Animal Bond Research Articles

Sex and pairing status impact how zebra finches use social information in foraging

Many factors, including the demonstrator’s sex, status, and familiarity, shape the nature and magnitude of social learning. Given the important role of pair bonds in socially-monogamous animals, we predicted that these intimate relationships would promote the use of social information, and tested this hypothesis in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Observer birds witnessed either their mate or another familiar, opposite-sex bird eat from one, but not a second novel food source, before being allowed to feed from both food sources themselves. Birds used social information to make foraging decisions, but not all individuals used this information in the same way. While most individuals copied the foraging choice of the demonstrator as predicted, paired males did not, instead avoiding the feeder demonstrated by their mate. Our findings reveal that sex and pairing status interact to influence the use of social information and suggest that paired males might use social information to avoid competing with their mate.

Standing the test of time: Reflecting on the relevance today of Levinson’s Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy

Having the opportunity to re-read Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy was like visiting an old friend and reminiscing about times gone by all too fast. The re-read allowed me an opportunity to conceptualize how many of Levinson's early tenets continue to be relevant today. As a trailblazer, Levinson made a discovery that drastically changed the way we view and understand the power of the human animal bond.

0432 The human-animal bond: Science-based approaches to improving companion animal welfare and adoption outcomes

There is substantial literature documenting the myriad mutually beneficial effects of the human-animal bond. While such relationships typically enhance the health and well-being of both people and their animal companions, the bond can weaken or fail to be established if the animals do not meet the expectations of the people with whom they interact. The behavioral component of animal welfare is particularly important in this regard, and requires significant attention, as owners of companion animals are often intolerant of behavior problems. These include behaviors characterized as nuisances, such as excessive vocalizations, those that result in aggression toward people or other companion animals, or behaviors that result in injury to the animal or damage to property. Problem behaviors are among the most commonly stated reasons for cat and dog relinquishment, abandonment and euthanasia. Thus, understanding key factors that impact behavioral well-being in these species is important whether the animals are maintained in or intended to be rehomed from breeding programs, shelters, rescues or elsewhere. Consequently, a comprehensive assessment plan for meeting the needs of animal companions that includes their mental and behavioral well-being is necessary to protect the human–animal bond. It is therefore imperative to develop and validate key metrics of companion animal welfare that are practical for field as well as laboratory purposes. Considerations and challenges in developing such metrics will be reviewed, using the development of care and welfare standards for breeding dogs for illustrative purposes.

Characterizing the Data in Online Companion-dog Obituaries to Assess Their Usefulness as a Source of Information about Human–Animal Bonds

ABSTRACTOnline pet obituary sites host hundreds of obituaries regarding the passing of companion animals. Often composed by the owner or primary caretaker of the animal, they are a potential source of data about human–animal bonds where there were strong positive human emotions surrounding the animal at point of death. The aim of the present study was to characterize on-line pet obituaries and to evaluate their usefulness as a source of information on the human–animal bond. One hundred and thirty full obituaries of dogs were studied. Where the role of the writer could be identified, the majority of obituary writers identified themselves as a female parental figure to the dog (34.6%); however, obituaries were also written by male parental figures (7.7%) and children (5.4%). Most obituaries (60%) fell within the 100-400 words length range. Obituaries were seen to express several key concepts. For instance, dogs were described as “child-like,” “part of the family,” showing “sympathy” and/or “gratitude” to the owner, and having a “sense of humor.” For their part, writers expressed “guilt” over the dog’s death, discussed a concept of the “afterlife” and noted an “instant connection” between themselves and the dog. A high proportion of the obituaries discussed the afterlife (51%) and indicated that the dog was considered part of the family (49%). There were some significant associations between concept usage within obituaries. Dogs that were described as “child-like” were more often perceived to be in an “afterlife” and to have had an “instant connection” with obituary writers (x2 = 38.08, p < 0.001). We conclude that online pet obituaries can be a valuable source of information on human feelings surrounding a companion animal death.

Food puzzles for cats: Feeding for physical and emotional wellbeing.

