The aim of this study was to assess the effects of
space allowance (4.5 m
2/head vs. 9 m
2/head) on the behaviour of shelter dogs (
Canis familiaris) at different times of the day (from 10:30 to 13:30 vs. from 14:30 to 17:30), and the dogs鈥?preference between two types of beds (fabric bed vs. plastic basket). Twelve neutered dogs (seven males and five females aged 3-8 years) housed in pairs were observed using a scan sampling recording method every 20 s for a total of 14,592 scans/treatment. An increase in
space allowance increased general level of activity (risk ratio (RR) = 1.34), standing (RR = 1.37), positive social interactions (RR = 2.14), visual exploration of the environment (RR = 1.21), and vocalisations (RR = 2.35). Dogs spent more time in the sitting (RR = 1.39) or standing (RR = 1.88) posture, in positive interactions (RR = 1.85), and active visual exploration (RR = 1.99) during the morning than in the afternoon. The dogs were more often observed in the fabric bed than in the plastic basket (53% vs. 15% of total scans,
p < 0.001).
Results suggest that a 9.0 m2/head space allowance could be more beneficial to dogs than one of 4.5 m2.