This study aimed to assess dog’s temperament by using a test that comprehensively evaluates different personality traits such as docility, sociality, obedience, reactivity, playfulness etc. The temperament test (TT) was used with dogs living in rescue shelters (n=20) and with pet dogs trained for agility (n=20). The TT consists of 7 groups of subtests scored on the basis of dogs reactions. The total score of the TT is 0-65 and depends on how many aggressive, fearful or friendly responses each dog shows. The results indicate that pet dogs trained for agility had a significantly higher total score compared to sheltered dogs (p<0,01). In particular, agility dogs are more obedient and playful than the other dogs. Among sheltered dogs, those living in the rescue shelters for longer that 2 years had a lower total score compared to those dogs living there for less than 1 year (p<0.05). Long term sheltered dogs seems less prone to play and to intraspecific social interaction than short term sheltered dogs. No differences emerged according to dogs’ gender and age.
Valutazione del temperamento di cani di canile e addestrati per agility
ACCORSI, PIER ATTILIO;VIGGIANI, ROBERTA;GAMBERONI, MATTEO;
2008
Abstract
This study aimed to assess dog’s temperament by using a test that comprehensively evaluates different personality traits such as docility, sociality, obedience, reactivity, playfulness etc. The temperament test (TT) was used with dogs living in rescue shelters (n=20) and with pet dogs trained for agility (n=20). The TT consists of 7 groups of subtests scored on the basis of dogs reactions. The total score of the TT is 0-65 and depends on how many aggressive, fearful or friendly responses each dog shows. The results indicate that pet dogs trained for agility had a significantly higher total score compared to sheltered dogs (p<0,01). In particular, agility dogs are more obedient and playful than the other dogs. Among sheltered dogs, those living in the rescue shelters for longer that 2 years had a lower total score compared to those dogs living there for less than 1 year (p<0.05). Long term sheltered dogs seems less prone to play and to intraspecific social interaction than short term sheltered dogs. No differences emerged according to dogs’ gender and age.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
