Development of responsiveness to a social releaser in the dog: Effects of age and hunger

The reaction of dogs toward a monochrome painting of an adult conspecific were evaluated developmentally at 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Highest frequencies of interaction toward the head and inguinal regions of the model occurred at 6 and 8 wk and increased at these ages following food deprivation. These findings are discussed in relation to the development of social behavior in the dog.