Many pet cats are kept indoors for a variety of reasons (eg, safety, health, avoidance of wildlife predation) in conditions that are perhaps the least natural to them. Indoor housing has been associated with health issues, such as chronic lower urinary tract signs, and development of problem behaviors, which can cause weakening of the human-animal bond and lead to euthanasia of the cat. Environmental enrichment may mitigate the effects of these problems and one approach is to take advantage of cats' natural instinct to work for their food. In this article we aim to equip veterinary professionals with the tools to assist clients in the use of food puzzles for their cats as a way to support feline physical health and emotional wellbeing. We outline different types of food puzzles, and explain how to introduce them to cats and how to troubleshoot challenges with their use. The effect of food puzzles on cats is a relatively new area of study, so as well as reviewing the existing empirical evidence, we provide case studies from our veterinary and behavioral practices showing health and behavioral benefits resulting from their use.

Pet dogs and child physical activity: the role of child-dog attachment.

Dog ownership has been associated with increased physical activity in children which in turn may mitigate childhood obesity. To measure the association between child-dog attachment and child physical activity and screen time. Cross-sectional study including 370 children (ages 4-10) who had pet dogs in the home. Parents completed the DartScreen, a web-based screener, before a well-child visit. Screener domains included child body mass index (BMI), physical activity, screen time and dog-related questions. The Companion Animal Bonding Scale (CABS) was used to measure child attachment to the dog. Clinic nurses weighed and measured the children. Associations between CABS, BMI z-score, screen time and physical activity were estimated. CABS was strongly associated with time spent being active with the dog (F = 22.81, p < 0.0001), but not with BMI z-score or screen time. A higher level of child attachment to a pet dog is associated with increased child physical activity.

11-248 - Who Let the Dogs In? Infection Prevention and a Human Animal Bond Program

11-248 - Who Let the Dogs In? Infection Prevention and a Human Animal Bond Program

Dog Walking, the Human-Animal Bond and Older Adults' Physical Health.

This study explored the associations between dog ownership and pet bonding with walking behavior and health outcomes in older adults. We used data from the 12th wave (2012) of the Health and Retirement Study which included an experimental human-animal interaction module. Ordinary least squares regression and binary logistic regression models controlling for demographic variables were used to answer the research questions. Dog walking was associated with lower body mass index, fewer activities of daily living limitations, fewer doctor visits, and more frequent moderate and vigorous exercise. People with higher degrees of pet bonding were more likely to walk their dog and to spend more time walking their dog each time, but they reported walking a shorter distance with their dog than those with weaker pet bonds. Dog ownership was not associated with better physical health or health behaviors. This study provides evidence for the association between dog walking and physical health using a large, nationally representative sample. The relationship with one's dog may be a positive influence on physical activity for older adults.

Evaluating the Impact of a Humane Education Summer-Camp Program on School-Aged Children's Relationships with Companion Animals

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the impact of children's participation in a five-day humane education summer-camp program on the quality of their relationships with and treatment of companion animals. We measured changes from pre- to post-program in 77 children (50 girls, 27 boys) aged 6–12 years. The program promoted positive interactions between children and animals in natural settings, with a focus on either companion animals or farm/forest animals. The Companion Animal Bonding Scale, the Pet Friendship Scale, the Comfort from Companion Animal Scale, the Children's Treatment of Animal Questionnaire, and a drawing task were administered to children prior to the beginning of the camp on day one and again at the end of day five. Overall, the results showed that after five days of humane education in summer camp, children reported sharing significantly closer bonds and friendships with their companion animals. These results were more pronounced for girls versus boys, among younger (aged 6 to 8 years) versus older (aged 9 to 12 years) children, and among children receiving the companion-animal versus farm/forest-animal curriculum. Older boys reported significantly lower scores on the humane treatment of their companion animals, compared with younger boys, and both older and younger girls. Comparisons by type of curriculum also suggested that the humane education curriculum that focused on farm/forest animals resonated more with the girls versus the boys. The implications for camp- and classroom- based humane education programs are discussed.

