In Ontario, Canada, sled dogs encounter a unique challenge when the clocks change twice a year. Researchers have found that this shift in time can be disruptive for working dogs, whose routines are highly structured and governed by specific schedules.
In a fascinating study by scientists from the University of Toronto, sled dogs were equipped with movement sensors to track their activity before and after the time change. The results were eye-opening: after the clocks fell back in the fall, the sled dogs were found to be active and moving around almost exactly one hour earlier than usual. In contrast, pet dogs—of the same breeds—showed no such shift, peacefully sleeping through their extra hour in bed.
This study, which was published in the journal PLoS One, is part of a larger project examining behavioural differences between wolves and domestic dogs. The aim is to understand whether these changes in routine are a result of domestication or if wild canines like wolves would respond similarly. The study sought to determine whether the ability to adapt to such shifts is a behaviour that evolved in domestic dogs or if it’s something that was imposed by humans over time.
Although much of the research on time changes has focused on humans—highlighting that daylight saving time can disrupt sleep and even result in more traffic accidents immediately after the clocks change—this study is the first to examine its effects on domestic dogs. For sled dogs, the time change signifies a disruption in their strict daily routine.
Usually, their handlers arrive at the kennel at sunrise to begin their work, but after the clocks fall back, the dogs are already up and active, nearly an hour ahead of their usual routine.
Interestingly, the disruption lasted only one day for most sled dogs. By the following morning, their activity patterns realigned with the arrival of their handlers. However, the same couldn’t be said for pet dogs, who seemed to adjust their morning activities to the new schedule immediately after the clocks changed. This was not the case in the pet dogs studied, who did not show any measurable disruption.
The study, conducted in 2021 during Canada’s COVID-19 lockdown, included both sled dog and pet participants, many of whom had huskies or malamutes. Pet owners who participated were incredibly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and carefully documenting their dogs’ activities.
One key takeaway from the study is that gradual adjustments to a new timetable can be beneficial for working dogs. While dogs can certainly learn new routines, an abrupt change, such as the daylight saving time shift, can lead to confusion and stress. For sled dogs with demanding schedules, a more gradual transition could help them adapt to the new routine without disrupting their natural rhythms.
In contrast, most pet dogs' more relaxed lifestyles mean they tend to handle time changes with less difficulty—especially if they have a comfy bed to sleep in and no strict work schedule to adhere to.