Mechanisms of aggressive behaviour in dogsGobbo, Elena (Avtor) Zupan, Manja (Mentor) dogsanimal behaviourethologyaggressive behaviourcognitionpersonalityattachment stylesanimal physiologyIn order to investigate the mechanisms associated with dog aggression using a multidisciplinary approach, four separate studies were conducted as part of this thesis. In the first study, retrospective questionnaire data were used to determine the contextual aspects of dog bites and revealed a high incidence of bites during unintended interaction with the biting dog. The second study examined psychosocial factors using a combination of behavioural tests and questionnaires reported by dog owners. Low sociability in dogs and high neuroticism in owners, as well as high avoidant and low anxious attachments between owner and dog were the characteristics associated with dog aggression. In the third study, three behavioural tests were used to examine the association between two different aspects of inhibitory control and aggression. Impaired self-control, measured as performance on the delay of gratification test, but not cognitive inhibition, measured as performance on the reversal learning test, was found to be associated with aggressive biting behaviour. In the final study, behavioural responses and several physiological changes were examined simultaneously and in real-time. Aggressive dogs were found to have decreased salivary serotonin concentration and increased facial surface temperature. In addition, frequent tail wagging and a tendency to wag the tail to the left during aggression were observed for the first time. Through new or improved approaches, our findings contribute to a better understanding of dog aggression, and may benefit not only the scientific community, but also the general public.20222022-07-24 07:15:11Doktorsko delo/naloga138509sl