Analysis of the intraspecific visual communication in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris): a pilot study on the case of calming signals

Studying the signaling of domestic dogs is crucial to have a better understanding of this species. The aim of this study was to scientifically assess if the behaviors called calming signals have a communicative and a calming function (i.e., de-escalating the aggressive display in the other dog).Twenty-four dogs, 12 females and 12 males, acted as senders; they were observed for the display of the behaviors considered by Rugaas (2006) as calming signals (CS). The behavior of each sender dog was analyzed during four 5-minute off-leash encounters, in which the dog met four different recipients, respectively: a familiar and an unfamiliar dog of the same sex; a familiar and an unfamiliar dog of the other sex.

Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 29, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Chiara Mariti, Caterina Falaschi, Marcella Zilocchi, Jaume Fatj ò, Claudio Sighieri, Asahi Ogi, Angelo Gazzano Source Type: research