Parallel Terminology (Panel)
Victoria L Voith, DVM, MSc, MA, PhD,
DACVB, Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB, Peter Borchelt, PhD, CAAB, and Valarie
Tynes
People who work with animals typically
develop terminology specific to their field. Individual disciplines
may use different words to describe the same behavior. For example,
animal behavior scientists may classify aggression in specific
circumstances between animals in social groups as related to dominance;
the same incident may be classified as “conflict behavior” or “conflict
aggression” by other professionals. Some groups use the term “sibling
rivalry” to describe aggression between dogs in a household regardless
of whether the dogs are littermates. What an ethologist calls a
“displacement activity”, a dog trainer might call a “calming signal” or
an “offered behavior”. Regurgitation defined in veterinary medical
dictionaries is “the backward flow of undigested food from the
esophagus, as distinct from vomiting in which the food comes from the
stomach.” E.O. Wilson in Sociobiology describes regurgitation as “food
sharing” and cites examples of wild dogs bringing back food to litters.
Horsemen/women used to talk about “spirited” horses; now they appear to
be “reactive,” a term used by horsepeople and animal scientists. There
is the “sharp dog,” the “bold dog,” the “shy dog,” and the “game dog.”
Does anyone know what the equestrian maneuver “Half-halt” means?
Probably most people taking riding lessons don’t – nor may most riding
-instructors or, maybe, the term has different meanings among
instructors. There is also the phenomenon of using the same word for
different phenomena – such as “imprinting,” “punishment,” and “passive
aggressiveness.” This panel will provide examples, solicit
contributions, and lead a discussion pertaining to such “parallel
terminology.” |
Using Animal Behavior Theory to Better
Understand and Treat Behavioral Problems in Dogs
Camille Ward, MS, PhD, CAAB
What is the value of looking to theory
for solutions to applied behavior problems? When working with canine
behavioral problems, I regularly draw on my education and background in
ethology, animal behavior, and evolutionary theory when making treatment
recommendations concerning client dogs. My talk will investigate and
explore relevant concepts from animal behavior theory—e.g., valuable
relationships, reconciliation, emotional contagion, social facilitation,
etc.—and their potential applications to understanding, preventing, and
treating behavioral problems in dogs. Audience input and discussion are
encouraged. |
Most of the Good Stuff is Outside of the
Quadrant
Peter L. Borchelt, PhD, CAAB and
Mary Huntsberry, MA, ACAAB
The +/- , reinforcement/punishment
quadrant has become reified and widely accepted as fully describing the
field of dog training and behavior consulting. In fact, it fails to
include most of the important variables in the fields of animal behavior
and animal learning. I will attempt to provide a first approximation (I
seek and expect comments and criticism ) of a fuller view of the
multitude of variables that form the basis of applied animal behavior,
including sensory systems, behavioral systems, sequences and
components, classical conditioning, single stimulus effects
(habituation, sensitization) and more. |
Can Four Quadrants Form a Circle? And
Other Questions from the Behavioral Front Lines.
