Dogs Display Same Emotional And Physical Characteristics As Owners, Says New Report

New Canine Ethology Report From Drontal New research has uncovered that dogs display the same emotional and physical characteristics as their owners, including smiling, frowning and grief. The report commissioned by Drontal and entitled ‘Show Your Dog Some Love’, interviewed 460 dog owners about their pet’s behaviour. In addition 12 different breeds of dogs from Cocker Spaniels to Dachshunds were filmed taking part in various activities like play, training and interacting with humans. There is growing public interest in the area of ethology - the study of animal behaviour under natural conditions (i.e. as opposed to behaviourism, which focuses on behavioural response studies in a laboratory setting) and the contents of this report are important for anyone who works with animals so that subtle signs of stress or health issues can be correctly interpreted. The collected quantitative and qualitative data was analysed by canine behaviourist Sarah Whitehead who found that dogs convey many of the same mannerisms as their owners but there are also some key behaviour differences, including the expression of guilt. Sarah Whitehead, dog behaviour specialist and author said: “The bond between humans and dogs goes back thousands of years, but it’s only been in recent times that we have started to be interested in how our pets express their emotions. Over the last 10 years or so, the field of ethology has allowed us to be able to discuss how animals might think and feel, as well as analysing their observable behaviour. This new report provides interesting insight into how owners and dogs interact in everyday life, rather than in ‘research’ conditions. The results offer a handy tool for owners who want to learn how to interpret their dog’s behaviour and find ways of communicating with their pet to help ensure they are at their healthiest and happiest.” The research, which was carried out by Drontal to help people become real life Dr Dolittles by deciphering their pet’s behaviour correctly, also found that canines pull their eyebrows together like humans do when they are worried or concentrating. For more than 20 years, Drontal has been a leading and trusted animal health worming brand and is the only wormer that kills every type of intestinal worm commonly found in dogs and cats with a single dose. The recently launched Drontal ‘bone-shaped’ is the UK’s first worming tablet shaped like a bone. The ‘Show Your Dog Some Love’ report is free to download from www.facebook.com/drontaluk or www.drontal.co.uk

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