An overview of the dog–human dyad and ethograms within it

This article reviews the literature on the complex and variable nature of the dog–human dyad and describes the influence of terms such as “dominance” on attitudes that humans have toward dogs. It highlights a legacy of tension between ethology and psychology and notes that some practitioners have skills with dogs that elude the best learning theorists. Despite the widespread appeal of being able to communicate with dogs as dogs do with one another, attempting to apply the intraspecific dog ethogram to human–dog and dog–human interactions may have limited scope. The balance of learning theory and ethology on our interactions with dogs is sometimes elusive but should spur the scientific community to examine skills deployed by the most effective humane practitioners. This process will demystify the so-called whispering techniques and permit discourse on the reasons some training and handling techniques are more effective, relevant, and humane than others. This article explores the mismatch between the use of nonverbal communication of 2 species and offers a framework for future studies in this domain. Technologies emerging from equitation science may help to disclose confusing interventions through the collar and lead and thus define effective and humane use of negative reinforcement. The case for a validated intraspecific and interspecific canid ethogram is also made.     

Preliminary study of the impact of different dog features on humans in public

Revealing why pedestrians are afraid of some dogs while passing them in public is essential to assess the dog–owner–stranger relationship. Therefore, the effect of different dog features on passersby was gathered. Four dog features differing in size and color were investigated. The dog features were classified as small-dark, small-pale, large-dark, and large-pale. Dog's effect on passersby was recorded in 2 ways: (1) observing the behavioral responses of passersby while passing nearby a dog, and (2) revealing the passersby's perception of that dog by a short interview. Direct observations of 427 passersby's behavioral responses while passing a dog on a sideway were acquired, and 126 persons were interviewed. It was suggested that large-dark dogs seemed to be more threatening than pale or small dogs. Passersby confronted with pale dogs of equal size changed their way far less than when confronted with dark dogs. Significant differences were noted for the type of effect assessed and the reason for this behavioral response. The results showed that only the small-pale dog appeared to be friendly because of its size (P = 0.000). All other dogs were stated as friendly because of individual factors including breed and own dog experiences (P = 0.000). None of the dogs were mentioned as threatening. Our results show that some dog features have a significant effect on behavioral responses and the subjective perception of dogs by people in public.     

Behavior of hearing or vision impaired and normal hearing and vision dogs (Canis lupis familiaris): Not the same,but not that different

The article compared behavioral characteristics of dogs (Canis lupis familiaris) labeled as hearing and/or vision impaired by their owners with cohort dogs labeled as having normal hearing and vision (NHV) by their owners. The Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, developed by Hsu and Serpell (2003), was used to survey owners. Four hundred sixty-one dog owners completed the online survey, with 183 of these being owners of hearing and/or vision impaired (HVI) dogs. Data analysis revealed that HVI dogs were reported by owners to show less aggression, less excitement, and were less likely to engage in behaviors, such as chasing of rabbits and rolling in feces than their normally hearing/seeing (NHV) cohorts. HVI dogs, however, were reported to be more likely to chew inappropriate objects, consume feces, bark excessively, and engage in greater licking behavior. When owners were surveyed about the type of training method used, owners of HVI dogs were found to be more likely to use hand signs, physical prompts, or combination of these training methods. Owners of NHV dogs reported being more likely than owners of HVI dogs to use gestures or report no formal training with their dogs. The data provide evidence that HVI dogs are as trainable as NHV dogs, can make excellent pets, and show behavior that is well within the parameters of NHV dog behavior. Still, because of their sensory limitations, specialized training methods and adaptations should be implemented with these dogs. This may limit HVI dogs to owners who are motivated, understand the sensory deficits, and are willing to engage in the modified training.     

