Social Interactions

Dogs are social and need positive interactions with their own kind. Over time, they have adapted and expanded their social circles to include humans. Dogs seek out contact with humans and other dogs, and show distress when isolated.

Without social interactions, learning and normal social development are negatively affected. When dogs have positive social interactions, they show fewer stress- and fear-related behaviors. The benefits of social contact for dogs are long-lasting.

Play with other dogs does not replace the need for quality time with human caretakers. To have positive effects, all social interactions should be fun for the dog.

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Dogs are a social species and positive dog to dog interactions promote good welfare.

Dogs need positive social interactions with their caretakers as well as other dogs.

Low stress handling techniques reduce stress and fear in dogs.

Force-free training is enriching and helps dogs build important skills.

Social Interactions Library

Kibble – If you want to take a deep dive into the Science 

Scientific Journal Article

Human Interaction and Cortisol: Can Human Contact Reduce Stress for Shelter Dogs?

Scientific Journal Article

Influence of Male and Female Petters on Plasma Cortisol and Behaviour: Can Human Interaction Reduce the Stress of Dogs in a Public Animal Shelter?

Scientific Journal Article

Heart Rate Variability and Saliva Cortisol Assessment in Shelter Dog: Human-Animal Interaction Effects

Scientific Journal Article

Training Dogs With the Help of the Shock Collar: Short and Long Term Behavioural Effects

Scientific Journal Article

Risk-Factors Associated With Veterinary-Related Fear and Aggression in Owned Domestic Dogs

Scientific Journal Article

Effect of a Standardized Four-Week Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning Training Program on Pre-Existing Veterinary Fear in Companion Dogs

Scientific Journal Article

A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting

Scientific Journal Article

Stress In Client-Owned Dogs Related To Clinical Exam Location: A Randomised Crossover Trial

Scientific Journal Article

Correlates of Pen Size and Housing Conditions on the Behaviour of Kennelled Dogs

Scientific Journal Article

Minimizing Stress for Patients in the Veterinary Hospital: Why It Is Important and What Can Be Done About It

Scientific Journal Article

Social Buffering of the Stress Response: Diversity, Mechanisms, and Functions

Scientific Journal Article

Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) Grieve Over the Loss of a Conspecifc

Scientific Journal Article

The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human-Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare

Scientific Journal Article

Effects of Human–Dog Familiarity on Dogs’ Behavioural Responses to Petting

Scientific Journal Article

Survey of the Use and Outcome of Confrontational and Non-Confrontational Training Methods in Client-Owned Dogs Showing Undesired Behaviors

Scientific Journal Article

Shut Up and Pet Me! Domestic Dogs (Canis Lupus familiaris) Prefer Petting to Vocal Praise in Concurrent and Single-Alternative Choice Procedures

Scientific Journal Article

The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs – A Review

Scientific Journal Article

Does Training Method Matter? Evidence for the Negative Impact of Aversive-Based Methods on Companion Dog Welfare

Scientific Journal Article

Give the Dog a Big Bone: Magnitude But Not Delivery Method of Food Impacts Preference and Reinforcer Efficacy in Dogs

Scientific Journal Article

An Investigation Into the Impact of Pre-Adolescent Training on Canine Behavior

Scientific Journal Article

Why Do Dogs Play? Function and Welfare Implications of Play in the Domestic Dog

 Additional Resources to Support Dogs in Other Environments

SHELTER & RESCUE

Dogs living in shelter or rescue kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, including those caring for dogs in home-based foster systems or rescue networks, are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.

 

PET FAMILIES

Dogs living in homes as family pets face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, support the human-animal bond, keep pets in their homes, and improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.

 

Research & Teaching

Dogs living in research or teaching kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.