Comparative Studies of Emotional Behaviors of House and Stray Dogs

Background: The industry of companion animal has been growing steadily in Korea. However, alongside this rapid growth, insufficient knowledge and immature civic awareness of the responsibilities of companion animal ownership has resulted in an increase in the number of stray animals.
Aim: The aim of this study was to form a strategy for reducing the number of stray dogs and returning the existing stray dogs to human homes in the community by comparing the difference of behavioral characteristics between stray dogs and house dogs.
Methodology: A total of 36 house dogs (HD) and stray dogs (SD) were enrolled in the study. The frequencies of and differences in aggressive, anxious, fearful, and friendly behaviors were analyzed. Various stimuli were used in five sections (section 1: appearance of a human; section 2: direct tough by a human; section 3: relationship with a dog; section 4: relationship with a human; section 5: extreme stimulation arousing fear). The dogs’ responses were categorized according to the aforementioned classes of behavior.
Results: There was no difference between HD and SD with regard to total frequency and average frequency of aggressive responses. The average frequency of trembling, panting, roaming, and total anxious behaviors was also high in sections 1 to 5 (P=.05). The frequency of fearful behavior was 2.4 to 15 times greater in SD than HD. In sections 1, 2, 4, and 5 (P=.01), the average frequency of submissive behaviors such as ears back, tail tucked in, low posture, sitting, and total fearfulness was significantly high (P=.01). Finally, the total frequency of friendly behaviors was similar in SD and HD; the average frequency in sections 4 and 5 (P=.05) was significantly greater for SD than HD.
Conclusions: The aggressive, fearful, anxious, and friendly reactions of stray dogs are relative to conditions in their environment. Stray dogs can be adopted as companion animals if their hygiene and health are cared for and if relaxation measures are implemented.