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Philpotts I, Blackwell EJ, Dillon J, Rooney NJ. Do Animal Welfare Education Campaigns Really Work? An Evaluation of the RSPCA's #DogKind Campaign in Raising Awareness of Separation-Related Behaviours in UK Dog Owners. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:484. [PMID: 38338126 PMCID: PMC10854513 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the main aims of companion animal welfare charities is to educate the public about the needs of animals. This is frequently performed through campaigns focusing on specific aspects of welfare. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Britain's biggest animal welfare charity, launched the nationwide #DogKind campaign in March 2019. Targeted mainly at 25-34-year-olds, the campaign aimed to increase awareness of separation-related behaviour (SRB) among dog owners and encourage them to seek help for SRB from reliable sources. This research involved a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design evaluating the campaign's effectiveness. It was conducted through a series of online surveys at three different time points: before the launch of the campaign (n = 2002), six months after (n = 2423), and, again, two months later (n = 269), during which we asked the same questions regarding knowledge of SRB. An experimental trial of 269 participants tested whether accessing a video alongside the campaign web pages increased the effectiveness of the campaign objectives. Overall, the campaign appeared to be effective in reaching its target audience but not at raising awareness of SRB or increasing the number of owners intending to seek help. The inclusion of a video in the campaign made no difference to its effectiveness. This study shows that this campaign had limited success in achieving its targets and highlights the importance of thorough evaluations of education interventions that aim to improve the welfare of companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izzie Philpotts
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; (E.J.B.); (N.J.R.)
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Emily J. Blackwell
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; (E.J.B.); (N.J.R.)
| | - Justin Dillon
- IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education & Society, University College London, London WC1H 0AL, UK;
| | - Nicola J. Rooney
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; (E.J.B.); (N.J.R.)
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Philpotts I, Blackwell EJ, Dillon J, Tipton E, Rooney NJ. What Do We Know about Dog Owners? Exploring Associations between Pre-Purchase Behaviours, Knowledge and Understanding, Ownership Practices, and Dog Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:396. [PMID: 38338039 PMCID: PMC10854595 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite many dogs living in homes in the UK, there is still more to know about the welfare of those individual animals. Past research has shown that owners' thoughts and behaviours have a substantial impact on their dog's welfare. This study aimed to better understand owners' pre-purchase behaviours, knowledge and understanding, and ownership practices, and explore any associations between these factors and their dog's welfare. We conducted further analysis of the data collected by People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) for their 2017 PDSA Animal Welfare (PAW) Report (n = 1814). We extracted variables to describe owner demographics (7), pre-purchase behaviours (1), knowledge and understanding (4), welfare indicators, (2) and ownership practices (4), and we tested for an association between these variables. We found more pre-purchase research was carried out by younger respondents and those with a higher education level. Also, more research was associated with feeling more informed about the five welfare needs and knowing to seek help for behaviour from appropriate sources. Overall, the study found several novel and significant results worthy of note and further exploration but did not find any strong connections between the variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izzie Philpotts
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; (E.J.B.); (N.J.R.)
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Emily J. Blackwell
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; (E.J.B.); (N.J.R.)
| | - Justin Dillon
- IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London WC1H 0AL, UK;
| | - Emma Tipton
- PDSA, Whitechapel Way, Priorslee, Telford TF2 9PQ, UK;
| | - Nicola J. Rooney
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; (E.J.B.); (N.J.R.)
