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Behaviour and Welfare

Materials and resources for 3rd IDHW Theme: important issues where behaviour and welfare intersect (especially those that also relate to health and breeding)

7 articles in this category

  1. Ann Milligan ·
    Internal link Article-Personality Consistency in Dogs  
    • Jamie L. Fratkin1, David L. Sinn1,2, Erika A. Patall3, Samuel D. Gosling1   Abstract
      Personality, or consistent individual differences in behavior, is well established in studies of dogs. Such consistency implies predictability of behavior, but some recent research suggests that predictability cannot be assumed. In addition, anecdotally, many dog experts believe that ‘puppy tests’ measuring behavior during the first year of a dog’s life are not accurate indicators of subsequent adult behavior. Personality consistency in dogs is an important aspect of human-dog relationships (e.g., when selecting dogs suitable for substance-detection work or placement in a family). Here we perform the first comprehensive meta-analysis of studies reporting estimates of temporal consistency of dog personality. A thorough literature search identified 31 studies suitable for inclusion in our meta-analysis. Overall, we found evidence to suggest substantial consistency (r = 0.43). Furthermore, personality consistency was higher in older dogs, when behavioral assessment intervals were shorter, and when the measurement tool was exactly the same in both assessments. In puppies, aggression and submissiveness were the most consistent dimensions, while responsiveness to training, fearfulness, and sociability were the least consistent dimensions. In adult dogs, there were no dimension-based differences in consistency. There was no difference in personality consistency in dogs tested first as puppies and later as adults (e.g., ‘puppy tests’)versus dogs tested first as puppies and later again as puppies. Finally, there were no differences in consistency between working versus non-working dogs, between behavioral codings versus behavioral ratings, and between aggregate versus single measures. Implications for theory, practice, and future research are discussed.  
    Ann Milligan
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    • 2,203 views
  2. Ann Milligan ·
    (internal link) Article-McMillian Behavioral and psychological outcomes for dogs sold
    • Journal of Veterinary Behavior 19 (2017) 14e26 Reviews
      Behavioral and psychological outcomes for dogs sold as puppies through pet stores and/or born in commercial breeding establishments: Current knowledge and putative causes
      Franklin D. McMillan

      "A review of 7 published studies and 1 anecdotal report involving dogs born in high-volume commercial breeding establishments and sold to the consumer directly via the Internet or indirectly through retail pet stores revealed an increased incidence of behavioral and emotional problems that cause distress in adulthood compared with dogs from other sources, especially noncommercial breeders."  

    Ann Milligan
    • 0 comments
    • 1,907 views
  3. Brenda Bonnett ·
    •  

       

      Holding back the genes - limitations of research into canine behavioural genetics

       

      ABSTRACT

      "Canine behaviours that are both desirable and undesirable to owners have a demonstrable genetic component. Some behaviours are breed-specific, such as the livestock guarding by maremmas and flank sucking seen in Dobermanns. While the identification of genes responsible for common canine diseases is rapidly advancing, those genes underlying behaviours remain elusive. The challenges of accurately defining and measuring behavioural phenotypes remain an obstacle, and the use of variable phenotyping methods has prevented meta-analysis of behavioural studies. International standardised testing protocols and terminology in canine behavioural evaluations should facilitate selection against behavioural disorders in the modern dog and optimise breeding success and performance in working dogs. This review examines the common hurdles faced by researchers of behavioural genetics and the current state of knowledge."

    Brenda Bonnett
    • 0 comments
    • 1,943 views
  4. Brenda Bonnett ·
    • logo_veto-zoopsy.pngZoopsy Position Statement On Puppy Socialization...

      English translation

      "Zoopsy is a veterinary association of Zoopsychiatry . The aim of its members is to protect, improve or restore the behavioral balance of domestic animals by using all the means available in the respect of the animal, its well-being and the relationship with its owners ."  

          Positive_Vet_Care_Position_Statement-232x300.jpg AVSAB Position Statement On Puppy Socialization          
      Brenda Bonnett
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      • 2,166 views
    • Ann Milligan ·
      •  

        excerpt... Early out walks Veterinary behaviorists  are "FOR" and tell you why  

        The owner who is considering or has just acquired a puppy wishes to put all the chances on his side to ensure good health. In this area, the veterinarian is his best interlocutor.

         

        It is also crucial that the puppy becomes an pleasant adult, non-aggressive and able to adapt to family living conditions. For this the owner takes advice, sometimes before the acquisition, from the veterinarian who will follow his dog for several years.

         

        The veterinarian must be able to position himself and be able to give good advices for the animal welfare and its integration into society as early as possible.

         

         

         

      Ann Milligan
      • 0 comments
      • 2,225 views
    • Ann Milligan ·
      DWN Articles Catalog (February 2017)   Breeding for Behavior / Mentatility / Instinct Canine Behavior and Genetics Conference Reaching Out to the Behaviour Community Assessment of Behavior: C-BARQ Assessment of Behavior: Sweden Behavior and Personality Assessment in Dogs (SKK) Canine Behaviour & Genetics Dog Behavior and Welfare - New Tool for Owners Excerpts from 'Dog Breeds and Their Behavior' Selection for B
      • Breeding for Behavior | Mentality | Instinct

          This section focuses on the inheritance of traits/predispositions and their integration with broader issues of dog health. The listing includes existing DoGWellNet resources located in several catagories on the website.   IPFD and DogWellNet hope to develop this topic with the help of Experts - from all areas of the dog world.
      Ann Milligan
      • 0 comments
      • 2,746 views

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