Canine and human factors related to dog bite injuries

OBJECTIVE: To identify physical traits of biting dogs and characteristics of injured persons and dog owners associated with bite situations for use in public health prevention activities. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. STUDY POPULATION: Licensed dog and dog bite report data from June 30, 2002, to July 1, 2003, that were obtained from Animal Control Services of Multnomah County, Oregon. PROCEDURES: To determine the canine and human factors associated with dog bite injuries, the number of bites, dog and injured person characteristics, and the overall canine population were evaluated. Dog owner characteristics at the block group level were defined by use of geographic information system software through 2000 census information based on place of residence. RESULTS: During the study period, 636 dog bites were reported to Animal Control Services, and 47,526 dogs were licensed in Multnomah County. Risk factors associated with biting dogs included breed (terrier, working, herding, and nonsporting breeds), being a sexually intact male, and purebred status. Male children aged 5 to 9 years had the highest rate of injury (178 bites/100,000 children). Biting dogs were more likely than nonbiting dogs to live in neighborhoods where the residents' median incomes were less than the county median income value ($41,278). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dog bites continue to be a source of preventable injury. Prevention programs should target owners of sexually intact male and purebred dogs and owners who live in lower income neighborhoods.     

Risk factors for nuisance barking in dogs

Objective   To determine the key variables related to the environment, animal and owner that influence nuisance barking by dogs in a city with a subtropical climate.
Design and Population   A case–control survey of dog owners in Brisbane, Queensland, was conducted using a questionnaire investigating key variables connected to nuisance barking. Owners of dogs exhibiting nuisance barking were obtained from a list of dogs being treated in a Brisbane behaviour clinic, and those of control dogs were selected from a telephone directory.
Results   Univariate analysis showed that animal, owner and environmental factors all potentially influence the occurrence of nuisance barking. Multivariate analysis identified the following factors, with the relevant odds ratios (OR) as significant: age of the dog (young dog vs old dog, OR 11.2); multiple dogs in the household vs single (OR 5.6); origin of the dog (home bred vs obtained from breeder or friend, OR 4.0); type of dog, (herding vs other types, OR 3.2) and dog with access to the home vs dog without access (OR 2.5).
Conclusion   The greatest risk for nuisance barking occurs with a young dog of the herding type that is home bred and with access to the house in a multiple dog household.     

A standardized behavior test for potential guide dog puppies: Methods and association with subsequent success in guide dog training

An early understanding of behavioral suitability for guiding work in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) would be useful for organizations which train dogs as mobility aids, such as the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. We explored the potential for a standardized test of behavior in young dogs to reflect subsequent success in guide dog training. Five hundred eighty-seven potential guide dogs were exposed to a series of eight stimuli at 6-8 weeks of age. The responses of dogs were scored on a 7-point scale according to either responsiveness to human assessor or to environmental stimuli, on stimuli comprising following when called; retrieve; gentle restraint; noise; stroking; a moving toy squirrel; encouragement to go through a tunnel; and encouragement to go over a ramp. Five of these stimuli showed some association with success in guide dog training, and three of these stimuli could be usefully combined in a logistic regression model of success in training. There is potential for this test to be used to predict suitability for guiding work but adjustments to the scoring protocol are recommended.     

Brucella melitensis infection in dog: a critical issue in the control of brucellosis in ruminant farms

Canine brucellosis is a contagious disease associated with health implications for humans as well as for a wide range of wild and domesticated animals. In this study, 173 dog blood specimens were sampled from herding dogs in three different provinces including Tehran (n = 127), Qom (n = 40) and Alborz (n = 6) provinces. The presence of Brucella antibodies was determined using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), slow agglutination test (SAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), respectively. The seropositive samples were further screened using blood culture and PCR tests to identify and differentiate the implicated Brucella species. According to our results, 24.3% (42/173), 13.8% (24/173) and 6.3% (11/173) of blood samples were tested positive using RBPT, SAT and 2-ME, respectively. However, among 42 seropositive samples, only 38.1% (16/42) and 14.2% (6/42) were positive by PCR and culture, respectively. Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and biovar 2 was isolated from the bacterial cultures of 6 blood samples and confirmed by biotyping, AMOS PCR and Bruce-ladder PCR assays. These findings highlight the potential risk of Brucella transmission from dog to humans along with other livestock and reflect the critical role of infected dogs in the persistence of Brucella infections among ruminant farms. This study stresses the need for further epidemiological investigations on canine brucellosis among herding dogs and suggests the systematic screening of the disease among companion animals such as dogs in order to improve brucellosis surveillance and control programs.     

