The study, conducted by researchers from the Domestication Lab at the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology (KLIVV) at Vetmeduni, examined how dogs respond to human fear scents in a controlled environment. A total of 61 dogs participated in the study, divided into two groups. The experimental group was exposed to two target objects, one infused with human fear sweat and the other with a neutral human scent. The control group, on the other hand, was exposed to two target objects with neutral human scents.
No Uniform Avoidance Reaction, but Individual Behavior
Dogs exposed to the fear scent exhibited behaviors indicative of discomfort or hesitation, such as spending more time near the experimenter, lowering their tails, and taking longer to approach the targets. However, the most striking finding was the variability in individual reactions. While some dogs hesitated to approach the fear scent, others approached it more quickly than the neutral scent. This challenges the common assumption that dogs have an innate tendency to avoid human fear scents.
"Our findings suggest that dogs are influenced by human fear scents, but their reactions are far from uniform," says lead author Svenja Capitain from KLIVV at Vetmeduni. "This variability could be influenced by factors such as life experience, training, or even breed, though further research is needed to confirm these influences." Interestingly, the study found no significant effects of age or sex on the dogs' reactions, aligning with previous research.
Important Insights for Therapy Dogs, Human Interaction, and Dog Training
The study's findings could have practical implications for dog training, the selection of therapy dogs, and improving human-dog interactions. Understanding why some dogs approach fear scents while others avoid them could help enhance dogs' well-being, reduce stress, and even prevent potential safety issues, such as aggressive reactions toward fearful individuals. "Our research highlights the importance of considering individual differences in dogs' behavior," emphasizes Svenja Capitain. "By moving away from the assumption of uniformity, we can better understand our four-legged companions and support them in navigating the human world."
The researchers hope that future studies will explore the role of life experiences, training, and breed in shaping dogs' reactions to human fear chemosignals. They also suggest investigating how environmental factors – such as familiar versus unfamiliar locations – might influence these reactions.
The article „Not just avoidance: Dogs show subtle individual differences in reacting to human fear chemosignals“ by Svenja Capitain, Friederike Range and Sarah Marshall-Pescini was published in „Frontiers in Veterinary Science“.
Scientific contact:
Svenja Capitain MSc.
Konrad-Lorenz-Institut für Vergleichende Verhaltensforschung (KLIVV)
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien (Vetmeduni)
Svenja.Capitain@vetmeduni.ac.at