An unsuspected cost of mate familiarity: increased loss of paternity

The evolution of remating and prolonged pair bonds in animals has generally been explained in terms of improved coordination and cooperation between familiar individuals, but costs of mate familiarity have rarely been considered. A possible cost for males is increased risk of losing paternity if familiarity enables females to detect when alternative sires are desirable, evade mate guarding or invest more in infidelity. To test whether this familiarity cost exists, we examined whether extrapair paternity increases with bond length in the socially monogamous blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii, using microsatellite-based analysis of 384 broods. Extrapair paternity increased from 9.4% of broods in first pairings to 21.6% in second pairings, then declined to 7.5% in third through eighth pairings. On their first remating with a female, males faced enhanced risk of losing paternity, but thereafter the risk was no greater than on first matings. However, after loss of paternity, males were no more likely to divorce. Effects of familiarity on extrapair paternity could influence the evolution and taxonomic distribution of remating and prolonged pair bonding in socially monogamous animals.

Beyond Recovery.

It is a worldwide trend that more households are having pets or companion animals. Hence, there has been an increasing number of animal lovers experience companion animal loss bereavement. This form of bereavement has not been explored in Chinese societies. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 31 animal lovers and recruited through convenience and snowball sampling in Hong Kong. Companion animal loss bereavement appears to share similar features to other forms of bereavement but also has its unique features. The intensity of grief seemed to be affected by factors like the strength of the human-animal bond, lack of empathy from closed ones, being married without children, and euthanasia decision. Although the bereavement was distressful for many of our participants, many of them gradually achieved personal growth from their loss experience. We have identified seven common themes from the interview data and through self-reliance, social-supported, or professional-supported coping behaviors, people bereaved by animal loss can achieve growth from their experience. This study shows that postbereavement growth is possible from pet loss bereavement when appropriate coping strategies are adopted by the bereaved but some professional help may be needed.

The Dog Narratives: Benefits of the Human–Animal Bond for Women With HIV

Companion animals play important roles in the lives of people managing the many symptoms associated with a chronic illness such as HIV. The authors explored meaningful examples of pets, particularly dogs, and their place in support networks among women living with AIDS/HIV. Data were collected via focus group, as part of a larger Photovoice project. Qualitative analysis discovered three key related themes. Emerging themes included pet as spiritual custodian, pet as unconditional source of support, and pet providing a sense of purpose. The comments these participants made about their dogs allowed us to explore culturally embedded notions about animal companionship; the ability to know when one is sick, frightened, emotionally upset, or facing a spiritual crisis. The women also shared the importance of nonjudgmental support in the wake of a stigmatized diagnosis, and the ways pets provided a sense of purpose.

Prisoners, pups, and PTSD: the grass roots response to veterans with PTSD

As the human–animal bond is increasingly recognized as therapeutic, the role of animals, most frequently canines, grows. A contemporary pairing of animals and humans can be found inside prisons. While the dogs trained by inmates are most frequently adopted out to the community, today dogs are being trained to assist veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as part of a grass roots effort to fulfill the mental health needs of veterans. The growing number of veterans with PTSD and concomitant issues including addiction, unemployment, homelessness, and crime, makes the mental healthcare issues of veterans a social problem. The civilian-led effort to provide veterans with dogs is a continuation of the public’s involvement with the proliferation of prison-based animal programs. While this next generation of animal programs has overwhelming community support, it also suffers from similar limitations as its predecessors. With no universal agreement as to the training methods or level of skills needed by the dogs, their efficacy at lessening the symptoms of veterans’ PTSD remains largely unknown.

Understanding veterinarians as educators: an exploratory study

A new emphasis on ‘non-technical competence’ in veterinary medical education has drawn attention to the reality that veterinarians are not solely technicians, but instead take on a wide variety of roles in their daily practice. This article discusses one largely overlooked role that veterinarians engage in on a regular basis – that of educator. Drawing from Beijaard, Verloop and Vermunt's teacher professional identity model, we discuss an exploratory survey conducted with 29 veterinary students, and how the students understand themselves as ‘subject-matter experts’ and ‘pedagogical experts.’ We focus on two areas of current concern in veterinary medical education: animal welfare and the human–animal bond. The data suggests that there is a need to expand the veterinary medical curriculum to accommodate changes in the contemporary role of veterinarians in society, and their increasingly visible and significant role as educators to clients and the general public.