Clive D. L. Wynne, PhD
Playwright G. B. Shaw, when told of
Pavlov’s discoveries, quipped, “Any policeman could tell you that much
about a dog” – an opinion regarding the usefulness of behavioral science
for everyday life that is still shared by many today. Though it is
tempting to blame poor education and exploitative TV shows, I will take
seriously some of the criticisms that have been laid at the feet of
scientific behaviorists. For example, Are the four quadrants of
reinforcement logically circular? Is punishment really unethical? How
can a secondary reinforcer (such as a click or a whistle) be superior to
a primary reinforcer? I will conclude that real-world situations are
often difficult to slot into the neat categories of behavioral theory,
but it would be throwing out the pup with the bathwater to give up on
the attempt to form a rigorous applied science of companion-animal
behavior. |
Selectionism and Parsimony: How Radical
Behaviorism Provides Optimism and Compassion or More Reasons to Not Use
the Word “Dominant”
Erica N. Feuerbacher, PhD, CPDT-KA
Two of the fundamental tenets of radical
(Skinnerian) behaviorism are parsimony and selectionism. First,
parsimony requires that we include no more variables for a natural
phenomenon as are necessary and sufficient to explain it. We often use
summary labels (a shorthand description of a suite of behaviors) to
describe behavior (e.g., the dog is dominant, fear-aggressive,
left-brain extrovert), but can fall into circular reasoning when these
are used as explanations of behavior they describe. These explanatory
fictions are therefore not parsimonious and do not identify the
environment-behavior relations that lead to effective action. As applied
animal behaviorists we should seek parsimony because it leads to
effective action for behavior change. Second, selectionism takes
behavior as a product of environmental selection at the ontogenetic
level, just as natural selection explains species from an environmental
selection standpoint. Just as natural selection eschewed an
essentialistic view of species, selectionism at the behavioral level
also eschews an essentialistic view of behavior and instead provides a
framework for optimism: behavior is mutable as long as the environmental
variables affecting and selecting it are identified and controlled. It
also provides a compassionate view of both the animal and the handler:
both are products of their environment, including their deficits, and
both can be changed. Both from a selectionist view and employing
parsimony, employing terms such as “dominant” often take on an
explanatory fiction and essentialist quality; as an explanation for
behavior this leaves no room for optimism and change, nor adequately
explains the behavior of interest. |
Postpartum Parents and Family Dogs
Jennifer Shryock, BA, CDBC
Many parents are prepared for a joyous
homecoming with their new baby. They plan ahead for the initial dog and
baby greeting and the excitement family guests and friendly visitors
bring. But what happens to the happy family once the initial emotional
flurry disperses and the reality of a lifetime of parenting sets in?
Many families can feel overwhelmed during these first few months of
parenthood. This is a time frame I call the "Impulsive Re-homing Phase".
This presentation will highlight observable signs which may indicate the
human-animal bond is at risk or weakening and could lead to
relinquishment of the dog. Common family and dog challenges will be
highlighted and tips will be shared that can maximize the long term
success for all family members. |
Peri-Pubescent Canine Aggression – Could
This Dog have been Saved?
Suzanne La Croix, MS, PhD
This is the case study of Ozzie, the
male German Shepherd Dog. Ozzie was owned by the ideal family who
already had one ideal Golden Retriever. The peri-pubescent Ozzie began
to exhibit impulsivity and occasional “guard dog behavior” toward people
for whom he had previously shown no adverse reactions. Over the course
of five months, he became increasingly erratic, unpredictable, and
aggressive toward unfamiliar people and situations, while continuing to
have an acceptable home relationship with his family and his canine
companion. Despite exhibiting intelligence and learning (some behavior
modification was successful), his impulsivity during arousal states
progressed to unacceptable levels of barking, poking, snatching, and
ultimately biting behavior (first directed at the front door &
strangers; and ultimately family directed.) Despite the family’s best
efforts, Ozzie escaped the home to bite a passing jogger; the family
feared the impact this experience was having on their children. As a
last chance, the family utilized a two-week training and boarding
boot-camp with a dog trainer experienced with German Shepherd Dogs.
However, despite Ozzie’s ability to adopt “normal dog manners” with the
resident Top Dog (a mature German Shepherd Dog), he was unable to adjust
his view of human strangers and his aggressive outbursts remained
unpredictable. He ultimately redirected his aggression onto the female
owner during a “Greeting from a Friendly Stranger” exercise and severely
bit her leg. The owners conceded defeat and the young dog was
euthanized. Could this dog have been saved?
|
Prescribing Fluoxetine in Small Animal
Practice
Gagandeep Kaur, DVM, PhD*, Victoria L.
