The effects of alcohol on agonistic behavior in the Telomian dog.

The study analyzed the effects of alcohol on agonistic behavior in three independent social systems, each compromised of two male and one female Telomian dog. Three dose levels were used: 0, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg body weight of absolute alcohol diluted to 20%. Observations were made when none, one (top, middle or low ranking), or all dogs in a system received a given treatment. At the 0.8 g/kg level, low ranking dogs showed an increased frequency of attacks and bone possession time, while top and middle ranking dogs showed a decrease. At the 1.6 g/kg level, all subjects decreased their attacks and bone possession time. Alcohol decreased frequency of agonistic vocalizations under all conditions. There were differential social rank effects on frequency of retreats. Overall, the results were similar whether one or all dogs received the particular treatment.