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Pimenta LG, Molento CFM, Farah L, de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki C, Paulo AC. Work bout handling of a search dog reduces handgrip strength and increases firefighters' risk of falls. Ann Work Expo Health 2024; 68:737-747. [PMID: 38832679 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Firefighters work with dogs as support for their search activities for victims. Firefighters who handle dogs supposedly have higher acute muscle pain, more stumbling, and fatigue. This study aimed to verify the influence of a mantrailing dog on the firefighter's psychophysiological and muscular responses and the number of imbalances in a simulated activity of searching for people. METHODS The sample consisted of 10 canine operators characterized by mass (92.57 ± 9.66 kg), height (1.78 ± 0.06 m), age (37.8 ± 2.1 yr), and length of service (9.5 ± 4.6 yr), who performed a search activity under 2 experimental conditions (dog condition and control condition). The simulated search activity consisted of a predefined hike of 2.5 km between the beginning of a search and the place where the sham victim was hidden. Cardiometabolic variables, pain level, and muscular performance were measured pre and postactivity (time factor). The number of imbalances suffered during hiking was also quantified. RESULTS ANOVA data indicated interactions (condition × time) related to handgrip strength (P < 0.05). Handgrip strength was reduced in the postsearch activity with the dog, and it increased the control when compared to the preactivity (-12.3% versus +9.2%). Also, the level of pain and discomfort in the neck, trunk, and hip regions was higher with dogs (P < 0.05). Under the dog and control conditions, there were 25 and 05 imbalances, respectively, during the hike. There were no significant differences between the experimental conditions for vertical jump performance and cardiovascular responses either with dog or control. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study highlight that a mantrailing dog with the firefighter increased the number of slips, trips, sudden changes in direction, and loss of body balance, accompanied by a reduction in handgrip strength, and increased acute pain in the neck, trunk, and hip. These findings may contribute to support strategies for mitigating injuries and optimizing the performance of canine operators in the fire department and other units cinotechnic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Gustavo Pimenta
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pedro Gusso St, 2601, Neoville, Curitiba, Parana, 81310900, Brazil
- Fire Department of Paraná, Nunes Machado St, 130, Centro, Curitiba, Parana, 80250000, Brazil
| | - Carla Forte Maiolino Molento
- Animal Welfare Laboratory, Federal University of Parana, dos Funcionários St, 1540, Cabral, Curitiba, Parana, 80035060, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Farah
- University Center Campos de Andrade, João Scuissiato, 001, Santa Quiteria, Curitiba, Parana, 80310310, Brazil
| | - Cintia de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pedro Gusso St, 2601, Neoville, Curitiba, Parana, 81310900, Brazil
| | - Anderson Caetano Paulo
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pedro Gusso St, 2601, Neoville, Curitiba, Parana, 81310900, Brazil
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Deshpande G, Zhao S, Waggoner P, Beyers R, Morrison E, Huynh N, Vodyanoy V, Denney TS, Katz JS. Two Separate Brain Networks for Predicting Trainability and Tracking Training-Related Plasticity in Working Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1082. [PMID: 38612321 PMCID: PMC11010877 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional brain connectivity based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been shown to be correlated with human personality and behavior. In this study, we sought to know whether capabilities and traits in dogs can be predicted from their resting-state connectivity, as in humans. We trained awake dogs to keep their head still inside a 3T MRI scanner while resting-state fMRI data was acquired. Canine behavior was characterized by an integrated behavioral score capturing their hunting, retrieving, and environmental soundness. Functional scans and behavioral measures were acquired at three different time points across detector dog training. The first time point (TP1) was prior to the dogs entering formal working detector dog training. The second time point (TP2) was soon after formal detector dog training. The third time point (TP3) was three months' post detector dog training while the dogs were engaged in a program of maintenance training for detection work. We hypothesized that the correlation between resting-state FC in the dog brain and behavior measures would significantly change during their detection training process (from TP1 to TP2) and would maintain for the subsequent several months of detection work (from TP2 to TP3). To further study the resting-state FC features that can predict the success of training, dogs at TP1 were divided into a successful group and a non-successful group. We observed a core brain network which showed relatively stable (with respect to time) patterns of interaction that were significantly stronger in successful detector dogs compared to failures and whose connectivity strength at the first time point predicted whether a given dog was eventually successful in becoming a detector dog. A second ontologically based flexible peripheral network was observed whose changes in connectivity strength with detection training tracked corresponding changes in behavior over the training program. Comparing dog and human brains, the functional connectivity between the brain stem and the frontal cortex in dogs corresponded to that between the locus coeruleus and left middle frontal gyrus in humans, suggestive of a shared mechanism for learning and retrieval of odors. Overall, the findings point toward the influence of phylogeny and ontogeny in dogs producing two dissociable functional neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopikrishna Deshpande
- Auburn University Neuroimaging Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (S.Z.); (R.B.); (N.H.); (T.S.D.J.)
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium, Birmingham, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India
- Department of Heritage Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad 502285, India
| | - Sinan Zhao
- Auburn University Neuroimaging Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (S.Z.); (R.B.); (N.H.); (T.S.D.J.)
| | - Paul Waggoner
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA;
| | - Ronald Beyers
- Auburn University Neuroimaging Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (S.Z.); (R.B.); (N.H.); (T.S.D.J.)
| | - Edward Morrison
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (E.M.); (V.V.)
| | - Nguyen Huynh
- Auburn University Neuroimaging Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (S.Z.); (R.B.); (N.H.); (T.S.D.J.)
| | - Vitaly Vodyanoy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (E.M.); (V.V.)
| | - Thomas S. Denney
- Auburn University Neuroimaging Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (S.Z.); (R.B.); (N.H.); (T.S.D.J.)
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium, Birmingham, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Katz
- Auburn University Neuroimaging Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (S.Z.); (R.B.); (N.H.); (T.S.D.J.)
