Tag Archives: research

Is your dog right-pawed or left-pawed?

Posted on August 14, 2011 | 1 comment

Research shows that dogs can have a paw preference and it is fairly easy for you to test your own dog.

In 2006, a researcher, Dr Nick Branson, found that the way a dog uses its paws was an indicator of how it reacted to noise. Dogs without a clear paw preference were more likely to be reactive to noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks. He presented his findings at the annual conference of the Australian Veterinary Association in 2007.

Dr Branson was quoted as saying,:

“It seems possible that dogs that do not favour one side or the other may be prone to experience intense emotional responses to a broad range of stimuli. Animals with lateralised functions may be able to transfer attention from disturbing stimulus more successfully.” (Source: News Nine)

Now, if you want to know how to test your dog for their dominant paw, here’s how – just follow these tests as demonstrated by Ellie Mae on YouTube:

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Posted in Dogs, research

Tagged dogs, Ellie Mae, left handedness, left-pawed, Nick Branson, paw preferences, research, right handedness, right-pawed, YouTube

The role of the dog in the family unit

Posted on March 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

A recently-published New York times article explains the role of the pet in the family unit and various research projects that are attempting to define the human-pet bond. This article goes onto explain why personal orientation about the role of the pet in the family can lead to disagreements and conflict.

My personal favourite is the 2007 research that categorises pet owners into one of three categories.

Humanists treat their dogs as a member of the family or primary companion. They will do things such as allowing the dog into bed or onto the furniture, cook it special meals, and mourn it when it passes. Humanists tend to look down on dominionists.

Protectionists consider themselves the animal’s advocate with strong personal views on how an animal should be treated. Protectionists are critical of humanists.

Dominionists view their dog as a useful helper, below that in status of the humans. Dogs, in their opinion, are replaceable. Rural people often fall into this category, according to the research.

I’m a proud humanist, by the way!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

Strong dog – wide head?

Posted on February 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

The size of your dog’s head may be an accurate predictor of his/her strength, according to research by Dr William Helton of the University of Canterbury.

Dr Helton studied dogs that competed in events for the International Weight Pull Association and published his results in the journal of Behavioral Processes.

Broad-headed dogs were able to pull much greater weights than those breeds with narrower heads; but dogs with the narrower heads were likely to run faster. This is a classic case of not being able to ‘have it all’ because, as Dr Helton says, “Nature does not allow unlimited budgets and the trade-offs are often physical constraints.”

The size of the head isn’t an absolute indicator, but it is a skeletal trait that is an indicator of other skeletal traits which are linked to endurance, strength, or speed. Dr Helton recognises that other factors such as nutrition, personality aplay a part in a dog’s overall performance.

Read more about Dr Helton’s findings in this Discovery News item.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand