As mobile quadruped robots become more common in civilian, security, and service contexts, they will increasingly share environments with companion animals. Yet little research exists on real dog–robot interactions, owner perceptions, and the potential regulatory or ethical implications. This project addresses that gap, focusing on behaviour, acceptance, and safe integration measures.

The research set out to analyse how dogs behave in response to different robot gaits, including standing, walking, and jumping, as well as to a version of the robot fitted with a 3D‑printed, dog‑like head. It also explored dog owners’ expectations, concerns, and openness toward robotic dogs, and considered how existing regulations could inform their safe integration. Semi‑structured owner interviews preceded controlled observations of dogs across six one‑minute phases. These sessions were video‑coded using BORIS. An expert interview provided additional insights.

Overall, dogs were curious yet cautious, showing more approaches during robot movement, especially when it walked away from them. A dog‑like head had minimal behavioural impact, while movement patterns and sensory cues appeared more relevant than visual resemblance. Stress indicators such as barking, hiding, or avoiding frontal approaches occurred mainly in motion phases, and dogs frequently looked to owners for guidance, suggesting human presence shapes responses. Owners expressed guarded openness to robotic dogs in specific contexts like therapy, assistance and companionship for those unable to keep live dogs, but preferred real animals. Key concerns included safety, unpredictability, liability, data privacy, and animal welfare. Regulatory suggestions often mirrored drone laws like operator training, clear visual identification, speed and access restrictions, and mandatory liability insurance. Looking ahead, these results represent an important first step that future projects can build upon. They lay the groundwork for improving robot design, shaping effective regulations, and developing training programs to support safe and harmonious coexistence between robotic and living dogs.