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium, Birmingham, AL 36849, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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de Miranda-Magalhães AJ, Jantorno GM, Pralon AZ, de Castro MB, de Melo CB. Explosive Detection Dogs: A Perspective from the Personality Profile, Selection, Training Methods, Employment, and Performance to Mitigate a Real Threat. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3773. [PMID: 38136810 PMCID: PMC10741240 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Terrorist organizations have compelled security authorities of every nation to make an increasingly significant commitment toward mitigating the risk of mass casualties and severe financial and property damages. As a result, various security measures have been implemented, including the use of advanced equipment and an uptick in intelligence activities. One of the most effective tools that has yielded outstanding results is the use of explosive detection dogs (EDDs). The nature of EDDs demands a high level of sensitivity given the inherent danger and severity of real threat situations that may involve the risk of explosion. Moreover, the operating procedures for EDDs are unique and distinguishable from other forms of detection. We conducted a review to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject, highlighting the EDDs' personality profile, selection, training methods, performance, and employment, incorporating insights from diverse fields, conducting an analysis, and presenting a perspective on using EDDs to prevent explosion threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio J. de Miranda-Magalhães
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences (PPGCA/FAV), University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro ICC Sul, Asa Norte, Brasília 70910-900, Federal District, Brazil; (A.J.d.M.-M.); (G.M.J.); (M.B.d.C.)
| | - Gustavo M. Jantorno
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences (PPGCA/FAV), University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro ICC Sul, Asa Norte, Brasília 70910-900, Federal District, Brazil; (A.J.d.M.-M.); (G.M.J.); (M.B.d.C.)
| | - Adauto Z. Pralon
- Bomb and Explosives Group (GBE), Policia Federal (PF/SRES), Brasília 70037-900, Federal District, Brazil;
| | - Márcio B. de Castro
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences (PPGCA/FAV), University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro ICC Sul, Asa Norte, Brasília 70910-900, Federal District, Brazil; (A.J.d.M.-M.); (G.M.J.); (M.B.d.C.)
| | - Cristiano Barros de Melo
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences (PPGCA/FAV), University of Brasilia (UnB), Campus Darcy Ribeiro ICC Sul, Asa Norte, Brasília 70910-900, Federal District, Brazil; (A.J.d.M.-M.); (G.M.J.); (M.B.d.C.)
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Matsumoto Y, Konno A, Ishihara G, Inoue-Murayama M. Genetic dissection of behavioral traits related to successful training of drug detection dogs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7326. [PMID: 37147374 PMCID: PMC10163243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33638-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug detection dogs play integral roles in society. However, the interplay between their behaviors and genetic characteristics underlying their performance remains uninvestigated. Herein, more than 120,000 genetic variants were evaluated in 326 German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever dogs to profile the genetic traits associated with various behavioral traits related to the successful training of drug detection dogs. Behavioral breed differences were observed in 'friendliness to humans' and 'tolerance to dogs.' A genome-wide association study within both breeds identified 11 regions potentially associated with drug detection dog characteristics as well as 'interest in the target' and 'friendliness to humans,' which are related to drug detection abilities. Among them, 63 protein-coding genes, including Atat1 and Pfn2 known to be associated with anxiety-related or exploration behavior in mice, respectively, were located surrounding the identified candidate polymorphisms. This study highlights genetic characteristics associated with behavioral traits that are important for the successful training of drug detection dogs. Thus, these findings may facilitate improved breeding and training of these dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Matsumoto
- Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Yokohama, Kanagawa, 231-0033, Japan
| | - Akitsugu Konno
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Uenohara, Yamanashi, 409-0193, Japan
| | - Genki Ishihara
- Anicom Specialty Medical Institute Inc., Yokohama, Kanagawa, 231-0033, Japan
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5
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Does owner handedness influence paw preference in dogs? Anim Cogn 2023; 26:425-433. [PMID: 36057017 PMCID: PMC9950156 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Handedness has proven to be the most effective and least intrusive measure of laterality in many species. Several studies have investigated paw preference in dogs (Canis familiaris) without considering the potential impact that owner's handedness may have on it, despite dogs being a domesticated species. The aim of this study was to investigate whether owner handedness influences paw preference in their dogs. Sixty-two dogs had their paw preference tested using a Paw Task and a Reach Task in their home over 10 days, recorded by their owners. Interestingly, it was found that left-handed owners were more likely to own a dog with a left paw bias, and right-handed owners were more likely to own a dog with a right paw bias. In the Paw Task, the hand presented to a dog did not significantly predict which paw the dog lifted in response. Furthermore, it was found that females displayed a right paw bias at all age groups. However, males had a left paw bias in puppyhood and right paw bias in older age groups. We conclude that owner handedness influences paw preference in dogs, and it should be considered when suitably pairing dogs to potential owners, especially in assistance work.
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6
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Bauër P, Leemans M, Audureau E, Gilbert C, Armal C, Fromantin I. Remote Medical Scent Detection of Cancer and Infectious Diseases With Dogs and Rats: A Systematic Review. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221140516. [PMID: 36541180 PMCID: PMC9791295 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221140516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote medical scent detection of cancer and infectious diseases with dogs and rats has been an increasing field of research these last 20 years. If validated, the possibility of implementing such a technique in the clinic raises many hopes. This systematic review was performed to determine the evidence and performance of such methods and assess their potential relevance in the clinic. METHODS Pubmed and Web of Science databases were independently searched based on PRISMA standards between 01/01/2000 and 01/05/2021. We included studies aiming at detecting cancers and infectious diseases affecting humans with dogs or rats. We excluded studies using other animals, studies aiming to detect agricultural diseases, diseases affecting animals, and others such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Only original articles were included. Data about patients' selection, samples, animal characteristics, animal training, testing configurations, and performances were recorded. RESULTS A total of 62 studies were included. Sensitivity and specificity varied a lot among studies: While some publications report low sensitivities of 0.17 and specificities around 0.29, others achieve rates of 1 sensitivity and specificity. Only 6 studies were evaluated in a double-blind screening-like situation. In general, the risk of performance bias was high in most evaluated studies, and the quality of the evidence found was low. CONCLUSIONS Medical detection using animals' sense of smell lacks evidence and performances so far to be applied in the clinic. What odors the animals detect is not well understood. Further research should be conducted, focusing on patient selection, samples (choice of materials, standardization), and testing conditions. Interpolations of such results to free running detection (direct contact with humans) should be taken with extreme caution. Considering this synthesis, we discuss the challenges and highlight the excellent odor detection threshold exhibited by animals which represents a potential opportunity to develop an accessible and non-invasive method for disease detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bauër
- Institut Curie, Paris, France,Univ Paris Est Creteil, INSERM, IMRB, Team CEpiA
| | - Michelle Leemans
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, INSERM, IMRB, Team CEpiA,Michelle Leemans, Univ Paris Est Creteil, INSERM, IMRB, Team CEpiA, 61 Av. du Général de Gaulle, 94000 Créteil, F-94010 Créteil, France.
