Studies of anxiety: I. The production of a feeding inhibition in dogs.

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Abstract
An attempt is made to analyze a number of specific factors productive of feeding inhibition and anxiety in dogs. Eight male and 6 female dogs were divided into 2 groups. Dogs were first fed while secured in the stock, with food placed in the foodbox by hand. After adjustment a mechanical feeder was introduced. At the required level of feeding in the stock, each dog was subjected to an 85 volt AC shock of 2 sec. duration. Group I animals received 20 shocks simultaneously with the presentation of food, but later were shocked only when feeding. Group II animals were consistently shocked only at feeding. Flexion, respiration, time and delivery of food and shock were measured. A feeding inhibition was produced in all dogs by 1-4 shocks applied only while they were feeding. Anxiety symptoms were produced even when inhibition was unstable. Group II required significantly fewer shocks to produce inhibition. Altering the exptl. situation (harness removed, experimenter in room) temporarily relieved the inhibition in some cases.

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