The study, conducted by the biologist Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro and from his team by researchers, had been published in pre-print on the dedicated BioRxiv server in 2019.
The confirmations obtained
«The result of the experiments we conducted shows that trained pet dogs using methods based on aversion they have a lower well-being compared to those trained using reward-based methods, both in the short and long term.
In particular, the former assume behaviors and body postures known to be related to one state of stress, show increased levels of cortisol and I’m more “pessimists“when they face a cognitive exerciseThe members of the team said.
Something certainly already known, confirmed by similar studies conducted in the pastalthough until now such experiments have only involved police dogs, trained by shock collars, which is one of the most notoriously harmful methods of punishment.
Studying during training
The team ofUniversity of Porto has therefore taken a further step, analyzing the behavior of:
- 42 dogs from 3 training schools using methods based on reward;
- 52 dogs from 4 schools where the methods are more aggressive, such as leash, shouting and punishments.
After saliva sample analysis taken during the training of each dog, it was inferred that those from schools with aggressive methods had one increased cortisol productionthe stress hormone, as well as attitudes and body positions that are characteristic of feelings of discomfort in the dog.
The bowl experiment
To complete the investigation in depth, the team of researchers conducted another analysis, one month after the first, for evaluate the long-term effects of both training modes. What emerged was worrying.
79 of the 94 dogs previously studied were trained to understand that when the bowl it was placed somewhere in the room it was empty, while if it was placed elsewhere in the room it would be full of meat snacks.
And this is where the experiment begins. Having learned this notion, the dogs were placed in front of one new situation: the bowls were placed in “neutral” points of the room and therefore it was impossible for them to know a priori whether they were full or empty.
Well, dogs from training centers with aggressive methods turned out to be moving in the direction of the mysterious bowl with more cautiouse fearfulwith a more pessimistic attitude.
Dogs from other schools moved more shippeddenoting, according to the researchers, a greater optimism and a greater positivity compared to the situation, which is certainly healthier for their mental health.
Return to the dog the serenity that every day gives us
In light of this evidence, it is important reflect on how necessary it is to restore to the dog the serenity that every day gives us: another study, conducted byUniversity of Sydneyproved that dog owners are less alone and in a better mood.
In particular, «i new owners of dogs “, the authors declare,” they feel less alone compared to those who have in mind to get a dog, but have not yet done so or to those who are not interested in doing so; the effect occurs extremely quickly, just three months after taking the animal with you, and does not diminish in the following months. Additionally, we have collected evidence that dog owners experience fewer negative emotions, including nervousness and stress. ‘
To conclude, we can only reiterate that we must relate to the dog in full respect of his faculties, needs and timing, and safeguard his mental health by adopting training methods that favor the reward and the gratificationand not punishment.