| | | | - Caroline Gilbert
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Brunoy, France,Ecole nationale vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort cedex, France
| | | | - Isabelle Fromantin
- Institut Curie, Paris, France,Univ Paris Est Creteil, INSERM, IMRB, Team CEpiA
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7
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McEvoy V, Espinosa UB, Crump A, Arnott G. Canine Socialisation: A Narrative Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2895. [PMID: 36359020 PMCID: PMC9655304 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There are over 10 million pet dogs in the UK alone, and they have become a member of modern human families. If not properly socialised as puppies, dogs have a higher risk of problematic behaviours during adulthood, yet socialisation studies are lacking. Much of the experimental research was carried out at least 50 years ago, and the importance of socialisation was demonstrated so clearly that further studies with unsocialised controls would be deemed unethical. In this review, the aim was to evaluate all literature relevant to canine socialisation. This review used PRISMA-P guidelines to identify 29 studies: 14 were questionnaire-based studies (two of which also had a testing element), 15 included some form of experimental manipulation relating to socialisation, and one was a purely observational study. Based on this literature review, we recommend future research into minimum necessary socialisation levels, as well as breed differences in the timing of effective socialisation. Such studies will help owners and breeders produce well-adjusted adult dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria McEvoy
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (U.B.E.); (G.A.)
| | - Uri Baqueiro Espinosa
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (U.B.E.); (G.A.)
| | - Andrew Crump
- Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton St., Holborn, London WC2A 2AE, UK;
| | - Gareth Arnott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (U.B.E.); (G.A.)
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Marcato M, Kenny J, O’Riordan R, O’Mahony C, O’Flynn B, Galvin P. Assistance dog selection and performance assessment methods using behavioural and physiological tools and devices. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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9
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McConnell I, Marker L, Rooney N. Preliminary investigation into personality and effectiveness of livestock guarding dogs in Namibia. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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Leech LE, Preziosi R, Stoycheva R, Pastorino GQ. The Effects of Owner and Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Demographics on Cat Personality Traits. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Bray EE, Otto CM, Udell MAR, Hall NJ, Johnston AM, MacLean EL. Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:644431. [PMID: 34055947 PMCID: PMC8149746 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.644431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs perform a variety of integral roles in our society, engaging in work ranging from assistance (e.g., service dogs, guide dogs) and therapy to detection (e.g., search-and-rescue dogs, explosive detection dogs) and protection (e.g., military and law enforcement dogs). However, success in these roles, which requires dogs to meet challenging behavioral criteria and to undergo extensive training, is far from guaranteed. Therefore, enhancing the selection process is critical for the effectiveness and efficiency of working dog programs and has the potential to optimize how resources are invested in these programs, increase the number of available working dogs, and improve working dog welfare. In this paper, we review two main approaches for achieving this goal: (1) developing selection tests and criteria that can efficiently and effectively identify ideal candidates from the overall pool of candidate dogs, and (2) developing approaches to enhance performance, both at the individual and population level, via improvements in rearing, training, and breeding. We summarize key findings from the empirical literature regarding best practices for assessing, selecting, and improving working dogs, and conclude with future steps and recommendations for working dog organizations, breeders, trainers, and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Bray
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Canine Companions for Independence, National Headquarters, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia M Otto
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Monique A R Udell
- Human-Animal Interaction Laboratory, Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Nathaniel J Hall
- Canine Olfaction Lab, Department of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Angie M Johnston
- Boston College Canine Cognition Center, Psychology and Neuroscience Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Evan L MacLean
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Cognitive Science Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Validation of a Behavior Test for Predicting Puppies' Suitability as Detection Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040993. [PMID: 33916191 PMCID: PMC8065730 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral characteristics are the most influential factor in the success of a working dog. The need for highly capable detection dogs continues to rise; but reliable methods for early selection are lacking. The current study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a behavioral test for assessing detection dog suitability. A cohort of candidate detection dog puppies (n = 60) were tested at 3; 5; and 11 months of age; as well as at the completion of training at approximately one year. Tests were designed to assess important detection dog behavioral characteristics such as search ability and fearfulness. Inter-rater reliability was high between independent observers. Convergent validity was demonstrated by comparing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scores from the behavior test to trainer ratings using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and a survey of detection dog traits. Performance on the behavior test predicted adult selection as a detection dog as early as 3 months. The methods reported will be valuable for improving selection measures and enhancing collaborations across breeding programs in order to increase the availability of highly capable detection dogs.
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Early Evaluation of Fearfulness in Future Guide Dogs for Blind People. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020412. [PMID: 33562832 PMCID: PMC7915603 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear is the leading cause of guide dog failure. Detecting the nature and causes of these fears as early as possible is the first step in preventing their occurrence. The process of habituation is a fundamental part of fear prevention. In this study, 11 puppies, all five months of age, underwent an emotional reactivity test (ERT) composed of 12 scored items, classified into three categories: unknown person (UP), sound and visual stimuli (SVS), and body sensitivity (BS). Salivary cortisol was also measured. Foster families were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning puppies' habituation. The physiological data were correlated with UP (r = 0.71) and BS scores (r = 0.67), but not with SVS scores (r = 0.16), suggesting the ability of these dogs to control themselves when faced with the latter stimulus category. Additionally, the more time a puppy spent alone, the more likely it was to be afraid of SVS (p = 0.05). A correlation, albeit moderate, was detected between cortisol and habituation scores (r = 0.48). These results give us interesting avenues to explore, particularly regarding the importance of focusing on early puppy socialization and habituation to improve the numbers of guide dog candidates becoming successful guide dogs.
