Cani guida per non vedenti: addestramento e livelli di cortisolo

The aim of this study was to determine cortisol levels in plasma and hair of guide dogs during fosterage and training. Eighty-five dogs (32 M and 53 F) were used. Animals up to one year old were looked after by foster owners who dealed with their “socializing”; then, dogs were specifically trained for about six months for their future task. Dogs underwent monthly blood and hair sampling of that were used to determine cortisol levels by RIA. Significantly Higher levels in hair cortisol (P<0.01) were observed in dogs undergoing training as compared to the other group whereas fostered dogs showed higher levels of cortisol (P<0.01) in plasma. During the fosterage period, plasma levels of cortisol were higher in males (P<0.01) than in females, whereas hair levels were similar. During the training period, no differences between sexes were detected.