Behavioral differences by sex in companion dogs in response to owner absence migrants: Sex differences in dog behavior during owner absence

Eun Ggyeom Jung; Soon Hwangbo

doi:10.7744/kjoas.520209

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2025 Vol.52, Issue 2 Preview Page Next Page

Animal

Behavioral differences by sex in companion dogs in response to owner absence migrants: Sex differences in dog behavior during owner absence

1 June 2025. pp. 163-169

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Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate behavioral differences in companion dogs based on sex following the owner’s absence. The aim was to provide foundational data on companion animal behavior and to help prevent or reduce problem behaviors that may lead to accidents when the owner is away. Behavioral observations revealed that female dogs spent significantly more time sleeping (mean 36.1 min) than male dogs (mean 12.2 min) (p < 0.05). In contrast, male dogs showed significantly longer durations of resting (20 min) and pacing (26 min) than females (p < 0.05). Barking, identified as a problem behavior during owner absence, occurred significantly more frequently in males (mean 12.6 times) than in females (mean 4.5 times) (p < 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the total duration of destructive behavior per hour by sex, differences were observed in temporal patterns. Male dogs consistently displayed destructive behavior throughout the observation period (1.2 - 3.2 min·h^-1), whereas females exhibited it predominantly immediately after the owner’s departure and around sleep periods. Barking was most frequent immediately after the owner’s departure in both sexes.

Keywords

canine behavior

companion dogs

owner absence

separation anxiety

sex differences

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Information

Publisher :Institute of Agricultural Science, Chungnam National University
Publisher(Ko) :충남대학교 농업과학연구소
Journal Title :Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
Journal Title(Ko) :농업과학연구
Volume : 52
No :2
Pages :163-169
Received Date : 2025-05-09
Revised Date : 2025-05-23
Accepted Date : 2025-05-23
DOI :https://doi.org/10.7744/kjoas.520209

Korean Journal of Agricultural Science ISSN:2466-2402(Print) 2466-2410(Online) 농업과학연구

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