Voith, DVM, MSc, MA, PhD, DACVB, Peggy L. Schmidt, DVM, MS, DACVPM
Use of behavior modifying drugs in small
animal medicine is on the rise. Most of these drugs are not approved by
the FDA for use in dogs and cats. Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed for
animal behavior problems. The purpose of this study was to examine
prescribing habits of small animal veterinarians for use of fluoxetine
in dogs and cats. Small animal veterinarians, contacted through email or
at local veterinary meetings, were asked to fill out an eight question
survey about their use of fluoxetine. Of the respondents, 83% prescribed
fluoxetine for dogs or cats or both. The majority prescribed fluoxetine
once per 24 hours, and generic formulation was the most commonly used
form. In dogs, fluoxetine was used for 32 different behavioral
diagnoses. In cats, fluoxetine was used for 22 different diagnoses.
These results will be presented at the meeting.
Conclusion: The
findings highlight widespread use of fluoxetine for many behavioral
disorders/diagnoses. Different treatment regimens followed by the
clinicians suggest the use of fluoxetine may be based on personal
experience, rather than research. |
Why, When and How to Recommend Euthanasia
for Behavior Cases (Panel)
Ellen Mahurin, MA, ACAAB,
Theresa DePorter, DVM, MRCVS, DECAWBM,
DACVB, Sherrie Yuschak RVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, and
Jennifer Shryock, BA, CDBC
Clients should be able to expect us to
give our expert opinions on the likelihood of a favorable outcome in
behavioral cases. Will treatment be "worth it" in terms of time and
financial commitment, welfare of the pet, emotional toll on the family,
and safety for everyone involved? It can be unappealing and heart
wrenching to help families make these difficult, extremely personal
decisions. Pet parents should not be expected to face the option of
euthanasia alone. Behaviorists can and should weigh in. The panel will
present cases and personal opinions. Each member represents a slightly
different background, career path, and experience set within applied pet
behavior. This will provide multiple perspectives and encourage lively
discussion. |
Effects of Shelter Dog Breed Labeling on
Potential Adopter Perceptions, Length of Stay & Return Rates
Lisa M. Gunter* and Clive D.L. Wynne,
PhD
Previous research has indicated that
certain breeds of dogs stay longer in animal shelters than others
however how breed perception and assignment influence potential
adopters’ decisions remains unclear. Dog breed identification in
shelters is often based upon reporting by relinquishing owner or staff
determination according to the dog’s phenotype. However discrepancies
have been found between breed identification assessed by welfare
agencies and DNA analysis. Specifically, breed assignment of pit
bull-type dogs by shelter staff and veterinarians has shown to be
inconsistent and an unreliable means of identification with dogs labeled
in this way lacking such DNA signatures associated with this breed
group. The first study here examines dogs labeled as pit-bull types and
dogs that were phenotypically similar but were labeled as another breed
or breed mix (“lookalikes”) at a Florida open admission animal shelter.
We compared the dogs’ total lengths of stay as well as potential
adopters’ perceptions of attractiveness when viewed in videos. Study 2
analyzes data from an open admission animal shelter in Florida that
removed breed labeling from shelter kennel cards and online adoption
profiles. We compared lengths of stay and outcomes for all breeds,
including pit bull-type dogs, and modes of intake, before the change in
labeling practice (January 2005-January 2014) with those after the
labeling change had been made (February-September 2014). Lastly, we
investigated breed assignment of mixed breed dogs at a limited admission
animal shelter in Arizona. In this experiment, we compared available
length of stay prior to adoption and post-adoption return rates for dogs
whose breeds were determined by visual identification to those whose
breeds were determined with the MARS Wisdom Panel – which were indicated
on the dogs’ kennels. Preliminary data analysis from these three studies
will be presented and discussed.
|
The Diamond in the Rough
Lynne Gilbert-Norton, PhD
Canines with a Cause (CWAC) is a
non-profit organization in Utah that helps veterans diagnosed with post
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assimilate back in to life after war by
providing them with a shelter dog, and helping them train their dog as a
potential service dog. CWAC also places shelter dogs with female inmates
in the State Correctional Facility to train as potential service dogs
for veterans. To be successful, a service dog must meet temperament and
behavior criteria over and above those usually desired in a pet dog.
