A restraint system for the psychophysiological study of dogs

The present report describes a system for continuous psychophysiological study of the dog in a relatively flexible restraint harness that maintains the animal in a constant directional orientation, but allows him to assume any of a number of standing, sitting, or lying positions. The system permits the concurrent monitoring of behavioral and physiological processes under both acute and chronic conditions. A harness consisting of a leather collar and two body yokes is suspended from a pivoting metal hanger assembly. The harness is integrated with an isolation hamber equipped with automatic food, ater, stimulus, and response devices. Techniques for installing and maintaining dogs in the harness are described. A system for the continuous monitoring of cardiovascular functions and some experimental uses of the restraint system are suggested.