Modification of the Feline-Ality™ Assessment and the Ability to Predict Adopted Cats' Behaviors in Their New Homes.

Simple SummaryWhile millions of cats enter animal shelters every year, only 11.5% of pet cats are obtained from a shelter in the United States. Previous research has indicated that unrealistic expectations set by adopters can increase the chances of an adopted cat returning to the shelter. The ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match® Feline-ality™ adoption program was designed to provide adopters with accurate information about an adult cat’s future behavior in the home. This research explored the ability of the modified Feline-ality™ assessment when done one day after the cat entered the shelter. Our modified version was predictive of feline behavior post adoption.It is estimated that 2.5 million cats enter animal shelters in the United States every year and as few as 20% leave the shelter alive. Of those adopted, the greatest risk to post-adoption human animal bond is unrealistic expectations set by the adopter. The ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match® Feline-ality™ adoption program was developed to provide adopters with an accurate assessment of an adult cat’s future behavior in the home. However, the original Feline-ality™ required a three-day hold time to collect cat behaviors on a data card, which was challenging for some shelters. This research involved creating a survey to determine in-home feline behavior post adoption and explored the predictive ability of the in-shelter assessment without the data card. Our results show that the original Feline-ality™ assessment and our modified version were predictive of feline behavior post adoption. Our modified version also decreased hold time for cats to one day. Shelters interested in increasing cat adoptions, decreasing length of stay and improving the adoption experience can now implement the modified version for future feline adoption success.

Prosthesis for the body and for the soul: the origins of guide dog provision for blind veterans in interwar Germany

This article addresses an episode in the history of the First World War and its immediate aftermath that has previously been overlooked: the establishment of professional guide dog training in interwar Germany. The brutal, mechanized nature of warfare produced some of the most gruesome injuries ever seen. A significant number of blind veterans suffered no physical injuries other than the loss of their eyesight; they were still young, relatively fit and eager to return to work. It was this group in particular which stood to benefit enormously from the implementation of guide dog training. Under this scheme, which the German state initially made available to war veterans in 1916, dogs became helpers, and, furthermore, equal partners to disabled soldiers. This article shows how the resultant cooperation between guide dogs and their owners placed the human–animal bond on a new footing. It evaluates the significance of guide dogs both within the narrow context of ‘prosthesis production’ and the wider context of the rehabilitation system adopted by the Weimar Republic. It also seeks to contribute to the history of animals by emphasizing the significance of the war as an interspecies moment. Within this context, this article demonstrates how the partnership of mutual trust forged between guide dogs and their human companions had its roots in wartime, when soldiers often came to regard animals almost as an extension of themselves. This article reveals that guide dogs performed a variety of roles. On a mundane level, they fulfilled an economic function, reducing the burden on paid attendants, spouses and friends, and enabling their masters to get to their workplaces independently. They were mobility aids – living prostheses – who effectively replaced the eyes of blinded soldiers, albeit figuratively. They also provided companionship and emotional support in a way that was reminiscent of the comfort nurses gave injured soldiers during the war. Significantly, the social, economic and emotional impact of guide dogs went far beyond the partnership they forged with their owners; it affected those in their immediate environment and society as a whole. The common experience of guide dog ownership led to the development of a distinct identity and ‘emotional community’ among blind ex-soldiers, as well as boosting their self-confidence, which in turn inspired them to assert their rights and negotiate their citizenship in new ways. Even more remarkable is the broader significance of the German experiment, which acted as a catalyst for the successful employment of guide dogs on a global scale, enabling thousands of blind people – the majority of whom were civilians – to benefit from the scheme.