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Dog cognitive development: a longitudinal study across the first 2 years of life. Anim Cogn 2020; 24:311-328. [PMID: 33113034 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01443-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
While our understanding of adult dog cognition has grown considerably over the past 20 years, relatively little is known about the ontogeny of dog cognition. To assess the development and longitudinal stability of cognitive traits in dogs, we administered a battery of tasks to 160 candidate assistance dogs at 2 timepoints. The tasks were designed to measure diverse aspects of cognition, ranging from executive function (e.g., inhibitory control, reversal learning, memory) to sensory discrimination (e.g., vision, audition, olfaction) to social interaction with humans. Subjects first participated as 8-10-week-old puppies, and then were retested on the same tasks at ~ 21 months of age. With few exceptions, task performance improved with age, with the largest effects observed for measures of executive function and social gaze. Results also indicated that individual differences were both early emerging and enduring; for example, social attention to humans, use of human communicative signals, independent persistence at a problem, odor discrimination, and inhibitory control all exhibited moderate levels of rank-order stability between the two timepoints. Using multiple regression, we found that young adult performance on many cognitive tasks could be predicted from a set of cognitive measures collected in early development. Our findings contribute to knowledge about changes in dog cognition across early development as well as the origins and developmental stability of individual differences.
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15
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Fear expressions of dogs during New Year fireworks: a video analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16035. [PMID: 32994423 PMCID: PMC7525486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A high proportion of pet dogs show fear-related behavioural problems, with noise fears being most prevalent. Nonetheless, few studies have objectively evaluated fear expression in this species. Using owner-provided video recordings, we coded behavioural expressions of pet dogs during a real-life firework situation at New Year’s Eve and compared them to behaviour of the same dogs on a different evening without fireworks (control condition), using Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. A backwards-directed ear position, measured at the base of the ear, was most strongly associated with the fireworks condition (effect size: Cohen’s d = 0.69). Durations of locomotion (d = 0.54) and panting (d = 0.45) were also higher during fireworks than during the control condition. Vocalisations (d = 0.40), blinking (d = 0.37), and hiding (d = 0.37) were increased during fireworks, but this was not significant after sequential Bonferroni correction. This could possibly be attributed to the high inter-individual variability in the frequency of blinking and the majority of subjects not vocalising or hiding at all. Thus, individual differences must be taken into account when aiming to assess an individual’s level of fear, as relevant measures may not be the same for all individuals. Firework exposure was not associated with an elevated rate of other so-called ‘stress signals’, lip licking and yawning.
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16
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Ganitskaya YV, Feoktistova NY, Vasukov DD, Surov AV. Some Behavioral Features Required for the Selection of Detection Dogs. BIOL BULL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359020050039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Lazarowski L, Waggoner LP, Krichbaum S, Singletary M, Haney P, Rogers B, Angle C. Selecting Dogs for Explosives Detection: Behavioral Characteristics. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:597. [PMID: 33088829 PMCID: PMC7493654 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection dogs are widely considered the most effective and adaptive method for explosives detection. Increases in emerging sophisticated threats are accelerating the demand for highly capable explosives detection, causing a strain on available supplies of quality canines worldwide. These strains are further compounded by rigorous behavioral standards required to meet mission-specific capabilities, leading to high rates of dogs disqualified from training or deployment. Ample research has explored the behavioral characteristics important for assistance, guide, and other traditional working roles, while those corresponding to more specialized tasks such as detection of explosives are not as well-understood. In this review we aim to identify the behavioral characteristics important for operational tasks of explosives detection dogs, contrasting with that of other working roles and highlighting key differences between explosives and other types of detection dogs. Further, we review the available research on methods for assessing and selecting candidate detection dogs and make recommendations for future directions and applications to the industry. Improvements and standardization in assessment technology allowing for the identification and enhancement of behavioral characteristics will be key to advancing canine detection technology in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lazarowski
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Lowell Paul Waggoner
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Sarah Krichbaum
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Melissa Singletary
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Pamela Haney
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Bart Rogers
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Craig Angle
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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18
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Bray EE, Gruen ME, Gnanadesikan GE, Horschler DJ, Levy KM, Kennedy BS, Hare BA, MacLean EL. Cognitive characteristics of 8- to 10-week-old assistance dog puppies. Anim Behav 2020; 166:193-206. [PMID: 32719570 PMCID: PMC7384752 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
To characterize the early ontogeny of dog cognition, we tested 168 domestic dog, Canis familiaris, puppies (97 females, 71 males; mean age = 9.2 weeks) in a novel test battery based on previous tasks developed and employed with adolescent and adult dogs. Our sample consisted of Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Labrador × golden retriever crosses from 65 different litters at Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that breeds, trains and places assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Puppies participated in a 3-day cognitive battery that consisted of 14 tasks measuring different cognitive abilities and temperament traits such as executive function (e.g. inhibitory control, reversal learning, working memory), use of social cues, sensory discriminations and reactivity to and recovery from novel situations. At 8-10 weeks of age, and despite minimal experience with humans, puppies reliably used a variety of cooperative-communicative gestures from humans. Puppies accurately remembered the location of hidden food for delays of up to 20 s, and succeeded in a variety of visual, olfactory and auditory discrimination problems. They also showed some skill at executive function tasks requiring inhibitory control and reversal learning, although they scored lower on these tasks than is typical in adulthood. Taken together, our results confirm the early emergence of sensitivity to human communication in dogs and contextualize these skills within a broad array of other cognitive abilities measured at the same stage of ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Bray
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
- Canine Companions for Independence, National Headquarters, Santa Rosa, CA, U.S.A
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, U.S.A
| | - Gitanjali E Gnanadesikan
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
- Cognitive Science Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
| | - Daniel J Horschler
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
- Cognitive Science Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
| | - Kerinne M Levy
- Canine Companions for Independence, National Headquarters, Santa Rosa, CA, U.S.A
| | - Brenda S Kennedy
- Canine Companions for Independence, National Headquarters, Santa Rosa, CA, U.S.A
| | - Brian A Hare
- Duke Canine Cognition Center, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, U.S.A
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, U.S.A
| | - Evan L MacLean
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
- Cognitive Science Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A
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19
