Behavioral Observations of Dogs During Animal-Assisted Interventions and Their handlers' Perceptions of Their Experienced Level of Stress.

Abstract

Behavioral observations of six dogs during seven animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are presented. Previous studies with AAI have not found significant threats toward dogs' welfare. However, some findings suggest that environmental, human participant-related, dog-related factors and the type of intervention may influence the welfare. It is important to understand how AAIs affect participating dogs. This study aimed to describe behavioral responses of dogs engaged in AAIs, assess the use of behavioral observations as indicators for dogs' welfare, and include handler's perceptions. The interventions took place at two outdoor events. Seven AAI sessions with six different dogs were videotaped to analyze their behavior. Appeasement behaviors were shown at the highest frequencies (10.89/minute (SD 3.91)), followed by posture changes (5.95/minute (SD 2.36). Each dog displayed avoidance behavior at least once during each session. Most owners scored their dogs' stress levels at 1 or 2 on a scale of 1-4. Behaviors indicating both positive and negative welfare were observed. Moreover, a potential need for the education of handlers to advocate for their dogs was identified.