Study Finds that Dogs Walked by Men Are More Aggressive
Aug 16 2012
A recent study conducted in the Czech Republic and recently accepted for publication in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science found that dogs walked by men are four times more likely to be aggressive towards other dogs. The study also found that dogs on leashes are more aggressive than dogs running free.
Being a dog myself, I can confirm both findings to be true. Most men are the leaders of our packs, so going on a walk with the alpha male is like going on a hunt or checking the perimeter around our territory. I may be friends with Fluffy from down the street during play dates but all bets are off when I'm on duty. Get your game face on Fluffy!
As for being more aggressive while on a leash, I would actually call it being frustrated. Who wants to be chained to a slow human when duty calls? The study explains this frustration stems from dogs not being able to greet each other properly when leashed. I have to admit, not being able to reach Fluffy's butt for a proper greeting IS frustrating, but that is only a minor irritant.
The study also found that female dogs enjoy playing with both male and female dogs while male dogs are less inclined to play with other males. I can also confirm this fact. After all, who wants to greet and play with a fur brother when you can flirt with Tinker Bell up the street? She has such nice ears.
Anyhowl, two paws up to Discovery News for the scoop! Go fetch for more details.
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