News / Animals
University study investigates dogs in a spin
Bristol University researchers have put a call out to dog owners to help them discover the secrets of spinning dogs.
The two-year study, led by Dr Rachel Casey in the School of Veterinary Sciences wants to understand why spinning or tail chasing behaviour develops and the effect this can have on dog welfare.
The researchers have already studied lots of tail chasing and spinning dogs – now they are recruiting Bristol dogs that do not chase their tails or spin in circles for a comparison study.
is needed now More than ever
So far the study has found dogs repeatedly spin because of excitement, frustration, anxiety or even for attention because people laugh at their spinning.
PhD student Beth Loftus, who is running the study, said they don’t know yet if the owners of spinning dogs should be concerned about their pet’s welfare however, they think the development of spinning is “influenced by individual differences in behavioural characteristics or personality”.
She added: “We hope our findings will help us to identify dogs ‘at risk’ of developing these behaviours.”
If you have a non spinning dog contact study@bristol.ac.uk.
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