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Dollion N, Paulus A, Champagne N, St-Pierre N, St-Pierre É, Trudel M, Plusquellec P. Fear/Reactivity in working dogs: An analysis of 37 years of behavioural data from the Mira Foundation’s future service dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Mugenda L, Shreyer T, Croney C. Refining canine welfare assessment in kennels: Evaluating the reliability of Field Instantaneous Dog Observation (FIDO) scoring. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Konno A, Inoue-Murayama M, Yabuta S, Tonoike A, Nagasawa M, Mogi K, Kikusui T. Effect of Canine Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism on the Successful Training of Drug Detection Dogs. J Hered 2019. [PMID: 29538681 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug detection dogs can be trained to locate various prohibited drugs with targeted odors, and they play an important role in the interdiction of drug smuggling in human society. Recent studies provide the interesting hypothesis that the oxytocin system serves as a biological basis for co-evolution between dogs and humans. Here, we offer the new possibility that genetic variation of the canine oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene may regulate the success of a dog's training to become a drug detection dog. A total of 340 Labrador Retriever dogs that were trained to be drug detection dogs in Japan were analyzed. We genotyped an exonic SNP (rs8679682) in the OXTR gene and compared the training success rate of dogs with different genotypes. We also asked dog trainers in the training facility to evaluate subjective personality assessment scores for each dog and examined how each dog's training success was related to those scores. A significant effect of the OXTR genotype on the success of the dogs' training was found, with a higher proportion of dogs carrying the C allele (T/C and C/C genotypes) being successful candidates than dogs carrying the T/T genotype. Dog personality scores of Training Focus (Factor 1) were positively correlated with an increased likelihood that a dog would successfully complete training. Although the molecular mechanism of the OXTR gene and its functional pathway related to dog behavior remains unknown, our findings suggest that canine OXTR gene variants may regulate individual differences between dogs in their responsiveness to training for drug detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akitsugu Konno
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Uenohara, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Miho Inoue-Murayama
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.,Wildlife Genome Collaborative Research Group, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shinji Yabuta
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Uenohara, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Akiko Tonoike
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mogi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
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22
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Sacharczuk M, Walczak M, Adamkiewicz E, Walasek A, Ensminger J, Presch M, Jezierski T. Polymorphism of olfactory and neurotransmitters receptor genes in drug and explosives detection dogs can be associated with differences in detection performance. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Leighton EA, Hare E, Thomas S, Waggoner LP, Otto CM. A Solution for the Shortage of Detection Dogs: A Detector Dog Center of Excellence and a Cooperative Breeding Program. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:284. [PMID: 30510934 PMCID: PMC6254186 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, demand for US-bred and born detector dogs exceeds available supply, while reliance on foreign-bred sources introduces many unnecessary and unwanted risks. With proper management of a domestic supply line, U.S. breeders can improve both health and behavior by applying scientific principles to breeding and raising of detector dogs. A cooperative national detector dog breeding and development program will mitigate the current shortage of domestic-bred dogs that meet the health and behavior standards required by government, military, and law enforcement agencies. To coordinate such a cooperative, we propose a Detector Dog Center of Excellence (DDCoE) led by representatives of academic canine science programs guided by an advisory board of stakeholders. As a non-governmental organization, the DDCoE will oversee selective breeding of dogs owned by breeders, purchase the resulting puppies, and its members will supervise puppy raising until dogs are of a suitable age to be purchased by government agencies or other working dog organizations. The DDCoE will serve as an approved vendor to facilitate the procurement process. Breeding decisions will be based on proven quantitative genetic methods implemented by a specialized database. A national working dog semen bank will ensure conservation of diverse genetic material and enhance selection response by providing numerous potential sires. As a data collection and genetic evaluation center, the DDCoE will lead research to define quantitative traits involved in odor detection, to understand how these traits develop, and methods to optimize training of dogs endowed with enhanced odor detection ability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Hare
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Dog Genetics LLC, Sunnyside, NY, United States
| | - Scott Thomas
- American Kennel Club Detection Dog Task Force, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - L Paul Waggoner
- Canine Performance Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Cynthia M Otto
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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24
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Brady K, Cracknell N, Zulch H, Mills DS. Factors associated with long-term success in working police dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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25
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Bremhorst A, Bütler S, Würbel H, Riemer S. Incentive motivation in pet dogs - preference for constant vs varied food rewards. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9756. [PMID: 29950698 PMCID: PMC6021384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been a move towards positive reinforcement using food rewards in animal training. By definition, rewards function as reinforcers if they increase or maintain the frequency of behaviour that they follow. However, in operant conditioning tasks animals frequently show systematic changes in performance - in particular a reduction in responding over time. One suggested strategy to avoid such performance decrements is to provide a variety of food rewards, rather than the same food reward in all trials. The enhancement of appetitive behaviour and consumption by reward variation is referred to as 'variety effect'. We investigated whether dogs preferred a variable or a constant food reward in a concurrent two-choice test. Of 16 dogs, six subjects showed a significant preference for the varied food reward and six for the constant food reward, while four dogs exhibited no significant preference for either option. At the group level, there was a significant effect of block: preference for the varied food reward increased across six blocks of ten trials each. Thus, although some individuals may prefer a single, favourite food reward in the short term, introducing variation in reward types may maintain dogs' motivation in operant tasks over a longer time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Bremhorst
- Division of Animal Welfare, DCR-VPHI, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Sarah Bütler
- Division of Animal Welfare, DCR-VPHI, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hanno Würbel
- Division of Animal Welfare, DCR-VPHI, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Riemer
- Division of Animal Welfare, DCR-VPHI, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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26
