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Article
Dogs Produce Distinctive Play Pants: Confirming Simonet et al. (2001)
International Journal of Comparative Psychology
  • Shelly Volsche, Boise State University
  • Hannah Gunnip, Boise State University
  • Cameron Brown, Boise State University
  • Makayla Kiperash, Boise State University
  • Holly Root-Gutteridge, University of Lincoln
  • Alexandra Horowitz, Barnard College
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Disciplines
Abstract

Identifying meaningful vocalizations in nonhuman animals can help explain the evolution of human communications. However, non-speech-like sounds, including laughter equivalents, are not well studied, although they may be meaningful. In this pilot study we investigate whether dogs perform a domain-specific pant during play by capturing vocalizations and behaviors during three interactions: training, play, and rest. Sixteen human and dog dyads participated in a session that included all three interactions in the same order: training, play, rest. During these sessions, each partner wore wireless microphones that transmitted to a receiver and digital recorder, while a standalone digital camera captured video of the interactions. A one-way ANOVA demonstrates that dogs do perform a domain-specific "play pant," which was almost completely absent during training and rest. These vocalizations mostly co-occurred with play behaviors (e.g., play bow) or tickling and cuddling. These preliminary findings suggest that a laugh-like play pant is used by dogs during play; future research should explore other interspecific acoustic signals as derived from conspecific signals and having communicative function.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information
Shelly Volsche, Hannah Gunnip, Cameron Brown, Makayla Kiperash, et al.. "Dogs Produce Distinctive Play Pants: Confirming Simonet et al. (2001)" International Journal of Comparative Psychology (2022)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shelly-volsche/34/