Are Emotionally Attached Companion Animal Caregivers Conscientious and Neurotic? Factors That Affect the Human–Companion Animal Relationship

Few studies have examined how personality traits may be related to the amounts and types of attachments humans have toward companion animals (pets). In this study, 1,098 companion animal guardians (owners) completed a survey that included the Big Five Inventory, the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, and the Pet Attachment Questionnaire. Each participant chose whether he or she identified as a Cat Person, Dog Person, Both, or Neither. Results indicated that neuroticism, conscientiousness, choosing a dog as a favorite pet, and identifying as a Cat Person, Dog Person, or Both predicted affection for a pet. Conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness decreased avoidant attachment to pets, and neuroticism increased anxious attachment to pets. Both dogs and cats could benefit from pet owners who are conscientious, and there may be some benefits of neuroticism in pet owners. The findings of this study will advance understanding of the human–animal bond. As this understanding increases, measurements of human attachment and personality may be useful for the development of tools that could assist shelter employees and veterinarians in counseling people about pet ownership.

Becoming relationally effective: High-risk boys in animal-assisted therapy

Abstract This study was conducted to formally evaluate the effectiveness of the Human Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC, 2010), a well-developed animal-assisted therapy (AAT) intervention based in 23 elementary schools in the Front Range. Previous research on the benefits of human and dog relationships, otherwise called the human-animal bond, has provided support for using measures of attachment to rate the quality of connection within this dyad ( Kurdek, 2008 ; Melson, 2003 ; Triebenbacher, 1998 ). The Emotional Availability (EA) Scales 4 th Edition ( Biringen, 2008 ), an attachment-derived system, were used to objectively evaluate the interactions in the human-animal team, representing the first use of the EA system to assess the quality of the human-animal bond. In addition, the Bonding Scale ( Angle, Blumentritt, &amp; Swank, 1994 ) was used to assess the child’s report of bonding to the dog; the Child Behavior Checklist and the Teacher Report Form ( Achenbach, 1991 ) were used to assess behavior problems; and school records yielded information about attendance and disciplinary referrals. All of the participants in this study were boys considered to be at high-risk for internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Paired-sample t-tests revealed that EA (child-dog and child-adult) significantly increased from pre- to post-test. (Child-adult EA scores apply to the child’s display of EA towards both the adult dog trainer and the school professional on the HABIC team.) In addition, a significant decrease was seen in student disciplinary referrals from pre- to post-test.

Setting the One Health agenda and the human-companion animal bond.

“One Health”, also called “One Medicine”, began as an initiative advocating greater integration of human and animal medicine, in the 1800s. This concept has recently come to prominence, driven by the recognition that 75% of the newly emerging infectious diseases will arise from animal reservoirs, and that successful control and prevention will require a coordinated human medical and veterinary approach. Consequently, many One Health discussions have centered on the surveillance of animals in order to anticipate the potential emergence of new zoonotic diseases. An area that has been given only cursory mention, are the many ways that small companion animals benefit individual, community and possibly world health. The goal of this paper is to briefly review some of the evidenced-based data concerning the benefits of having companion animals in our lives, focusing on four major areas; cancer, heart disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the potential positive economic effects of the human-companion animal bond on One Health. Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, while ASD is a growing concern, not only for its individual effects, but also for its effect on family units, educational institutions, and its social implications for the community. In addition, these diseases can greatly affect the national and global cost of healthcare, as well as the economic output of a nation. It is therefore important to include and build on the concept of the Human-Animal Bond (HAB) as it relates to healthcare in these areas.

The social skills and attachment to dogs of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have deficits in social skills, and interaction with service dogs has been associated with increased social skills for children with ASD. In this telephone survey of 70 parents of children with ASD, children owning dogs had greater Mean scores for social skills, using the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale, while those with some type of pet (not excluding dogs) had significantly greater skills for subscale item "assertion". Parents described their children as attached to their dogs. Children owning dogs completed the Companion Animal Bonding Scale, and reported strong bonding with dogs. These findings suggest children with ASD may bond with their dogs, and pet ownership may be associated with increased social skills.