Genetic analysis of markers of the performance test for herding dogs. 1. Performance traits

The objective of the present study was to analyse data based on records of sheep dog trials in order to evaluate the importance of genetic and environmental sources of variation and to draw conclusions for breeding purposes. The data analysed consisted of 2745 test results recorded at 48 sheep dog trials carried out in Germany from 1994 to 1998, on which a total of 337 sheep dogs had attended. Tested dogs descended from 147 sires and 201 dams, with a mean inbreeding coefficient of about 2.8%. Variance components of working traits were estimated applying Restricted Maximum Likelihood methods. Additive genetic effects, permanent environmental effects of the animal and the effect of the handler were treated as random factors using multivariate linear models. Additionally, the model included the fixed effects of the age of the dogs at the sheep dog trial, sex, the level of difficulty of the exercises as well as the event itself, the starting number of the dog, the number of the dogs' tests at the particular event and the number of dogs presented on sheep dog trials by their handlers. The inbreeding coefficient was regarded as a linear covariate. Sex of the dog and starting number did not explain a significant proportion of variance for traits analysed, whereas the event of the sheep dog trial and the starting class usually were of significant importance. The analyses were performed using all sheep dog trial classes and for each of the three classes separately. Repeatabilities of herding traits within the same event of sheep dog trial estimated from animal effect mostly varied within a range from w = 0.1 to w = 0.5 whereas repeatabilities estimated over all events of sheep dog trials mostly gave estimates from w = 0.1 to w = 0.3. The estimated heritabilities for the herding performance traits ranged from h2 < or = 0.001 to h2 = 0.13 with standard errors in the range between 0.001 and 0.08. The selection possibilities appear to be rather limited given the heritability estimates and the low number of progeny of parents.     

Behavioral considerations in the management of working dogs.

This article is not intended as a comprehensive exploration of all issues related to the behavioral management of working dogs or as a survey of all manners of canine employment. Rather, it is one person's perspective into the challenges of managing a behavioral medicine program in a large-scale working dog program environment. The issues presented, however, are those that are commonly encountered when selecting, assessing, diagnosing, and treating working dogs. I hope this article provides insight not only into the author's program but also into some of the unique challenges in working with working dogs as well as some of the commonalities of this kind of behavioral practice with companion animal settings.     

Improving understanding of early behavioral indicators of lumbosacral disease in working dogs using 3D visualization of skeletal movements during working tasks: Feasibility study

An improved understanding of the early behavioral indicators of lumbosacral disease in working dogs may allow earlier interventions and help reduce premature retirement because of disability. However, recognition of early behavioral indicators can be challenging in stoic, high-drive working dogs because they often mask clinical signs. The purpose of this feasibility study was to develop a technique for visualizing canine skeletal movements during working tasks and to describe veterinary clinical specialist opinions on the utility of the visualization technique. Three detection-trained police dogs with a recent history of working task deficits and suspected lumbosacral disease were recruited for the study. Conventional and motion capture video recordings were acquired as dogs performed walking and search high working tasks. Whole-body computed tomography (CT) scans were acquired using clinical multislice CT scanners. Image data from motion capture recordings and whole-body CT scans were analyzed and merged. Three-dimensional (3D) computer animation video clips of skeletal movements were created for each dog and each task, using multiple viewing angle perspectives. Interactive meetings with veterinary clinical specialist reviewers were used to refine point placements for the final renderings. Veterinary clinical specialists reviewed final 3D animation movie clips and recorded their opinions on the utility for the visualization technique. Veterinary clinical specialists reported that the computer animations helped them recognize behavioral characteristics that they had not initially noticed in physical examinations. Potential applications for this visualization technique include creating educational training aids for veterinary students, owners, and handlers; assisting veterinarians in planning rehabilitative treatments; and assisting researchers in developing computer models for biomechanical analyses. Future controlled prospective studies are needed in a large number of normal and affected working dogs to improve accuracy of the visualization technique and test the effect of the technique on observer performance.     

