How do owners perceive dominance in dogs

摘要: Dominance is a well-established phenomenon in ethology, however the dog-owning public often misuses term. A questionnaire study was launched to investigate validity of owner-derived estimates dominance dog dyads sharing same household (N=1151). According owners, dominant dogs (87%) have priority access resources (resting place, food, and rewards), undertake certain tasks (defend group during perceived or actual threats, bark more when stranger comes house, lead walks), display (lick other's mouth less, win fights, mark over urine), personality (smarter, aggressive impulsive), were older than their partner (all p<0.0001). An age related hypothesis has been suggested explain formal dogs; however, we found that status better predictor for 11 items examined. Results suggest owners' rank correspond previously established behavioural markers displays. Size physical condition unrelated dominance. Surprisingly, mixed-sex dyads, females frequently males. For future studies wish allocate using owner report offer novel 6-item survey.