Behavioural modifications of bitches during diestrus and anestrus

By scoring the dogs behaviours, statistically significant differences between the two sex cycle periods were found. When in their own box, the subjects in diestrus vs anestrus remained, on average (±S.E.), sitting (diestrus 39.81±15.93 s vs anestrus 81.54±35.95 s; p<0.062) and standing on hind legs (diestrus 4.54±2.21 s vs anestrus 9.09±7.45 s; p<0.02) for a shorter time, while they barked more (diestrus 30.81±17.52 s vs anestrus 7.63±5.73 s; p<0.062). When in the unknown box, the subjects in diestrus remained standing on hind legs (diestrus 23±11.9 s vs anestrus 79.45±39.98 s; p<0.02) and barked (diestrus 2.63±1.62 s vs anestrus 16.63±9.99 s; p<0.062) for a shorter time, while they remained sitting (diestrus 139± 58.62 s vs anestrus 58.81±24.39 s; p<0.062) for a longer time compared to anestrus. The third test did not show statistically significant differences in the aggressive behaviour of the tested subjects when in anestrus vs diestrus, the mean score (± S.E.) being 3.62±0.11 when in anestrus and 3.69±0.06 when in diestrus.