The effects of drug detection training on behavioral reactivity and blood neurotransmitter levels in drug detection dogs: A preliminary study

Abstract 

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of drug detection training on behavior and blood neurotransmitter levels in drug detection dogs so as to investigate some variables influencing dog reactivity and responsiveness to training. In all, 20 dogs were sampled out of the Guardia di Finanza canine population. All the subjects were born, reared, housed, and trained in the same facility and followed the same training sessions. Dogs’ behavioral reactivity was scored according to a standardized working dogs test to evaluate natural dog attitudes. Plasma samples were analyzed by the high-performance liquid chromatography method to evaluate adrenaline, noradrenaline, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, homovanillic acid (HVA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol acid (MHPG), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels. 5-HT and 5-HIAA were also analyzed from platelets. The analysis was carried out considering training, breed, and sex as independent variables. From a behavioral point of view, significant differences were recorded before and after training in “sociability,” “playfulness,” “predatory instinct,” and “aggressiveness” scores. Lower levels of platelet 5-HT and 5-HIAA were found after training. Plasma L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine levels differed between sexes, with males showing higher concentrations. These results underline the importance of complete and objective evaluations protocols of the dogs before, during, and after drugs search training to determine effective and successful selection strategies and training procedures.

Keywords: working dog, stress, behavioral reactivity, blood neurotransmitters