Dog Training Research Articles

Efficacy of Edible and Leisure Reinforcers with Domestic Dogs.

Preference assessments are often used to identify stimuli that function as potential reinforcers for training or intervention purposes. Specifically, various preference assessment formats have been used to identify preferred stimuli for humans, cockroaches, cotton-top tamarins, tortoises, and wolves, to name a few. However, to date, no study has evaluated the differential efficacy between food and leisure stimuli within domestic dogs. The current study aimed to compare the reinforcing value and efficacy between food and leisure stimuli for domestic dogs by comparing rates of behavior when receiving access to either their top-preferred food or leisure items. Overall results suggest (1) domestic dogs prefer food over leisure items, and (2) food is more likely to function as a reinforcer than leisure items for domestic dog's behavior. These results suggest that dog owners and trainers should consider using food reinforcers over leisure items as reinforcers when attempting to train dogs.

The Power Is in the Word-Do Laypeople Interpret Descriptors of Dog Emotional States Correctly?

A basic understanding of dog behaviour and emotion is relevant not only for professionals, such as veterinary personnel or dog trainers, but also for dog owners and for people with little contact with dogs. Information about dog behaviour and emotions is mostly conveyed verbally. This study explores whether definitions of dog behaviour and emotion are understood in such a way that they can be allocated to a descriptor (i.e., a label such as "fearful"), even by people with low background knowledge. If people can match descriptors to definitions, this suggests that the definitions are distinct enough and elicit mental representations of behaviour that can fit the label. Good agreement on the definitions is a prerequisite for the validity of the descriptors used; however, no study to date has tested this. A sample of 236 adults was asked to match descriptors of Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) for veterinary and shelter situations to their correct definitions, e.g., the descriptor "fearful" to its definition "dog may try to flee, hide or freeze; ears back". Matching was substantially above chance; nonetheless, the mean proportion of correct responses was only 50% (SD ± 16.6%) for the veterinary QBA set and 33% (SD ± 14.3%) for the shelter QBA set. Performance in the matching task was positively correlated with measures of experience with dogs. Taken together, the results suggest that descriptor-definition pairs used to describe dog behaviour need to be clearly defined to avoid misinterpretations when teaching laypeople how to interpret canine behaviour.

The smell of death. State-of-the-art and future research directions.

The decomposition of a body is inseparably associated with the release of several types of odors. This phenomenon has been used in the training of sniffer dogs for decades. The odor profile associated with decomposition consists of a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical composition of which varies over time, temperature, environmental conditions, and the type of microorganisms, and insects colonizing the carcass. Mercaptans are responsible for the bad smell associated with corpses; however, there are no unified recommendations for conducting forensic analysis based on the detectable odor of revealed corpses and previous research on VOCs shows differing results. The aim of this review is to systematize the current knowledge on the type of volatile organic compounds related to the decomposition process, depending on a few variables. This knowledge will improve the methods of VOCs detection and analysis to be used in modern forensic diagnostics and improve the methods of training dogs for forensic applications.

Learning With Dogs: An Exploration of Student Outcomes from a Canine-Assisted Experiential Learning Intervention

Pedagogical researchers are increasingly investigating the impact of experiential learning models, which include hands-on or immersive engagement with content, on student outcomes, as compared to traditional transmission-based learning models. Many previous studies focused on academic competencies and learning outcomes, but the present research investigated non-academic positive outcomes such as self-awareness and wellbeing. Self-awareness and meta-learning can be explained by neural reward pathways that govern motivation; active engagement with activities leads to deeper cognitive processing and higher motivation. Thus, students that are actively engaged and interested in their own learning processes tend to have better learning outcomes. Wellbeing is studied less in this context but is preserved and enhanced through this model of learning. This may be in part because experiential activities often allow for increased peer relationships, which are known to act as a buffer against stress. Combining the literature on experiential learning with the literature on canine-assisted learning provides a particularly interesting area of investigation, as several researchers have attempted to integrate the power of experiential learning with the well-known health and wellbeing benefits derived from interacting with dogs. Students reported increased confidence, wellbeing, and literacy skills after engaging with canine-assisted learning programs. Data from a novel case study conducted at Bader College in 2022-23 supported the link between experiential learning and wellbeing. In this case study, ten students took part in a dog training program over the course of the academic year. The students submitted weekly learning reflections, which highlighted the benefits they derived from the experience in relation to wellbeing, deeper cognitive processing, and meta-learning. The results of this case study suggest the need to take a more holistic approach to student outcomes when contrasting experiential learning models with traditional learning models. The study also raised awareness of the benefits of learning activities involving dogs.

First identification of canine adenovirus 1 in mink and bioinformatics analysis of its 100 K protein.