检疫犬行为评测背景及应用研究

随着研究检疫犬训练及使用的深入,行为评测的重要性也愈发凸显出来。行为评测定义为在设定试验环境下,由刺激引发的行为以及在相同状态下其它个体所表现的行为做比较统计,对被测试对象加以分类;其用途主要是评定幼犬和受训犬以及训成犬的行为;主要包括定性与定量两种方法;行为评测时需要注意被测犬信息以及评测可靠性等问题;文章对检疫犬行为评测的背景及应用进行了全面的研究,同时对行为评测标准化的建立进行了展望。     

Retinal Disease in the N.Z. Working Dog

Sir, — It may be of interest to some rural practitioners, having an upsurge in requests for opthalmoscopic examinations of working dogs, to know that at present this practice is engaged in examinations at the National dog trials. Retinal disease is an increasing problem in both Huntaways and Heading dogs in this country. This is probably a result of the extensive use of selected strains and the tendency for the breeds to become more uniform with farmers keeping fewer better-bred dogs. Work on this complex condition is however in its infancy, and a great deal is yet to be resolved. At this stage histological sectioning suggests an inflammatory component, but computer pedigree analysis suggests a heretibility of 0.33 — 0.40. In the main the condition is not analogous to central P.R.A. present in the British Border Collie, despite its ancestral contribution particularly to the Heading dog.     

Craniotomy with cystoperitoneal shunting for treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts in dogs

Objective— To describe a technique of decompressive craniotomy with cystoperitoneal shunt (CPS) placement for treatment of canine intracranial arachnoid cyst (IAC), and to evaluate outcome in 4 dogs. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Dogs (n=4) with IAC. Methods— Medical records of dogs diagnosed with IAC by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 3 dogs) or computed tomography (CT; 1 dog) were evaluated. All dogs had varying degrees of neurologic dysfunction before surgery. A combined lateral (rostrotentorial)/suboccipital craniotomy was performed sacrificing the transverse sinus on the operated side. The rostral (ventricular) end of a low‐pressure valve shunt (3.0 mm outer diameter, 7.0 cm length) was placed transversely into the cyst cavity; the distal end was placed in the peritoneal cavity. All dogs were rechecked at various intervals by ≥1 of the authors either directly, by telephone consultation with owners, or both. Three dogs were imaged postoperatively (CT–1 dog; MRI–1; ultrasonography–1). Results— Intraoperative complications were limited to excessive transverse sinus hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion in 1 dog. There were no postoperative complications. Clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction resolved in 3 dogs and improved substantially in 1 dog. The latter dog required long‐term, low‐dose corticosteroid therapy. No dogs required repeat surgery. Mean follow‐up time was 23.8 months (range, 12–43 months). Collapse of the intracranial cyst was verified in 3 dogs with repeat imaging. In 2 dogs, there was no evidence of the cyst on CT or MRI; in the third dog, a small amount of fluid was demonstrated rostral to the cerebellum on ultrasonography, but there was no identifiable cyst. In 1 dog, the rostral aspect of the shunt had shifted; however, this was not associated with any clinical deterioration. Conclusion— Craniotomy with CPS placement was well tolerated and resulted in sustained improvement or resolution of dysfunction. Cyst decompression was verified in 3 dogs that were re‐imaged. None of the patients required re‐operation. Excessive transverse sinus hemorrhage is a potential danger that may necessitate blood transfusion. Other IAC patients treated with this method will need to be evaluated to fully evaluate its effectiveness. Clinical Significance— Craniotomy with CPS placement may be an effective treatment method for dogs clinically affected with IAC.     

