Spatial orientation and exploration behavior of free-ranging domestic dogs

Abstract

In this thesis, the behavior of free-ranging (off-leash) exploring domestic pet dogs (n=30) was studied whilst walking with their owner in new and familiar areas (n=120) and not being signalled or called to. The roaming behavior of the dogs was measured via GPS during four consecutive walks whilst off the leash at all times. Individual runs were assessed if the dog travelled in excess of 20 m away from their owner in any direction (n= 3145 runs) and of those runs seven different exploration patterns were evaluated. All dogs in this study returned to their owner, independent of exploration distance, time or area. Length of trials (runs > 20 m) varied greatly, so did the movement patterns. Almost half of the dogs showed a difference of less than 150 m away from the owner (43 %) and the dogs utilized primarily (62 %) the travelling pattern of running ahead of the owner on the path and waiting or following. All dogs travelled significantly longer distances than their owners and at significantly higher speed. The dogs explored further and longer in known than unknown areas. Significant correlations regarding time and distance of runs > 20 m could be demonstrated for dogs of one owner (teams) indicating that their exploration behavior is mainly influenced by their owner and to a lesser extent the dog’s age, breed or sex. Looking at the dogs dyads/triads of dog teams (dogs of one owner) it could be demonstrated that most dog teams tend to travel together displaying similar exploration patterns with one initiating or leading dog. Significant difference could be shown between their way outbound (away from owner) as compared to inbound (back to owner) regarding time and speed: dogs on their way away from the owner were slow and more circuitous whereas inbound they were direct and fast. Results herein are in accordance with expected socioecological differences, in that male dogs explored further than female dogs, possibly because of a relevant function in reproduction. Dog owners had to fill out two questionnaires which were than analyzed and partly correlated: First, an owner questionnaire pertaining to their dog and secondly the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) to measure owner attachment values. Attachment scores in this study were found to have high to excellent values. High expected hunting scores as assessed by the owner questionnaire were negatively correlated with the subscale general attachment and LAPS total. Owners of male dogs’ displayed higher attachment values than owners of female dogs. Owners of intact dogs had significantly lower general attachment values and subscale animal rights values than owners of castrated dogs and owners of mixed breed dogs had significantly higher values in the animal rights subscale and the overall LAPS score than owners of purebred dogs. Owners of far ranging dogs had significantly higher LAPS total scores than owners of the other two groups. In this study it could be demonstrated that 70 % of dogs stayed within a radius of <350 m to their owner, despite external stimuli and whilst not being called. Furthermore, most dogs employed an exploration pattern of running ahead or following their owner on the path. All dogs, however, walked significantly longer distances and at higher speed than their owner, independent of breed, age or size. These are important indications that dogs need to walk off leash to determine their physiological walking pace. Dogs of one owner displayed similar exploration patterns indicating the importance of owner influence rather than breed or age. In conclusion, most dogs stay close to their owner and off leash restrictions should be reconsidered.