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Maniaki E, Murrell J, Langley-Hobbs SJ, Blackwell EJ. Do owner-reported changes in mobility reflect measures of activity, pain and degenerative joint disease in cats? J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231178765. [PMID: 37382593 PMCID: PMC10811984 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231178765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this blinded, nested case-control study was to compare cats with and without early owner-reported mobility changes using subjective and objective outcome measures (owner-completed questionnaires, orthopaedic examination). METHODS A total of 57 cats with and without early owner-reported signs of impaired mobility were allocated to the case (n = 30) and control (n = 27) groups, respectively. Participating owners completed one inclusion and two pre-visit questionnaires (Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index, VetMetrica). Cats were then visited in their own homes, where they underwent an orthopaedic examination, an assessment of their body condition score and temperament, and the placement of an accelerometer on their collar for 2 weeks. RESULTS There was no significant difference between groups for age category, breed, sex, temperament and body condition score. Case cats scored significantly lower for the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (P = 0.003) and the VetMetrica domain of Comfort (P = 0.002), but not Vitality (P = 0.009) or Emotional Wellbeing (P = 0.018). Total pain (P <0.0001), crepitus (P = 0.002) and thickening (P = 0.003) scores were higher in case cats, as was the presence of bilateral disease (P = 0.005, odds ratio 14) and the number of bilaterally affected joints (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Both the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index and orthopaedic examination were able to differentiate cats with early owner-reported signs of impaired mobility from healthy cats. VetMetrica Comfort domain scores indicated a compromised quality of life for cats with early owner-reported signs of impaired mobility compared with healthy cats. Being able to recognise signs of mobility impairment earlier would allow interventions aimed at slowing disease progression, thereby improving feline health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jo Murrell
- Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Bristol, UK
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Roberts C, Blackwell EJ, Roe E, Murrell JC, Mullan S. Awareness and Use of Canine Quality of Life Assessment Tools in UK Veterinary Practice. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061105. [PMID: 36978644 PMCID: PMC10044674 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of formal canine quality of life (QOL) assessment tools in veterinary practice has been recommended. An online survey investigated awareness, use and barriers to use of these tools in the UK. An anonymous 24-question survey was advertised through veterinary groups and social media. Ninety veterinary surgeons and twenty veterinary nurses responded. Thirty-two respondents (29.1%) were aware of the existence of formal canine QOL assessment tools. Of the three tools listed, current use was less than four per cent. No statistically significant influence of respondent age, role (veterinary surgeon or nurse) or possession of additional qualifications was found on the awareness of QOL tools (p > 0.05). Over half of respondents (55.5%) would 'certainly' or 'probably' be willing to use a QOL assessment tool. The main barrier to use was lack of time. Other barriers included a perceived resistance from owners. Although current use and awareness of canine QOL assessment tools in UK veterinary practice is low, veterinary professionals appear willing to use the tools within their daily practice. This discrepancy implies that QOL assessment tools are not well disseminated to veterinary surgeons and nurses in practice and that various barriers inhibit their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Roberts
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Emily J Blackwell
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Emma Roe
- School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Univesity Road, Southampton SO17 IBJ, UK
| | - Joanna C Murrell
- Highcroft Veterinary Group, 615 Wells Road, Bristol BS14 9BE, UK
| | - Siobhan Mullan
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK
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McIndoe KS, Saunders R, Blackwell EJ, Rooney NJ. The effect of blindfolding and swaddling on the stress response to handling in domestic rabbits. Anim Welf 2022. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.31.1.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Stress during handling can negatively impact the welfare of an animal. Gradual habituation or systematic desensitisation can reduce this but is not always possible. Blindfolding has been shown to decrease stress indicators, including heart rate and struggling in cattle (Bos taurus),
but has not been studied in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We surveyed 49 wildlife rescues, rehabilitators and veterinarians, and found that blindfolding and swaddling are widely used and believed to reduce stress and struggling in rabbits. However, these methods may simply
preclude escape and result in sensitisation over repeated exposure. We next conducted a controlled trial investigating the effects of blindfolding and swaddling repeatedly over five days on behavioural and physiological indicators of stress in 40 domestic rabbits. Neither blindfolding nor
swaddling had significant impacts on heart or respiratory rate, compared to a partial hood control treatment, which involved similar levels of manipulation, but without visual or movement restriction. Behavioural responses showed variable trends, eg rabbits were more likely to approach food
after handling with swaddling. Baseline levels varied significantly between individuals, suggesting previous experience to be an important determinant. Heart rates were universally high, showing that individuals in this study were stressed by handling to such an extent, that overall, effects
of both blindfolding and swaddling on physiological indicators of stress were minimal. We suggest that blindfolding and swaddling may be useful as means of limiting the procedure duration and risk of injury by reducing struggling, but this study provides no evidence that welfare is otherwise
improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- KS McIndoe
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK
| | - R Saunders
- Bristol Zoological Society, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA, UK
| | - EJ Blackwell
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK
| | - NJ Rooney
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK
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Casey RA, Naj-Oleari M, Campbell S, Mendl M, Blackwell EJ. Dogs are more pessimistic if their owners use two or more aversive training methods. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19023. [PMID: 34561478 PMCID: PMC8463679 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97743-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs are trained using a range of different methods, broadly categorised as reward based (positive reinforcement/negative punishment) and aversive based (positive punishment/negative reinforcement). Previous research has suggested associations between use of positive punishment-based techniques and undesired behaviours, but there is little research investigating the relative welfare consequences of these different approaches. This study used a judgement bias task to compare the underlying mood state of dogs whose owners reported using two or more positive punishment/negative reinforcement based techniques, with those trained using only positive reinforcement/negative punishment in a matched pair study design. Dogs were trained to discriminate between rewarded and unrewarded locations equidistant from a start box, and mean latencies recorded. Their subsequent latency to intermediate ‘ambiguous’ locations was recorded as an indication of whether these were perceived as likely to contain food or not. Dogs trained using aversive methods were slower to all ambiguous locations. This difference was significant for latency to the middle (Wilcoxon Z = − 2.380, P = 0.017), and near positive (Wilcoxon Z = − 2.447, P = 0.014) locations, suggesting that dogs trained using coercive methods may have a more negative mood state, and hence that there are welfare implications of training dogs using such methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Casey
- Dogs Trust, Canine Behaviour and Research, Clarissa Baldwin House, 17, Wakley Street, London, UK.
