Behavioural responses of Canis familiaris to different tail lengths of a remotely-controlled life-size dog replica
In: BehaviourSearch for other papers by Leaver in
Current site
Google Scholar
Search for other papers by Reimchen in
Current site
Google Scholar
Abstract
The tail of dogs and allies (Canidae) is important for intraspecific communication. We used a life-sized dog model and varied the tail length and motion as an experimental method of examining effects of tail-docking on intraspecific signaling in domestic dogs, Canis familiaris. We videotaped interactions of 492 off-leash dogs and quantified size and behaviour of approaching dogs to the model's four tail conditions (short/still, short/wagging, long/still, long/wagging). Larger dogs were less cautious and more likely to approach a long/wagging tail rather than a long/still tail, but did not differ in their approach to a short/still and a short/wagging tail. Using discriminant analyses of behavioural variables, dogs responded with an elevated head and tail to a long/wagging tail model relative to the long/still tail model, but did not show any differences in response to tail motion when the model's tail was short. Our study provides evidence that a longer tail is more effective at conveying different intraspecific cues, such as those provided by tail motion, than a shorter tail and demonstrates the usefulness of robotic models when investigating complex behavioural interactions.
Purchase
Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your brill.com account
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 3952 | 505 | 60 |
| Full Text Views | 444 | 21 | 4 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 542 | 70 | 10 |
Behavioural responses of Canis familiaris to different tail lengths of a remotely-controlled life-size dog replica
In: BehaviourSearch for other papers by Leaver in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Reimchen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
The tail of dogs and allies (Canidae) is important for intraspecific communication. We used a life-sized dog model and varied the tail length and motion as an experimental method of examining effects of tail-docking on intraspecific signaling in domestic dogs, Canis familiaris. We videotaped interactions of 492 off-leash dogs and quantified size and behaviour of approaching dogs to the model's four tail conditions (short/still, short/wagging, long/still, long/wagging). Larger dogs were less cautious and more likely to approach a long/wagging tail rather than a long/still tail, but did not differ in their approach to a short/still and a short/wagging tail. Using discriminant analyses of behavioural variables, dogs responded with an elevated head and tail to a long/wagging tail model relative to the long/still tail model, but did not show any differences in response to tail motion when the model's tail was short. Our study provides evidence that a longer tail is more effective at conveying different intraspecific cues, such as those provided by tail motion, than a shorter tail and demonstrates the usefulness of robotic models when investigating complex behavioural interactions.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 3952 | 505 | 60 |
| Full Text Views | 444 | 21 | 4 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 542 | 70 | 10 |