A groundbreaking study by researchers in Israel has uncovered intriguing connections between the gut microbiome of working dogs and their behavioural traits and job performance. The research, published in NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes in 2022, provides new insights that could potentially lead to improved care and training for working canines.
The study, led by Dr Jacob Moran-Gilad of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, examined stool samples from 134 working dogs across a range of breeds, ages and job types including tracking, scent detection, and search and rescue. Using advanced genomic sequencing techniques, the researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of the dogs’ gut bacteria and compared it to behavioural assessments provided by trainers.
“We found statistically significant associations between certain microbiome features and behavioural traits like motivation, aggression, and sociability,” explained Dr Hillary Craddock, one of the study’s lead authors. “For example, increased abundance of bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum was linked to higher aggression scores.”
The researchers also developed machine learning models to predict behavioural characteristics based on microbiome data. The most accurate models were for motivation, sociability and gastrointestinal issues, suggesting clear microbial signatures associated with these traits.
Interestingly, the study revealed differences in microbiome composition based on factors like breed, age, and job type. Search and rescue dogs, for instance, tended to have lower proportions of certain bacteria compared to tracking dogs.
“These findings open up fascinating avenues for further research,” said co-lead author Anastasia Godneva. “We may be able to modulate a dog’s microbiome through diet or probiotics to potentially influence its behaviour and performance.”
The study has important implications for working dog programmes in military, law enforcement and other fields. Better understanding of the microbiome-behaviour connection could lead to improved methods for selecting, training and caring for these valuable canines.
However, the researchers caution that more work is needed to establish causal relationships. “Our study shows correlations, but we can’t yet say if microbiome changes cause behavioural changes or vice versa,” noted Dr Moran-Gilad. “Longitudinal studies will be crucial to pinpoint the direction of influence.”
The research team also highlighted some limitations of the study, including the relatively small and diverse sample size. They recommend future studies focus on more homogeneous groups of dogs to further elucidate specific microbiome-behaviour links.
Despite these caveats, the study represents an important step forward in understanding the complex interplay between gut bacteria and canine behaviour. As Dr Craddock concluded: “This research provides a solid foundation for exploring how we might be able to leverage the microbiome to enhance the health, wellbeing and performance of working dogs.”
With the critical role these animals play in areas like national security and disaster response, such insights could have far-reaching impacts. As this field of study advances, it may usher in new approaches to optimising the extraordinary capabilities of man’s best friend.