Take a Look Towards the Stress Response of Working Dogs: Cortisol and Lactate Trend Mismatches During Training

Simple Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate serum lactate and cortisol levels in dogs during training. In particular, during the enrollment of working dogs, they may find themselves in stressful conditions and it is important to understand how the animals can adapt. Stress-related behaviours at T0 (arrival at the training field), T1 (immediately after training), and T2 (60 min after training) were analyzed in working dogs.Abstract The enrollment of working dogs in various fields is widespread throughout the world. Training adult working dogs could be stressful to dogs, which is why it is important to assess their response to these conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether basic training in adult working dogs can be stressful. Cortisol and lactate concentrations were measured at three time points: T0, arrival at the training field; T1, immediately after training; and T2, 60 min after training. Stress-related behaviours were also recorded. None of the dogs showed behavioural signs of stress, such as yawning, barking, or stereotyped movements, although some displayed behaviours such as sniffing, licking their lips, keeping their ears back, or lifting their legs, which may also indicate stress. Cortisol concentrations were highest at T0, decreased at T1, and rose again at T2, while lactate concentrations increased at T1 and returned to baseline at T2. These findings suggest that the training itself was not a significant stressor, whereas the environment prior to training may have contributed to anticipatory stress.