| | | | - Sarah Campbell
- Vets for Pets, 350 Southchurch Drive, Clifton, Nottingham, UK
| | - Michael Mendl
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Maniaki E, Murrell J, Langley-Hobbs SJ, Blackwell EJ. Associations between early neutering, obesity, outdoor access, trauma and feline degenerative joint disease. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:965-975. [PMID: 33569999 PMCID: PMC8474300 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x21991456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this case-control study was to identify early-life risk factors associated with the occurrence of owner-reported mobility changes in 6-year-old cats by examining prospective data from a longitudinal cohort study of pet cats, the Bristol Cats study. METHODS Data on potential risk factors were obtained from seven sequential questionnaires completed between the ages of 2-4 months and 5 years. Mobility-related questions from the study questionnaire distributed at the age of 6 years were used to calculate each cat's mobility score. Cats with mobility scores of ⩾2 and 0 were allocated to the case and control groups, respectively, and the cat's status was the outcome variable. RESULTS Of the 799 cats included for analysis, 238 (29.8%) had owner-reported mobility changes. Binomial logistic regression using backwards elimination identified four risk factors for owner-reported mobility changes at 6 years of age: entire neuter status at 6 months of age (odds ratio [OR] 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.07), sustained trauma before 6 years of age (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.30-2.60), outdoor access at 6 years of age (OR 1.67; 95% CI 0.96-2.90) and overweight/obese status at 6 years of age (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.13-2.33). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Risk factor analysis demonstrated that obesity, outdoor access and a history of trauma may predispose cats to developing owner-reported mobility changes associated with degenerative joint disease, whereas neutering before 6 months of age appears to decrease that risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Maniaki
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Emily J Blackwell
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK
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Polgár Z, Blackwell EJ, Rooney NJ. Assessing the welfare of kennelled dogs-A review of animal-based measures. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019; 213:1-13. [PMID: 32287573 PMCID: PMC7126575 DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hundreds of thousands of dogs are housed in kennels worldwide, yet there are no standard protocols for assessing the welfare of dogs in these environments. Animal science is focusing increasingly on the importance of animal-based measures for determining welfare states, and those measures that have been used with kennelled dogs are reviewed in this paper with particular focus on their validity and practicality. From a physiological standpoint, studies using cortisol, heart rate and heart rate variability, temperature changes, and immune function are discussed. Behavioural measures are also of great relevance when addressing canine welfare, thus studies on fear and anxiety behaviours, abnormal behaviours like stereotypies, as well as responses to strangers and novel objects are reviewed. Finally, a limited number of studies attempting to use cognitive bias and learning ability are also mentioned as cognitive measures. The literature to date provides a strong background for which measures may be useful in determining the welfare of kennelled canines, however more research is needed to further assess the value of using these methods, particularly in regard to the large degree of individual differences that exist between dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zita Polgár
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J Blackwell
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Rooney
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
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Packer RMA, Hobbs SL, Blackwell EJ. Behavioral Interventions as an Adjunctive Treatment for Canine Epilepsy: A Missing Part of the Epilepsy Management Toolkit? Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:3. [PMID: 30746367 PMCID: PMC6360160 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common, complex and often challenging neurological disorder to treat in the dog, with 20-30% of dogs resistant to conventional medical therapies, and associated with cognitive and behavioral comorbidities and early death. Behavioral interventions are an emerging area of focus in the adjunctive treatment of drug-resistant human epilepsy patients, with studies indicating positive effects of a variety of interventions including relaxation-based techniques and behavioral therapy interventions. Behavioral interventions have the potential not only to improve seizure control, but also improve behavioral comorbidities and general quality of life in this hard to treat patient group. Despite striking similarities between human and canine epilepsy patients, including the recognition of co-morbid anxiety in epilepsy patients, behavioral interventions have yet to be studied in dogs. This is compounded by several licensed psychopharmaceutical agents for dogs being contra-indicated in epilepsy patients. We present evidence from human studies of the efficacy of behavioral interventions to improve seizure control, psychiatric comorbidities and quality of life, and propose that adapting such interventions for canine patients may be a valuable addition to the epilepsy management toolkit. There is a need for multi-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials to confirm the effects of behavioral interventions on seizure frequency in veterinary medicine. In the absence of such evidence to date, the use of established behavioral medicine techniques to reduce stress and improve the mental health of these often sensitive and challenging patients is advocated, with a greater role for behaviorists in the management of epilepsy patients alongside neurologists and general practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily J Blackwell
