Published in Scientific Reports, this study by Hannah E. Flint and colleagues represents one of the most detailed investigations into the short-term emotional states of dogs. While much research has focused on detecting negative emotions such as fear or anxiety, this study aimed to establish clear, evidence-based markers for positive emotional states like calmness and happiness.
Using a cross-over experimental design, the researchers exposed 60 dogs from a controlled research facility to six different ten-minute scenarios, each designed to evoke varying levels of emotional valence (positive vs. negative) and arousal (low vs. high). They then measured a wide range of behavioral and physiological parameters, including heart rate variability, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, ear temperature, body posture, panting, and whining.
The findings revealed that physiological responses like cortisol levels and heart rate variability changed significantly with arousal but were most pronounced in negative emotional contexts. Behavioral markers such as panting, whining, and body shaking were also associated with heightened arousal in stressful situations. Conversely, positive states like relaxation or happiness were more accurately reflected in behavioral assessments using qualitative behavioral analysis (QBA), which captured subtle changes in demeanor and posture.
Interestingly, certain behaviors such as sitting and ear temperature changes correlated with positive, high-arousal scenarios—suggesting that physical movement and body warmth might serve as non-invasive indicators of excitement or joy. Meanwhile, heart rate, secretory immunoglobulin A, and body postures like standing or lying reflected similar arousal trends across both emotional valences.
The study underscores the importance of using a multi-parameter approach that integrates physiological and behavioral observations to assess canine emotions more accurately. The authors recommend combining indicators of both emotional valence and arousal in future research and welfare monitoring to reduce bias and improve the reliability of emotion assessment tools in dogs.
Source: Flint, H. E., Weller, J. E., Parry-Howells, N., Ellerby, Z., McKay, S. L., & King, T. (2024). Evaluation of indicators of acute emotional states in dogs. Scientific Reports, 14. Published March 17, 2024.