The Perceptions of Dog Intelligence and Cognitive Skills (PoDIaCS) Survey

Dog cognition research is expanding, but few studies have examined people's perceptions of specific cognitive abilities in dogs. The aim of this study was to explore owner perceptions of dog cognitive abilities across different cognitive domains and to determine whether these were associated with the dog–owner relationship. We developed an online questionnaire and analyzed the results from 565 dog owners. Dog owners generally indicated the belief that dogs are socially intelligent and possess the capacity to learn social and general cognitive skills. One quarter of dog owners agreed or strongly agreed that dogs were smarter than most people, and 45.7% indicated the belief that a dog's mental ability is equal to “3-5 year old human children.” Perceived emotional owner–dog closeness correlated with all cognition ratings. A better understanding of dog cognitive abilities may help owners interpret dog behavior more appropriately, which may lead to a reduction in the number of dogs relinquished to shelters because of behavioral problems.     

Effect of Supplementation With Omega-3 Fatty Acids,Magnesium, and Zinc on Canine Behavioral Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study

Recent discoveries have shown that the chances of a dog developing a behavioral disorder may depend upon a number of factors including nutrition. The current pilot study was designed to provide an assessment of the efficacy of a dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc on some common behavioral disorders in a population of Iranian domestic dogs. In total, 48 dogs including 6 dogs without any behavior disorder (control group) and 42 dogs with at least 1 common behavioral disorder, namely excessive activity, inappropriate elimination, fearfulness, destructiveness, and aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs (test group), were given daily oral dose of gelatin capsules of fish oil supplements containing 330 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 480 mg docosahexaenoic acid. Moreover, all dogs received 12-15 mg/kg of magnesium citrate and 5 mg/kg of zinc sulfate. Data were obtained using a questionnaire that dog owners were invited to fill out 2 times before (Days 0 and 42) and 2 times after the supplement treatment period (Days 84 and 126). The questionnaire asked owners whether their dog had exhibited any of the 6 common behavioral disorders on a 5-point Likert-like scale ranging from 0 (never or very rarely) to 4 (very often). The results showed no significant changes for any of the evaluated behavior disorders scale in the control group. In dogs with behavior disorders, results showed a significant reduction in the median score for the severity of fearfulness (P?=?.0083), destructiveness (P?=?.002), and inappropriate elimination (P < .001). In addition, there were no significant differences in the median score for the severity of excessive activity (P = .162), aggression toward dogs (P = .281), and aggression toward unfamiliar people (P = .09) during the course of the study. Results of the study reported here support the hypothesis that a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc may improve some of the behavioral disorders.     

Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship

Instrumental learning plays an important role in dog–human interactions. The recent demand for pet dog training has resulted in the development of various training methods. The present exploratory study aims to compare the effects of 2 training methods on both the behavioral welfare of the dog and the dog–owner relationship: the first method is based on positive reinforcement (appearance of an appetitive stimulus), whereas the second method is based on negative reinforcement (disappearance of an aversive stimulus). The study compared behaviors linked to signs of stress and attentive behaviors toward the owner in 2 dog training schools, which used different methods. Walking on-leash activity and obeying the “sit” command were studied. The results show that dogs from the school using a negative reinforcement–based method demonstrated lowered body postures and signals of stress, whereas dogs from the school using a positive reinforcement–based method showed increased attentiveness toward their owner. However, neither method affected avoidance behaviors. This exploratory study reveals the differential effects of the 2 training methods on dogs' behaviors; it suggests that training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful and potentially better for their welfare.     

Canine neosporosis in Hungary: screening for seroconversion of household, herding and stray dogs

In order to assess the seroprevalence of canine neosporosis 651 blood samples were collected from 586 household, 41 herding and 24 stray dogs, at small animal clinics in four large cities and other places of Hungary. Nineteen (2.9%) showed positivity in the IFAT with titres between 1:80 and 1:10240. Two dogs with high titres of antibodies to Neospora caninum had neuromuscular signs (imbalance, tremor) and a further one developed papulomatous, ulcerative and necrotizing dermatitis. There was no correlation between titers and age, sex, breed or keeping place. Although more male dogs had antibodies to N. caninum than females in case of both household and herding dogs, this association was not significant. No breed predisposition was observed. However, dogs with seroconversion were significantly more prevalent among rural (6%) than among urban dogs (1%), indicating that dogs in the countryside may have contact with or access to potentially infected offal from cattle and other intermediate hosts more frequently than those in large cities. Furthermore, significantly more herding dogs (29.3%) had antibodies to N. caninum than household dogs (1.2%), confirming the association between the occurrence of neosporosis and dog keeping on farms. The 12 dogs found seropositive among herding ones lived on 6 farms, on 5 of which seropositive cattle were also identified. This is the first report on the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs in Hungary.     