However, the difficulty for programs such as CWAC is successfully
identifying potential service dogs from the shelter population.
Behavioral assessments such as the ASPCA SAFER™ or B.A.R.C. provide
predictive consistent approaches to evaluating behavioral
characteristics in shelter dogs. However, such approaches fall short for
evaluating shelter dogs as potential service animals because they are
either designed to assess single characteristics for adoptability (e.g.,
the probability of future aggression), or fail to identify behaviors
that manifests post-testing and that represent limiting factors for a
service animal. The result is that a large percentage of dogs pulled
from the shelter as potential service dogs are likely to be
inappropriate. As the number of organizations that rescue shelter dogs
as potential assistance dogs increases, the development of a
standardized behavioral assessment that effectively identifies such
animals will become increasingly important in reducing the selection of
inappropriate animals. Therefore guidance on the development and
application of such an assessment is solicited from the animal behavior
professionals and scientific community at IFAAB. |
Comparison of Visual Identification of
Dog Breeds Before and During Access to Dog Breed Identification
Resources
Victoria L. Voith* DVM, MSc, MA, PhD,
DACVB, Vanessa Johnson, Amanda Borgquist, Kristopher Irizarry, Seana
Dowling-Guyer
People engaged in dog activities (either
as a current profession, volunteer, or hobbyist) identified the breed or
breeds of 4 dogs in two conditions. A total of 20 dogs were viewed. In
the first condition, the participants viewed video-clips of each dog
without access to any identification resources. In the second
condition, they again viewed the dogs while they had access to breed
identification resources of a book, chart, and dog breed list. In both
conditions, the participants had as much time as they wanted to make
their identifications. The 423 people who met the entrance criteria were
segmented by record-keeping responsibilities, with 243 having their
opinions of a dog’s breed entered into records and 180 who did not. For
each of the 20 dogs, visual breed identifications that matched DNA breed
identifications in the two conditions were compared. For each dog,
inter-observer reliability in the two conditions were compared. The
percentage of respondents who changed their answers was also examined. |
Learning to Love Scary Things: A DSCC
Clinic for Horses
Robin Foster, PhD, CAAB, CHBC
Many horses are anxious and fearful
around novel objects, new places, and unfamiliar animals. Flooding is a
widely used exposure technique in horses, and freezing, rushing, and
bolting are typical reactions that can lead to injury of the horse or
handler. To help promote scientifically-based, low stress approaches in
equine training, I developed a protocol for introducing horses to novel
stimuli based on desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques
that I have used in educational clinics with adolescent and novice
riders. Some key elements of the protocol include: reading the horse’s
body language to assess its level of arousal; finding effective
reinforcers and rewarding calm responses; training and using safety
cues; using equipment properly to prevent unwanted responses; and
training in distributed practice sessions. The clinics also address the
dangers and unwanted consequences of using flooding, force, and harsh
corrections in this context.
|
Evaluation of Wellbeing Parameters in
New York City Carriage Horses
Sarah Mercer BS, Joseph Bertone DVM, MS,
DACVIM, and David Kersey PhD
The purpose of this study was to provide
an objective evaluation of the wellbeing of a population of working
horses. This study investigated wellbeing parameters in a population of
working New York City carriage horses. Samples were collected over the
course of a 3 day period (August 3-5, 2014). The parameters measured
included fecal cortisol, salivary cortisol, and infrared thermography (IRT)
of the medial canthus. The parameters used in this study have all been
utilized in previous investigations to quantify stress levels in horses
in a variety of settings. Collection Day 1, 2 and 3 involved 11, 7 and 8
horses, respectively. Collection days included 4 collection time points.