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Cockburn A, Smith M, Rusbridge C, Fowler C, Paul ES, Murrell JC, Blackwell EJ, Casey RA, Whay HR, Mendl M. Evidence of negative affective state in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with syringomyelia. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Rooney NJ, Blackwell EJ, Mullan SM, Saunders R, Baker PE, Hill JM, Sealey CE, Turner MJ, Held SDE. The current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of the English pet rabbit population. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:942. [PMID: 25532711 PMCID: PMC4307134 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The welfare of pet rabbits is an area of growing interest in Europe and the UK. This study analyses questionnaire results from a diverse population of 1254 rabbit owners from three different geographical areas in England with the aim of providing an accurate representation of how pet rabbits are currently housed and cared for and key aspects of their health and welfare. RESULTS Rabbits were kept in a variety of different housing types, the most common being a traditional hutch/cage (59%). Although the majority had additional exercise areas, access was often unpredictable, or ill-timed, which may compromise welfare. Only 41.9% of owners kept their rabbit with conspecifics, limiting their ability to engage in social behaviour. Of those rabbits housed with a companion, although many were reported to be amicable and to engage in positive interactions, over a quarter were reported to fight at least occasionally (25.3%), whilst 22.7% guarded resources and 27.1% avoided one another. Whilst low levels of some of these behaviours may be a normal part of social interaction, the relatively high levels reported here suggest that not all cohabiting pairs of rabbits are compatible, which is potentially a significant welfare issue.Although the vast majority of owners fed hay for over 10% this was less than daily. Pelleted foods were very popular (71.4% at least daily) compared to commercial muesli mixes (32.6%). As in previous studies, dental problems were commonly reported (12.2% of rabbits); however, so were eye problems (12.9%), digestive problems (11.5%) and parasites (11.3%). A large proportion of rabbits (58%) were thought to be fearful of loud noises, and 61% were not reported as calm when handled by their owner, which may be a significant concern for this species. CONCLUSION This study has confirmed and expanded on previous findings: many pet rabbits were found to be in good health, had compatible companions and were provided with enriched living areas. However, it also found numerous welfare issues that affect large numbers of pet rabbits. We suggest further studies are required exploring the accuracy of owner reports (which possibly under-report many problems) and prioritising the issues raised here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Rooney
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
| | - Emily J Blackwell
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
| | - Siobhan M Mullan
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Saunders
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
| | - Paula E Baker
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
| | - Jenna M Hill
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
| | - Clare E Sealey
- />CAPITA Secure Information Solutions, Methuen Park, Bath Rd, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 0TW England
| | - Matthew J Turner
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
| | - Suzanne DE Held
- />Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU Bristol, UK
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Blackwell EJ, Bradshaw JW, Casey RA. Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behaviour. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Casey RA, Loftus B, Bolster C, Richards GJ, Blackwell EJ. Inter-dog aggression in a UK owner survey: prevalence, co-occurrence in different contexts and risk factors. Vet Rec 2012. [PMID: 23193037 DOI: 10.1136/vr.100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Aggression between dogs is common and can result in injury. The aims of this study were to estimate prevalence, evaluate co-occurrence with human-directed aggression, and investigate potential risk factors, using a cross-sectional convenience sample of dog owners. Aggression (barking, lunging, growling or biting) towards unfamiliar dogs was reported to currently occur, by 22 per cent of owners, and towards other dogs in the household, by 8 per cent. A low level of concordance between dog and human-directed aggression suggested most dogs were not showing aggression in multiple contexts. Aggression towards other dogs in the household was associated with increasing dog age, use of positive punishment/negative reinforcement training techniques, and attending ring-craft classes. Aggression towards other dogs on walks was associated with location of questionnaire distribution, owner age, age of dog, origin of dog, dog breed type, use of positive punishment/negative reinforcement training techniques and attending obedience classes for more than four weeks. In both, the amount of variance explained by models was low (<15 per cent), suggesting that unmeasured factors mostly accounted for differences between groups. These results suggest general characteristics of dogs and owners which contribute to intraspecific aggression, but also highlight that these are relatively minor predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Casey
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
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Blackwell EJ, Bradshaw JW, Casey RA. Preventing separation problems in re-homed dogs: Improving owner compliance. J Vet Behav 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2009.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Blackwell EJ, Twells C, Seawright A, Casey RA. The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs. J Vet Behav 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2007.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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