THE charity Dogs Trust is urging dog owners to take part in an interactive survey that will examine the way humans interpret dog behaviour.
The survey named Public Perceptions of Dog Behaviour & Emotion uses video scenarios to gauge whether the participant can tell a happy dog from a worried one.
The answers will be used by Dogs Trust to improve the public’s understanding of dog behaviour as pet ownership booms with latest figures suggesting there are now around 12 million dogs living in the UK.
Dr Lauren Samet, canine behaviour research officer at Dogs Trust, said: “Whether you have a four-legged-friend of your own or not, with dogs occupying such a big place in society it’s vital we all understand them as well as possible.
“Being able to spot when a dog is anxious, worried or even frightened, so that we can respond to those emotions in the right way, means we can all live happier lives together.”
She added: “Whether you own a dog or not, your views are equally important. Men are also really underrepresented in surveys like this so we’re making a special appeal to them to take part.”
The survey can be found at: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DogBehaviourEmotion/
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