Nibbling as non-verbal communication in dogs

作者：Rozempolska Rucinska Iwona^*; Trojan Maciej; Kosik Elzbieta; Prochniak Tomasz; Janeczko Paulina

来源：Medycyna Weterynaryjna, 2014, 70(5): 292-295.

• dog communication
• nibbling
• not-verbal communication

The aim of the paper was to answer the question of what message is conveyed by dogs exhibiting behaviour referred to as "nibbling" and what emotions are associated with this behaviour.
The data for the analysis were obtained from owners who observed this type of behaviour in their dogs. In total 14 groups of animals were examined. Information was collected in the form of film recordings, which proved that the behaviour observed corresponded to that analyzed in the study. Additionally, information from the owners was used.
It was observed that the ethology of nibbling in its primary, autochthonic form is related to maternal behaviour. However, since behaviour becomes detached from its biological roots in the process of ritualization, it has gained information-affiliation-consolation functions. Nibbling is not related to status in the social group or a dominant or submissive personality. It reflects highly positive emotions of one animal towards another, including humans, and constitutes a special form of communication that strengthens and creates emotional bonds regardless of animals' place in the social group.

• 出版日期2014-5