Comparison of behavioral characteristics of dogs in the United States and Japan

This study examined the difference in dog owning between Japan and the United States, and the effect of these differences on dogs’ behavioral characteristics. Behavioral evaluations of privately-owned dogs were obtained by using online questionnaire. We compared background and demographic information from the two countries and analyzed the effects of these differences on behavioral characteristics in dogs. The results indicated that there was a bias in the dog breeds kept in Japan compared to the United States and that Japanese dogs’ body weight was lower than the US dogs. The main source of dog acquisition was pet stores in Japan and breeders and/or shelters in the United States. Multiple linear regression analysis found that Japanese dogs showed more aggression to household members and higher energy, restlessness and fear of non-social stimuli than US dogs, while US dogs showed more fear of unfamiliar persons, separation-related behavior and excitability. US dogs also showed higher levels of trainability and attachment to owners. The lower dog’s body weight was, the higher the behavioral scores except for trainability were. When dogs that were obtained under 3 months of age were analyzed, the younger the dogs were when their owners obtained them, the higher the scores on some behavioral problem factors were. The higher rates of problem behaviors among Japanese dogs compared with US dogs suggest that the preference for small breed dogs and poor early development environment influenced the behavioral characteristics of dogs.     

Breed distribution of the ABCB1-1Delta (multidrug sensitivity) polymorphism among dogs undergoing ABCB1 genotyping

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breed distribution of the ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism in a large number of dogs in North America, including dogs of several herding breeds in which this polymorphism has been detected and other breeds in which this polymorphism has not yet been identified. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 5,368 dogs from which buccal swab samples were collected for purposes of ABCB1 genotyping. PROCEDURES: From May 1, 2004, to September 30, 2007, DNA specimens derived from buccal swab samples collected from 5,368 dogs underwent ABCB1 genotyping. These data were reviewed, and results for each dog were recorded in a spreadsheet, along with the dog's breed. The genotypes for each breed were tallied by use of a sorting function. RESULTS: The ABCB1-1Delta allele was identified in 9 breeds of dogs and in many mixed-breed dogs. Breeds that had the ABCB1-1Delta allele included Collie, Longhaired Whippet, Australian Shepherd (standard and miniature), Shetland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Border Collie, Silken Windhound, and German Shepherd Dog (a breed in which this mutation had not been detected previously). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism is associated with increased susceptibility to many adverse drug reactions and with suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is present in many herding breeds of dog. Veterinarians should be familiar with the breeds that have the ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism to make appropriate pharmacologic choices for these patients.     

Satisfaction and satisfaction affecting problem behavior in different types of adopted dogs

Many dogs are relinquished worldwide, so it is important to enhance adoptions’ success. We aimed at investigating factors associated with owners’ satisfaction with adopted dogs, both in general and focusing on galgos. Data on 392 dogs (191 galgos) were gathered using an online survey, investigating dogs’ and owners’ demographics, satisfaction with the adopted dog and post-adoption behavior. Satisfaction was affected by different variables in galgos’ owners as compared to non-sighthound non-podenco dogs’ ones, with only the presence of disobedience on walks negatively affecting satisfaction in both samples. Depending on dogs’ type, the presence of some behavioral problems was associated with decreased satisfaction with the dog (e.g., destructiveness for galgos, or separation problems for non-sighthound non-podenco dogs), whereas that of others increased it (e.g., not being interested in social interactions with dogs for galgos, and shadowing for non-sighthound non-podenco dogs). The variables most often being predictors of the behaviors influencing satisfaction were dog type, with being a galgo as a negative predictor, and dog’s age, with being older as a negative predictor. Further studies on dog adopters’ satisfaction are needed.