At time point 1 (TP1), subjects were at rest in their stalls prior to
work or the arrival of employees (06:00-08:00am EST). TP2 occurred as
harnessed subjects were being hitched to carriages and prepared for
work. TP3 occurred immediately after being placed in their stall at
conclusion of work day. TP4 occurred 1 hour after horses were returned
to their stall. Fecal cortisol samples were collected at TP1 and are
used to evaluate chronic glucocorticoid levels. Salivary cortisol and
IRT were collected at all 4 time points and reflect a more acute state
of wellbeing. Preliminary evaluation of the salivary cortisol show
differences among the time points (χ23 = 8.7; P =
0.03) with TP3 (0.96 ± 0.06 ng/ml) being greater (t25
= 2.5; P = 0.02) than TP4 (0.77 ± 0.07 ng/ml); however, all other
time point comparisons were not different (P > 0.05). For the IRT,
student t-test indicated that measures between the left and right eye
did not differ within time assessments (T = 141.5 - 144.5
12,12; U = 63.5 - 66.5; P = 0.644 - 0.773);
therefore measures between left and right eye were averaged for
comparisons of eye changes among the sampling time points. A One Way
Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance revealed no difference (F
=0.114; P 0.952) among time points (TP1-4) eye measures. A similar trend
was not evident between the cortisol and IRT data sets. The salivary
cortisol variation among TP3 and 4 is a reflection of increased
metabolic activity driven by exercise rather than stress. Stress as the
driving factor behind salivary cortisol increase would have resulted in
a similar increase in IRT which was not observed. Evidence collected
thus far indicate no significant perturbation in the state of wellbeing
of this population of working horses. |
Sleep Deprivation Behavior
Syndrome: Case Survey and Classification
Joseph Bertone, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Introduction-Horses
that frequently partially collapse may be suspected of recumbent sleep
deprivation. Materials and Methods-The author’s conclusions come
from review of 396 (gelding to mare ratio of 4:1) cases collected from
2000 to 2013. To assure that the behavior was consistent, video images
of the behavior were necessary in most cases to be included in the
review. Results-This study elucidates 7 categories of horses that
have been identified with this behavior. Unclassified cases (112,
gelding (g) to mare (m) ratio 5.1) are those horses where no association
could be identified. Classified horses (227, 3.4) included horses that
presented with suspected to become or rise from recumbency (23, 1.1),
monotony (26, 1.2), Sleep terror (18, 0.8), Lyme disease (4, 3),
aggression displacement (47; 15.7), and environmental insecurity (99,
18.8). Discussion-There are multiple biases to the conclusions in
this study. Internet case referral issues, video capabilities, evolving
diagnostic techniques and management protocols are but a few. There were
clear disproportionate sex predilections. Pain, monotony and sleep
terror were evenly distributed across sex as would be expected. Lyme
disease may have been gelding over-represented due to small case number.
There was clear sex predilection for geldings to mares in aggression
displacement (15.7) and environmental insecurity (18.8). Interestingly,
no stallions were presented. This leads one to hypothesize that there
may be sex hormone and herd structure issues with these 2 presentations.
Sleep terror associated behavior was diagnosed when there was evidence
of behavior similar to sleep terror behavior in human patients. This is
a relatively new finding in the data set as all cases have been
identified since June 2012. This may be at higher incidence, since all
night videography has become more common. Dietary and drug trials are
underway in these cases. Conclusion: sleep deprivation behavior occurs
for multiple elucidated and as yet to be discovered reasons. Vigilance
for this disorder and close evaluation may identify means for
management. |
How to Combat Bad Information from
Credible Sources (Panel)
Jessica Lockhart, MS, PhD, CAAB, Suzanne
Hetts, PhD, CAAB, Dan Estep, PhD, CAAB, and Amanda Florsheim, DVM
I find time and time again I end up
talking to clients about misinformation they have received from
veterinarians, trainers, and/or TV shows (especially). The people
delivering the messages have credibility in that they are professionals
with large amounts of experience in the animal world; however, the
behavioral information they may hand out is not the most accurate
information regarding current research in behavior or even training
methods. It can be very hard to correct some inaccuracies in these
situations without seeming heavy handed. What are some of the techniques
that you find work best to provide accurate information while preserving
a professional working relationship especially with practitioners in
your community? |
Consultant-Initiated Follow-Up Improves
Client Satisfaction and Animal Outcomes
Mindy Waite, PhD
Regardless of whether an Animal Behavior
Consultant works for a business, a non-profit, or themselves, their
focus is on both client outcomes and efficient money/time management. To
that end, many behaviorists charge by the hour/session and may avoid
unbillable follow-up communications, such as emails or phone calls.
