Paw preference as an indicator of operational suitability in working dogs: An ex post facto analysis

Abstract

Paw laterality has been linked to personality and performance in dogs. Although some research has shown that right-pawed dogs are more aggressive and less fearful, the majority of research suggests that the degree of laterality is more predictive of behavior than of a simple preference for the right or left paw. In a retrospective study we analyzed laterality in dogs that were separated into two groups: a fully operational group and a semi-operational group. The decision as to which group was based on a behavioral assessment by the chief trainer. We selected dogs on the basis of availability from these two groups and measured the direction and extent of laterality using a WALK test and a COME test. In both tests we determined which paw was moved first. Our results revealed that most of the dogs showed a right-paw preference, with no difference between the operational and semi-operational dogs. However, regarding the extent of laterality, the semi-operational dogs showed significantly less laterality than the operational dogs. Given that laterality measures seem to be consistent over time (Tomkins et al., 2010b), we found that if laterality had been a criterion used when purchasing the dogs, our selection process would have been significantly improved.