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Brady K, Cracknell N, Zulch H, Mills DS. A Systematic Review of the Reliability and Validity of Behavioural Tests Used to Assess Behavioural Characteristics Important in Working Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:103. [PMID: 29888234 PMCID: PMC5982092 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Working dogs are selected based on predictions from tests that they will be able to perform specific tasks in often challenging environments. However, withdrawal from service in working dogs is still a big problem, bringing into question the reliability of the selection tests used to make these predictions. Methods A systematic review was undertaken aimed at bringing together available information on the reliability and predictive validity of the assessment of behavioural characteristics used with working dogs to establish the quality of selection tests currently available for use to predict success in working dogs. Results The search procedures resulted in 16 papers meeting the criteria for inclusion. A large range of behaviour tests and parameters were used in the identified papers, and so behaviour tests and their underpinning constructs were grouped on the basis of their relationship with positive core affect (willingness to work, human-directed social behaviour, object-directed play tendencies) and negative core affect (human-directed aggression, approach withdrawal tendencies, sensitivity to aversives). We then examined the papers for reports of inter-rater reliability, within-session intra-rater reliability, test-retest validity and predictive validity. Conclusions The review revealed a widespread lack of information relating to the reliability and validity of measures to assess behaviour and inconsistencies in terminologies, study parameters and indices of success. There is a need to standardise the reporting of these aspects of behavioural tests in order to improve the knowledge base of what characteristics are predictive of optimal performance in working dog roles, improving selection processes and reducing working dog redundancy. We suggest the use of a framework based on explaining the direct or indirect relationship of the test with core affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Brady
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Cracknell
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Zulch
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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27
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Coutant T, Bagur S, Gilbert C. Development of an observational quantitative temperament test in three common parrot species. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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28
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Turcsán B, Wallis L, Virányi Z, Range F, Müller CA, Huber L, Riemer S. Personality traits in companion dogs-Results from the VIDOPET. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195448. [PMID: 29634747 PMCID: PMC5892901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual behavioural differences in pet dogs are of great interest from a basic and applied research perspective. Most existing dog personality tests have specific (practical) goals in mind and so focused only on a limited aspect of dogs' personality, such as identifying problematic (aggressive or fearful) behaviours, assessing suitability as working dogs, or improving the results of adoption. Here we aimed to create a comprehensive test of personality in pet dogs that goes beyond traditional practical evaluations by exposing pet dogs to a range of situations they might encounter in everyday life. The Vienna Dog Personality Test (VIDOPET) consists of 15 subtests and was performed on 217 pet dogs. A two-step data reduction procedure (principal component analysis on each subtest followed by an exploratory factor analysis on the subtest components) yielded five factors: Sociability-obedience, Activity-independence, Novelty seeking, Problem orientation, and Frustration tolerance. A comprehensive evaluation of reliability and validity measures demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability and adequate internal consistency of all factors. Moreover the test showed good temporal consistency when re-testing a subsample of dogs after an average of 3.8 years-a considerably longer test-retest interval than assessed for any other dog personality test, to our knowledge. The construct validity of the test was investigated by analysing the correlations between the results of video coding and video rating methods and the owners' assessment via a dog personality questionnaire. The results demonstrated good convergent as well as discriminant validity. To conclude, the VIDOPET is not only a highly reliable and valid tool for measuring dog personality, but also the first test to show consistent behavioural traits related to problem solving ability and frustration tolerance in pet dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borbála Turcsán
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lisa Wallis
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Virányi
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friederike Range
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Corsin A. Müller
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Riemer
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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29
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Lazarowski L, Haney PS, Brock J, Fischer T, Rogers B, Angle C, Katz JS, Waggoner LP. Investigation of the Behavioral Characteristics of Dogs Purpose-Bred and Prepared to Perform Vapor Wake® Detection of Person-Borne Explosives. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:50. [PMID: 29616229 PMCID: PMC5869930 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Specialized detector dogs are increasingly being utilized for the detection of modern threats. The Vapor Wake® (VW) dog was developed to create a dog phenotype ideally suited for detecting hand-carried and body-worn explosives. VW dogs (VWDs) are trained to sample and alert to target odors in the aerodynamic wakes of moving persons, which entrains vapor and small particles from the person. The behavioral characteristics necessary for dogs to be successfully trained and employed for the application of VW are a distinct subset of the desired general characteristics of dogs used for detection tasks due to the dynamic nature of moving targets. The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral characteristics of candidate detector dogs to determine the particular qualities that set apart VW-capable dogs from others. We assessed 146 candidate detector dogs from a VW breeding and training program. Dogs received identical puppy development and foundational odor training and underwent performance evaluations at 3, 6, 10, and 12 months old, after which they were sold for service. Dogs were categorized based on their final outcome of the training program, independently determined by private vendors, corresponding to three groups: dogs successfully sold for VW, dogs sold for standard explosives detection, and dogs that failed to be placed in any type of detector dog service (Washouts). Comparisons of behavioral evaluations between the groups were made across domains pertaining to search-related behaviors (Performance), reactions to novel stimuli (Environmental), and overall ease of learning new tasks (Trainability). Comparisons were also made at each evaluation to determine any early emergence of differences. VWDs scored significantly higher on Performance characteristics compared to standard explosives detection dogs (EDDs) and Washouts. However, Environmental characteristics did not differentiate VWDs from EDDs, though scores on these measures were significantly lower in the Washouts. Furthermore, differences between groups emerged as early as 3 and 6 months for select measures. We describe the behavioral characteristics targeted for selection in developing the VW phenotype and discuss the relative merit and degree of expression of those characteristics in the success of dogs bred and trained for the VW application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lazarowski
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Pamela Sue Haney
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Jeanne Brock
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Terry Fischer
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Bart Rogers
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Craig Angle
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Jeffrey S Katz
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L Paul Waggoner
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Abstract
In recent research, personality consistency has become an important characteristic. Diverse traits and human-animal interactions, in particular, are studied in the field of personality consistency in dogs. Here, we investigated the consistency of dominant behaviours in cloned and control groups followed by the modified Puppy Aptitude Test, which consists of ten subtests to ascertain the influence of genetic identity. In this test, puppies are exposed to stranger, restraint, prey-like object, noise, startling object, etc. Six cloned and four control puppies participated and the consistency of responses at ages 7–10 and 16 weeks in the two groups was compared. The two groups showed different consistencies in the subtests. While the average scores of the cloned group were consistent (P = 0.7991), those of the control group were not (P = 0.0089). Scores of Pack Drive and Fight or Flight Drive were consistent in the cloned group, however, those of the control group were not. Scores of Prey Drive were not consistent in either the cloned or the control group. Therefore, it is suggested that consistency of dominant behaviour is affected by genetic identity and some behaviours can be influenced more than others. Our results suggest that cloned dogs could show more consistent traits than non-cloned. This study implies that personality consistency could be one of the ways to analyse traits of puppies.
