Study on Paw Preference in Dogs
On June 19 at 10:30 AM, researchers at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy unveiled a new standardized tool called the 'Doginburg Inventory,' designed to assess laterality in dogs. The study involved 47 domestic dogs, with 43 completing the full analysis. Results showed that one in five dogs was ambilateral, while a third displayed a strong preference for one paw.
Overall, the findings indicate a tendency among the dogs—especially males—to favor the left paw. This could be a key indicator for understanding canine physiology and behavior, as 90 percent of humans are right-handed, yet no similar pattern has been observed in dogs.
'When we talk about laterality, we mean two aspects. The first is direction: left, right, or ambilateral. But there is another important aspect: strength—how pronounced that preference is. This matters because evidence shows that both parameters influence dogs' physiology, immune response, and behavior,'
Marcello Siniscalchi
Practical Use of the 'Doginburg Inventory'
The 'Doginburg Inventory' includes four practical tasks to evaluate a dog's laterality. These tasks involve:
- holding a toy,
- reaching with a paw for food under furniture,
- stepping down from a low staircase,
- and stepping off a platform while walking.
This fresh approach to studying dogs could lead to a deeper understanding of their behavior and physiology, and may have practical applications in veterinary medicine and animal training.
The research opens new avenues for studying laterality in animals and may provide valuable insights for dog owners and veterinary professionals. The development of the 'Doginburg Inventory' marks a significant step forward in canine behavioral and physiological research, as understanding laterality could influence training and rehabilitation methods. This could help improve human-dog interactions and enhance the effectiveness of veterinary practices, ultimately boosting animal welfare. The principles established in this study may also be adapted to other animal species, creating new opportunities for future scientific exploration.