However, studies suggest that follow-up by the consultant, if done
correctly, may increase both client satisfaction and animal
behavior/survival outcomes. Data from these practitioner/client
follow-up studies, as well as current field trends, will be presented
and used to generate business model suggestions. A discussion from
professional consultants in the audience regarding their experiences and
thoughts will be welcomed following the presentation. |
Behaviorists’ “Best Practices” – An Open
Discussion
Suzanne La Croix, MS, PhD
Although ours is a relatively new field
– it is never too early to begin a cross-disciplinary discussion of what
constitutes best practices for professionals involved in applied animal
behavior practice. Some guidance already exists for scholarly or
“connected” professionals in the form of position statements from AVSAB
and various “industry texts” that we frequently consult. Is it time to
create a unique resource that is more accessible to the “less
credentialed” but often more affordable or accessible dog trainer/animal
trainer/rescuer/behaviorist? Perhaps a resource that states best
practices for initial behavior history taking (in clinical vs
non-clinical settings), for initial animal encounters , and for client
documentation and follow-up? A behaviorist colleague who was well
experienced with zoo practices recently began counseling dog clients and
suffered an attack by an aggressive dog in which her ear was partially
bitten off. In hindsight, she can describe how her interaction with the
dog was an example of “what not to do.” However, had best practices
been a resource as she started her new business, this particular
incident could easily have been avoided. Are we the experienced
professionals who should tackle the initiation of best practices for our
peers and the more general animal trainer/behaviorist? |
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a New
Pheromone Product Versus Placebo in the Management of Feline Aggression
in Multi-cat Households
Theresa DePorter, DVM, MRCVS, DECAWBM,
DACVB*, A. Lopez, and E. Ollivier
Introduction: Aggression and social
tension amongst housemate cats is common and puts cats at risk for
injury or relinquishment (Salman, 2000). Materials and Methods: In this
pilot study, a new pheromone product by Ceva Santé Animale was evaluated
for efficacy to reduce aggression between housemate cats by randomized
double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 45 multi-cat households
[Pheromone (n=20), placebo (n=25)] that reported aggression for at least
2 weeks (range 17-3,931 days, average=822 days). Each household included
2-5 cats. Volunteers attended a group meeting on Day -7 (D-7) and the
veterinary behaviorist described behaviors to be monitored for 7 weeks
using the Oakland Feline Social Interaction Scale (OFSIS) which assessed
the frequency and intensity of 12 aggressive interactions (e.g. bite,
swat, stare, block, hiss or scream). Participants were provided
directions for safely handling aggressive events. Punishment techniques
were discouraged. Plug-in diffusers with new pheromone product or
placebo were utilized from D0 to D28. Participants completed daily diary
of aggressive events and weekly OFSIS. Results: The OFSIS scores
(possible 0 to 360) were similar at baseline (mean±SE pheromone,
105.1±11.1 vs placebo, 109.6±8.5 at D-7 and 83.4±10.4 vs 83.5±8.3 at
D0). The pheromone group showed a lower mean OFSIS score than placebo at
D7 (47.8±6.3vs 61.8±7.7), D14 (30.8±4.9 vs 48.0±8.3), D21 (21.8±3.9 vs
40.7±7.4), D28 (33.2±9.7 vs 47.0±9.7) which continued post treatment D35
(32.5±8.0 vs 55.0±10.5) and D42 (31.2±8.1 vs 59.0±9.0). [Repeated
measures ANOVA F(1, 43) = 4.34, p=0.0431]. Discussion: This study
suggests this new pheromone is a promising treatment for the management
of aggression between housemate cats. |
Toys, Pets and Passion
Mark Hines
It’s no surprise that top animal care
professionals around the world are passionate about their careers. They
have a keen understanding of the importance of play on an animal’s
physical, mental, and emotional development. My talk will explore best
practices in using toys as tools for enrichment and behavior
modification. It is vital when using toys to understand proper toy
selection, supervision and safety, as well as the difference between
quality and sub-par materials. This talk aims to bridge the gap between
animal behavior and toy implementation while answering questions you may
have regarding the connection between the two. |
Training Owners how to use the New
Freedom Harness Correctly
Colleen S. Koch, DVM
The new freedom harness is an excellent
tool that can be used to help owners of reactive dogs control their pet
without increasing arousal as some devices are known to do.