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32
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33
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Asher L, Harvey ND, Green M, England GCW. Application of Survival Analysis and Multistate Modeling to Understand Animal Behavior: Examples from Guide Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:116. [PMID: 28804710 PMCID: PMC5532385 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiology is the study of patterns of health-related states or events in populations. Statistical models developed for epidemiology could be usefully applied to behavioral states or events. The aim of this study is to present the application of epidemiological statistics to understand animal behavior where discrete outcomes are of interest, using data from guide dogs to illustrate. Specifically, survival analysis and multistate modeling are applied to data on guide dogs comparing dogs that completed training and qualified as a guide dog, to those that were withdrawn from the training program. Survival analysis allows the time to (or between) a binary event(s) and the probability of the event occurring at or beyond a specified time point. Survival analysis, using a Cox proportional hazards model, was used to examine the time taken to withdraw a dog from training. Sex, breed, and other factors affected time to withdrawal. Bitches were withdrawn faster than dogs, Labradors were withdrawn faster, and Labrador × Golden Retrievers slower, than Golden Retriever × Labradors; and dogs not bred by Guide Dogs were withdrawn faster than those bred by Guide Dogs. Multistate modeling (MSM) can be used as an extension of survival analysis to incorporate more than two discrete events or states. Multistate models were used to investigate transitions between states of training to qualification as a guide dog or behavioral withdrawal, and from qualification as a guide dog to behavioral withdrawal. Sex, breed (with purebred Labradors and Golden retrievers differing from F1 crosses), and bred by Guide Dogs or not, effected movements between states. We postulate that survival analysis and MSM could be applied to a wide range of behavioral data and key examples are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Asher
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.,Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi D Harvey
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Gary C W England
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
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Effects of maternal investment, temperament, and cognition on guide dog success. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:9128-9133. [PMID: 28784785 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704303114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A continuing debate in studies of social development in both humans and other animals is the extent to which early life experiences affect adult behavior. Also unclear are the relative contributions of cognitive skills ("intelligence") and temperament for successful outcomes. Guide dogs are particularly suited to research on these questions. To succeed as a guide dog, individuals must accomplish complex navigation and decision making without succumbing to distractions and unforeseen obstacles. Faced with these rigorous demands, only ∼70% of dogs that enter training ultimately achieve success. What predicts success as a guide dog? To address these questions, we followed 98 puppies from birth to adulthood. We found that high levels of overall maternal behavior were linked with a higher likelihood of program failure. Furthermore, mothers whose nursing style required greater effort by puppies were more likely to produce successful offspring, whereas mothers whose nursing style required less effort were more likely to produce offspring that failed. In young adults, an inability to solve a multistep task quickly, compounded with high levels of perseveration during the task, was associated with failure. Young adults that were released from the program also appeared more anxious, as indicated by a short latency to vocalize when faced with a novel object task. Our results suggest that both maternal nursing behavior and individual traits of cognition and temperament are associated with guide dog success.
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Temperament and problem solving in a population of adolescent guide dogs. Anim Cogn 2017; 20:923-939. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-017-1112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Harvey ND, Craigon PJ, Blythe SA, England GCW, Asher L. An evidence-based decision assistance model for predicting training outcome in juvenile guide dogs. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174261. [PMID: 28614347 PMCID: PMC5470660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Working dog organisations, such as Guide Dogs, need to regularly assess the behaviour of the dogs they train. In this study we developed a questionnaire-style behaviour assessment completed by training supervisors of juvenile guide dogs aged 5, 8 and 12 months old (n = 1,401), and evaluated aspects of its reliability and validity. Specifically, internal reliability, temporal consistency, construct validity, predictive criterion validity (comparing against later training outcome) and concurrent criterion validity (comparing against a standardised behaviour test) were evaluated. Thirty-nine questions were sourced either from previously published literature or created to meet requirements identified via Guide Dogs staff surveys and staff feedback. Internal reliability analyses revealed seven reliable and interpretable trait scales named according to the questions within them as: Adaptability; Body Sensitivity; Distractibility; Excitability; General Anxiety; Trainability and Stair Anxiety. Intra-individual temporal consistency of the scale scores between 5–8, 8–12 and 5–12 months was high. All scales excepting Body Sensitivity showed some degree of concurrent criterion validity. Predictive criterion validity was supported for all seven scales, since associations were found with training outcome, at at-least one age. Thresholds of z-scores on the scales were identified that were able to distinguish later training outcome by identifying 8.4% of all dogs withdrawn for behaviour and 8.5% of all qualified dogs, with 84% and 85% specificity. The questionnaire assessment was reliable and could detect traits that are consistent within individuals over time, despite juvenile dogs undergoing development during the study period. By applying thresholds to scores produced from the questionnaire this assessment could prove to be a highly valuable decision-making tool for Guide Dogs. This is the first questionnaire-style assessment of juvenile dogs that has shown value in predicting the training outcome of individual working dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi D. Harvey
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter J. Craigon
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Simon A. Blythe
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicester, United Kingdom
- The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Gary C. W. England
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Asher
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Henry Wellcome Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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Posluns JA, Anderson RE, Walsh CJ. Comparing two canine personality assessments: Convergence of the MCPQ-R and DPQ and consensus between dog owners and dog walkers. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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40
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The influence of maternal care on stress-related behaviors in domestic dogs: What can we learn from the rodent literature? J Vet Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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41
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McGarrity ME, Sinn DL, Thomas SG, Marti CN, Gosling SD. Comparing the predictive validity of behavioral codings and behavioral ratings in a working-dog breeding program. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Caron-Lormier G, Harvey ND, England GCW, Asher L. Using the incidence and impact of behavioural conditions in guide dogs to investigate patterns in undesirable behaviour in dogs. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23860. [PMID: 27075868 PMCID: PMC4831008 DOI: 10.1038/srep23860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The domestic dog is one of our most popular companions and longest relationships, occupying different roles, from pet to working guide dog for the blind. As dogs age different behavioural issues occur and in some cases dogs may be relinquished or removed from their working service. Here we analyse a dataset on working guide dogs that were removed from their service between 1994 and 2013. We use the withdrawal reasons as a proxy for the manifestation of undesirable behaviour. More than 7,500 dogs were in the dataset used, 83% of which were retired (due to old age) and 17% were withdrawn for behavioural issues. We found that the main reasons for behaviour withdrawal were environmental anxiety, training, and fear/aggression. Breed and sex had an effect on the odds of dogs being withdrawn under the different reasons. The age at withdrawal for the different withdrawal reasons suggested that dogs were more likely to develop fear/aggression related issues early on, whilst issues related to training could develop at almost any age. We found no evidence for heterosis effecting behaviour. We believe that this work is relevant to the pet dog population and had implications for understanding ageing and genetic influences on behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Caron-Lormier
