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 The articles reproduced on this page reflect current areas of general canine behaviour interest in the UK and around the world. Any references quoted are scientifically based and support current research within animal behaviour. The writer takes no responsibility for any injury or damage, to persons and/or property, negligence, or otherwise from any use of the information given. Independent verification of the material produced should be made, for adaptation or use, inclusion on to this page does not constitute a guarantee of endorsement. Dean Hart MCFBA.
Students! Watch the video below and send me your thoughts, what he is doing, why he is doing it, what are the physiological influences and responses, how would you handle it? Danny is a 9yr old JRC, and is on the bed. He is not being asked to comply with anything. What is contextually important? Describe his body language in behavioural terms (not anthropomorphic). This may be used as evidence within your portfolio for your City & Guilds qualification.
Did you know that a recent study found that 63.6% of all dogs with aggression problems towards other dogs had attended formal dog training classes? and that the chance of dogs being aggressive towards other dogs is 2.3 times higher in dogs that have attended formal dog training classes compared with dogs that have not been to classes? Also results showed that aggression towards unfamiliar dogs and unfamiliar people was most common in dogs that attended formal training or puppy classes under the age of 16 weeks! Therefore this suggests that nervous, anxious and insecure dogs are at an increased risk of developing aggressive responses if handled incorrectly or were exposed to stressful situations. Choose your dog trainer and dog class carefully!
Associated Reference: Mertens, P.A. Canine Aggression In Horwitz, D, Mills, D, Heath, S (Eds.). BSVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, 1st Edition. British Small Animal Veterinay Association, Gloucester, England. pp. 195-199.
Did you know that a recent study found that English Cocker spaniels had significantly lowered levels of serum serotonin than aggressive dogs of other breeds. This pattern of behaviour could explain why English Cocker Spaniels seem to be more likely to show impulsive aggression than other breeds. Point for debate: Would this influence the behaviour of the recent popularity of Cockerpoos?
Associated Reference: Taken from M. Amat, V.M Mariotti, S.Le Brech, C.Torrente, T.Camps, J.L. Ruiz, X. Manteca, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Valles) 08193, Spain as cited Journal of Veterinary Behaviour volume 5, Issue 1., p46.
Did you know that a recent study has results that suggest attachment insecurity in dogs is associated with low levels of owner talk and high levels of touch and a weak owner/dog bond characterised by dog avoidance, by high owner talk and low owner touch? Attachment security is also influenced by moderate owner talk and low touch! The results from this survey suggest that owner behaviour can be moderated during stressful events (vet examinations etc) to reduce dog insecurities! Point for Debate: Should we always ignore innapropriate behaviour and praise appropriate responses as most commenly suggested?
Associated Reference: Ainsworth, M.S. Belhar, M.C., Waters, E., Wall, S., 1978. Patterns of Attachment : A Psychological Study of the strange situation. Hillsdale, NJ.Erbaum.
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Can dogs be trained to provide low cost, low risk primary cancer screening?
Several cases of dogs detecting malignant melanomas have been reported by Pickel et al in 2004, with further research published by Willis et al. also in 2004, McCulloch et al. in 2006, Gordon et al. in 2008, Horvath et al. in 2008 and Williams & Pembroke in 1989. These papers suggest that the hypothesis that dogs can detect cancers using their sense of smell may be correct, with dogs being able to detect various types of cancer by smelling skin, urine, exhaled breath, and surgically removed malignant tumours. Current medical applications to determine the early detection of cancers are essential for effective treatment protocols but some are difficult to achieve, may also carry additional risks to the patient, and are also expensive. If dogs are able to detect cancer then it may be possible to explore the possibilities of earlier detection and reduce CT scans that potentially increase the patient’s exposure to radiation that could increase the risk of cancer (Martin & Semelka, 2006). Research discussed within the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, May/June 2010, concludes that sent detection by dogs is a valid method for cancer detection and may prove that cancer can be detected by analysis of biological material. Research with malignant tissue samples and sniffing human skin has proven very accurate in determining that dogs have an ability to be trained to detect cancer. However, this research has also highlighted the need for less invasive techniques where patients may be more accepting of the methods used.
Interested in animal behaviour research and canine behaviour?
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Do preconceived expectations of cross breeds effect dog welfare when selecting rescue dogs?
This is a photo of Danny, one of my dogs, he was reportedly a Jack Russell Cross from the rescue centre where I obtained him, but has unknown parentage! A high percentage of people will make a common assumption from his 'breed label' and possible looks.This is most likely, that he is snappy, quick to react, demonstrate predatory aggression towards small animals and may bark more than other breeds. But is this judgment and those made of other cross breeds right and fair for the dog's welfare? The outcome of these breed behaviour assumptions may affect the human - dog relationship, change the attitudes of those new owners when selecting a dog for re-homing and potentially influence the dog's behaviour in response to the application of inappropriate training methods. It is researched and widely recognised that there is a genetic propensity for certain behaviours within pedigree breeds but as evidence suggests the environment has greater impact on gene expression. Recent research (Voith, Ingram, Mitsouras and Irzarry 2009) involving DNA testing of mixed breeds has shown a surprisingly low amount of the expected breed genetic make up as suggested by the dog's appearance. So making assumptions about the possibility of a cross breeds genetic make up and expected behaviour may be inappropriate and unhelpful especially when re homing, training or during behavioural history taking. It is understood that there are variations within breed specific behaviour but when assessing behaviour, either during a behavioural consultation or when re homing dogs, all dogs should be taken through a Temperament Test or Behavioural Evaluation to assess their personality and should not be judged on their breed expectation. Surely this must enhance the fairness, understanding and suggested treatment plan and rescue selection process?
References:
Martin, D.R., Semelka, R.C., 2006. Health effects of ionizing radiation from diagnostic C.T. Lancet367, pp 1712-1714.
Pickel, D.P., Manucy, G.P., Walker, D.B., Hall, S.B., Walker, J.C., 2004. Evidence for canine olfactory detection of melanoma. Applied Animal Behaviour Science . 89. pp 107-116.
Voith, V. Ingram, E., Mitsouras, K., Irizarry, K., 2009. Comparisson of adoption agency breed identification and DNA breed identification of dogs. journal of Applied animal Welfare Science. 12, pp.253-262.
Willis, C.M., Church, M.R.T., Church, J.T.C., 2004. olfactory detection of human bladder cancer by dogs: proof of principle study, British Medical Journal 329, pp.712 - 718.
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