Forty-five dogs, 39 females and 6 males, were included in the study. It was particularly interesting to observe the behavior of the 23 dogs that were rescued from bad conditions in pet stores or large kennels and found themselves in loving families through shelters and volunteer organisations.
The control group consisted of 22 dogs who had not experienced traumatic situations in the past. He has also been taken from kennels and shelters and neutered.
The researchers created a “stressful” situation for the dogs, making it clear that dogs going through adverse conditions are more likely to stare at their owners and fear the “threatening stranger.”
Additionally, these dogs showed a higher response to the “stress hormone” cortisol. According to their owners, these pets were more lonely and had learning problems.
On the other hand, the animals in the control group were more friendly towards the experimenter. They focused on the “stranger” but trusted their masters less.
Source: Ferra
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