Unfortunately many people do not know how to use the harness correctly
resulting in a dog that continues to pull and is difficult to redirect
as well as a frustrated owner who mistakenly believes that they have
wasted their money on a useless product. This presentation will
demonstrate how to help clients increase their success when using the
new freedom harness, thus allowing for greater control of unmanageable
dogs. |
An Overview of Pet Surveillance Equipment
Robin Foster, PhD, CAAB, CHBC
Remote monitoring can be very useful for
making accurate diagnoses of pet behavior problems, following the
progress of a behavior modification plan, and making unobtrusive
observations of animal behavior in general. Choosing a system that
serves one’s needs and pocketbook can be time consuming and confusing
because the market is exploding with new products that vary in features
and cost. In this discussion I will compare different systems on the
basis of direct and indirect costs, system requirements, ease of use,
image quality, reliability, and other features using examples from
companion animals. This product comparison is from a 2014 workshop for
owners of dogs with separation anxiety. |
Heart Rate and Behavior of Dogs during
Radio Systems Invisible Fence PerfectStartPlus (PSP) Training
Nancy Williams, MA, ACAAB, and Suzanne
Hetts, PhD, CAAB
Electronic fence trainers and pet owners
have trained thousands of dogs to be contained within certain boundaries
by electronic containment systems. However, to our knowledge, there have
been no studies to collect either behavioral or physiological data to
evaluate the degree of stress dogs may experience during training. This
is unfortunate, because the potentially aversive effects of the training
procedures for electronic containment have been of concern in our field.
Therefore, we designed a pilot protocol to gather data on physiological
and behavioral responses of dogs during an indoor training program for
the Invisible Fence brand electronic containment system. A Polar Watch
was used to record the dog's heart rates and each dog was videotaped
during data collection. To date, data have only been collected on three
dogs. However, our work demonstrates this is a useful protocol that can
be made more rigorous and used with a larger sample of dogs in the
future to better evaluate the effect of Invisible Fence’s unique Perfect
Start Plus indoor training protocol on measures of stress in dogs. We
will present our findings, discuss our plans for future studies, and
allow for group discussion of the overall topic.
|
Training Rhea americana Chicks for
Voluntary Weighing
Colleen S. Koch, DVM
According to producers, early
identification of rhea chicks that are not gaining weight at an expected
rate facilitates potentially lifesaving intervention. The current
technique for weighing chicks includes crowding the chicks, grabbing
them, manipulating them in order to visualize the identification number
on their leg band, followed by placing them in a bucket, which is then
placed on a scale. After weighing, they are grabbed from the bucket and
placed back in their pen. As the birds age, they become increasingly
fearful of people, making future husbandry procedures even more
difficult. This presentation will demonstrate that with the use of
positive reinforcement training, rhea chicks could be taught to
voluntarily step up on a scale to be weighed. A handheld microchip
scanner could be used to identify the chicks without having to touch
them resulting in chicks that remained much calmer around humans as they
matured.
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