Assessing efficiency of a Human Familiarisation and Training Programme on fearfulness and aggressiveness of military dogs

It has been shown that Belgian military working dogs exhibit fearful and aggressive behaviour towards human and unknown environment. This study aims to assess the effects of a Human Familiarisation and Training Programme (HFTP: based on positive and frequent dog–handler interactions and training) on fearfulness and aggressiveness of military working dogs. Authors predicted that an Experimental Group of dogs submitted to this HFTP (=EG dogs) would be less fearful and aggressive during a standardised aggression test than a Control Group of dogs (CG dogs). Higher posture, less yawning and less aggressive behaviours were observed among EG dogs. Authors interpreted those differences in fearfulness and aggressive behaviour as a positive effect of this HFTP on dog's welfare and concluded that this HFTP induced a better working dog–handler relationship.