Physical activity plays an important role in shaping canine behavior and welfare. Zilocchi and colleagues (2016) investigated the behavioral differences between active dogs (AD) participating in sports and sedentary dogs (SD), using a questionnaire completed by 234 owners.
The results revealed that dogs in the active group expressed significantly fewer undesirable behaviors such as turning on themselves and mounting, which are often associated with stress and frustration. Active dogs also showed a lower tendency to aggressiveness towards other dogs, with agility-trained dogs standing out due to their frequent use of positive reinforcement and enhanced opportunities for socialization at sporting events.
Interestingly, certain behaviors such as chasing vehicles or people and staring at objects were more common among active dogs. The researchers suggest that this may be linked to breed predispositions, particularly the high number of Border Collies in the active group, as these behaviors are often reinforced by selection for working tasks.
Overall, the findings suggest that regular physical activity, particularly structured activities like agility, can promote better frustration management, reduce stress-linked behaviors, and foster improved intra-specific socialization among dogs. The study highlights the importance of matching activities to breed characteristics and individual needs for optimal welfare benefits.
Source: Zilocchi, M., Tagliavini, Z., Cianni, E., & Gazzano, A. (2016). Effects of physical activity on dog behavior. 2, 9–14. Published August 1, 2016.