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Naomi D. Harvey
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Gary C. W. England
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Lucy Asher
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Henry Wellcome Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
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Wergård EM, Westlund K, Spångberg M, Fredlund H, Forkman B. Training success in group-housed long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) is better explained by personality than by social rank. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Barnard S, Marshall-Pescini S, Passalacqua C, Beghelli V, Capra A, Normando S, Pelosi A, Valsecchi P. Does Subjective Rating Reflect Behavioural Coding? Personality in 2 Month-Old Dog Puppies: An Open-Field Test and Adjective-Based Questionnaire. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149831. [PMID: 26977588 PMCID: PMC4792536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have recently investigated personality traits in non-human species, with the dog gaining popularity as a subject species for research in this area. Recent research has shown the consistency of personality traits across both context and time for adult dogs, both when using questionnaire based methods of investigation and behavioural analyses of the dogs' behaviour. However, only a few studies have assessed the correspondence between these two methods, with results varying considerably across studies. Furthermore, most studies have focused on adult dogs, despite the fact that an understanding of personality traits in young puppies may be important for research focusing on the genetic basis of personality traits. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the correspondence between a questionnaire based method and the in depth analyses of the behaviour of 2-month old puppies in an open-field test in which a number of both social and non-social stimuli were presented to the subjects. We further evaluated consistency of traits over time by re-testing a subset of puppies. The correspondence between methods was high and test- retest consistency (for the main trait) was also good using both evaluation methods. Results showed clear factors referring to the two main personality traits 'extroversion,' (i.e. the enthusiastic, exuberant approach to the stimuli) and 'neuroticism,' (i.e. the more cautious and fearful approach to the stimuli), potentially similar to the shyness-boldness dimension found in previous studies. Furthermore, both methods identified an 'amicability' dimension, expressing the positive interactions the pups directed at the humans stranger, and a 'reservedness' dimension which identified pups who largely chose not to interact with the stimuli, and were defined as quiet and not nosey in the questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanis Barnard
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sarah Marshall-Pescini
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Wolf Science Centre, Ernstbrunn, Austria
| | - Chiara Passalacqua
- Sez. di Neuroscienze, Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia medico-chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Beghelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alexa Capra
- Gentle Team, Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica, Asti, Italy
| | - Simona Normando
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pelosi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Valsecchi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Robinson LM, Skiver Thompson R, Ha JC. Puppy Temperament Assessments Predict Breed and American Kennel Club Group but Not Adult Temperament. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2016; 19:101-14. [PMID: 26882034 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1127765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Puppy assessments for companion dogs have shown mixed long-term reliability. Temperament is cited among the reasons for surrendering dogs to shelters. A puppy temperament test that reliably predicts adult behavior is one potential way to lower the number of dogs given to shelters. This study used a longitudinal design to assess temperament in puppies from 8 different breeds at 7 weeks old (n = 52) and 6 years old (n = 34) using modified temperament tests, physiological measures, and a follow-up questionnaire. For 7-week-old puppies, results revealed (a) puppy breed was predictable using 3 variables, (b) 4 American Kennel Club breed groups had some validity based on temperament, (c) temperament was variable within litters of puppies, and (d) certain measures of temperament were related to physiological measures (heart rate). Finally, puppy temperament assessments were reliable in predicting the scores of 2 of the 8 adult dog temperament measures. However, overall, the puppy temperament scores were unreliable in predicting adult temperament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Robinson
- a Department of Psychology , School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh , United Kingdom.,b Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh , United Kingdom
| | | | - James C Ha
- c Department of Psychology , University of Washington
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Harvey ND, Craigon PJ, Sommerville R, McMillan C, Green M, England GC, Asher L. Test-retest reliability and predictive validity of a juvenile guide dog behavior test. J Vet Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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47
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Foyer P, Svedberg AM, Nilsson E, Wilsson E, Faresjö Å, Jensen P. Behavior and cortisol responses of dogs evaluated in a standardized temperament test for military working dogs. J Vet Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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48
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Genetic evaluation of traits in a standardized behavioral test for potential guide dog puppies using crossbreed models. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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49
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Oh HJ, Choi J, Kim MJ, Kim GA, Jo YK, Choi YB, Lee BC. Propagation of elite rescue dogs by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:21-6. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Oh
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Jin Choi
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Geon A Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Young Kwang Jo
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Yoo Bin Choi
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
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50
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Overall KL, Tiira K, Broach D, Bryant D. Genetics and behavior: a guide for practitioners. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2014; 44:483-505. [PMID: 24766696 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Phenotyping behavior is difficult, partly because behavior is almost always influenced by environment. Using objective terms/criteria to evaluate behaviors is best; the more objective the assessment, the more likely underlying genetic patterns will be identified. Behavioral pathologies, and highly desirable behavioral characteristics/traits, are likely complex, meaning that multiple genes are probably involved, and therefore simple genetic tests are less possible. Breeds can be improved using traditional quantitative genetic methods; unfortunately, this also creates the possibility of inadvertently selecting for covarying undesirable behaviors. Patterns of behaviors within families and breed lines are still the best guidelines for genetic counseling in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katriina Tiira
- Canine Genomics Research Group, Research Program's Unit, Molecular Neurology, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Desiree Broach
- JBSA-Lackland, 1219 Knight Street, San Antonio, TX 78236, USA
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