What is in a scent? Understanding the role of scent marking in social dynamics and territoriality of free-ranging dogs

Scent marks play a crucial role in both territorial and sexual communication in many species. We investigated how free-ranging dogs respond to scent marks from individuals of different identities in terms of sex and group, across varying strategic locations within their territory. Both male and female dogs showed heightened interest in scent marks compared to control, exhibiting stronger territorial responses, with males being more territorial than females. Overmarking behavior was predominantly observed in males, particularly in response to male scent marks and those from neighboring groups. Behavioral cluster analysis revealed distinct responses to different scent marks, with neighboring group male scents eliciting the most distinct reactions. Our findings highlight the multifaceted role of scent marks in free-ranging dog communication, mediating both territorial defense and intrasexual competition. The differential responses based on the identity and gender of the scent-marker emphasize the complexity of olfactory signaling in this species. This study contributes to understanding the social behavior of dogs in their natural habitat, and opens up possibilities for future explorations in the role of olfactory cues in the social dynamics of the species.