Journal article
The Power of a Positive Human-Animal Relationship for Animal Welfare
Jean-Loup Rault, Susanne Waiblinger, Xavier Boivin, Paul Hemsworth
Frontiers in Veterinary Science | FRONTIERS MEDIA SA | Published : 2020
Abstract
Domestic animals often seek and enjoy interacting with humans. Positive human-animal relationships can elicit positive emotions and other positive welfare outcomes. Nevertheless, our understanding of the underlying processes that govern the positive perception of humans by animals is incomplete. We cover the potential mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of positive human-animal relationships from the perspective of the animal. This encompasses habituation, associative learning, and possibly attachment or bonding based on communication and social cognition. We review the indicators from the literature to assess a positive human-animal relationship. We operationally define t..
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