reunion phase. Results show that SRB owners touched their dog more, showed more control talk, looked more to their dog and sit more facing their dog than non-SRB owners did. Female owners petted their dog more and showed more control talk and general talk to their dog in comparison with male owners. A significant positive correlation was found between control talk and non-verbal control of the owner, between control talk and total talking to the dog, between comfort talk and total talking to the dog and comfort talk and the sum of all physical interactions.