Animal trade favors the spreading of emerging canine adenovirus 1 (CAdV-1) in mink. Because the 100K protein is not exposed to the viral surface at any stage, it can be used to differentiate the vaccine from wild virus infection. However, no related research has been conducted. This study aimed to find evidence of CAdV-1 in mink and predict the character of the 100K protein in the current circulating CAdV-1 strain of mink. In this experiment, the identification of CAdV-1, the phylogenetic tree, homology, and bioinformatics analysis of 100K were conducted. The results showed that the CAdV-1 was identified in the mink and that its Fiber was located in a separate branch. It was closely related to strains isolated from Norwegian Arctic fox and Red fox. 100K was located in a separate branch, which had the closest genetic relationship with skunks, porcupines, raccoons, and hedgehogs and a far genetic relationship with the strains in dogs. 100K protein is an unstable and hydrophobic protein. It had evidence of selective pressure and recombination, 1 glycosylation site, 48 phosphorylation sites, 60 dominant B cell epitopes, and 9 peptides of MHC-I and MHC-II. Its subcellular localization was mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The binding sites of 100K proteins were DBP proteins and 33K proteins. The stains in the mink were different from fox. The exploration of its genomic characteristics will provide us with a deeper understanding of the prevention of canine adenovirus.

Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile in dogs (Canis familiaris) with gastrointestinal disorders in Rio de Janeiro

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) have a high morbidity and mortality rate and have always been considered a nosocomial disease. Nonetheless, the number of cases of community-acquired CDI is increasing, and new evidence suggests additional C. difficile reservoirs exist. Pathogenic C. difficile strains have been found in livestock, domestic animals, and meat, so a zoonotic transmission has been proposed. ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to isolate C. difficile strains in dogs at a veterinary clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and characterize clinical and pathological findings associated with lower gastrointestinal tract disorders. MethodsFifty stool samples and biopsy fragments from dogs were obtained and cultured in the CDBA selective medium. All suggestive C. difficile colonies were confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and PCR (tpi gene). Vancomycin, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, and rifampicin were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Biofilm, motility assays, and a PCR for the toxins (tcdA, tcdB, and cdtB), as well as ribotyping, were also performed. ResultsBlood samples and colonic biopsy fragments were examined in C. difficile positive dogs. Ten animals (20%) tested positive for C. difficile by using stool samples, but not from biopsy fragments. Most C. difficile strains were toxigenic: six were A+B+ belonging to RT106; two were A+B+ belonging to RT014/020; and two were A-B- belonging to RT010. All strains were biofilm producers. In the motility test, 40% of strains were as motile as the positive control, CD630 (RT012). In the disc diffusion test, two strains (RT010) were resistant to erythromycin and metronidazole; and another to metronidazole (RT014/020). In terms of C. difficile clinicopathological correlations, no statistically significant morphological changes, such as pseudomembranous and "volcano" lesions, were observed. Regarding hematological data, dogs positive for C. difficile had leucopenia (p = 0.02) and lymphopenia (p = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between senility and the presence of C. difficile in the dogs studied (p = 0,02). ConclusionsAlthough C. difficile has not been linked to canine diarrheal disorders, it appears to be more common in dogs with intestinal dysfunctions. The isolation of ribotypes frequently involved in human CDI outbreaks around the world supports the theory of C. difficile zoonotic transmission.

Measuring the Impact of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs on Recidivism: A Propensity Score-Matched Survival Analysis

Measuring the Impact of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs on Recidivism: A Propensity Score-Matched Survival Analysis

The Good, the Bad, the Helpful: Qualitative Exploration of the Australian Puppy-Raising Experience Through Longitudinal Surveys

ABSTRACT Dogs living in Western countries today are more likely to be considered a member of the family compared with those in previous generations. This shift in human–dog dynamics also affects how dogs are raised, the benefits perceived, and the challenges faced by guardians. To provide appropriate support to modern dog guardians, canine professionals need to understand their experience. This study aimed to better understand the lived experience of guardians who acquire and raise puppies for companionship. This longitudinal study surveyed 19 Australian puppy guardians every two weeks, from 3 weeks after puppy acquisition, through to their puppy turning 6 months of age. By undertaking analysis of free-text responses, we developed themes describing what guardians found most rewarding/enjoyable, most challenging, and most helpful. These themes were closely interconnected and suggest that puppy raising is complex, and sequential factors may have cumulative effects. Forming an attachment with their puppy, training, eudaimonic happiness, creating social networks, and having sufficient time to dedicate to puppy raising were major positive factors in a guardian’s experience. Training appears to have multi-faceted benefits as it likely provided opportunity for shared activity, increased positive states, eudaimonic happiness, attachment, and decreased challenges. Social networks may help decrease the time guardians require to raise their puppy (as burden is shared) as well as mitigate challenges, decrease negative states, and increase feelings of eudaimonic happiness. Challenges revolved around navigating puppy training and behavior, and the emotional and physical struggle of striving to be a “good guardian.” Understanding the puppy-raising experience better may help key stakeholders provide guardian-appropriate guidance, support, and resources to increase enjoyment and decrease stress in puppies and their guardians.

Community-Engaged Pedagogy in the Psychology Classroom: Shelter Dogs go to College

Background Community-engaged pedagogy has the potential to benefit both students and the community. Objective The purpose of this project was to design a new undergraduate psychology course according to recommended community-engaged practices and to explore learning outcomes associated with it. The Canine Learning and Behavior (CLB) course, taught by faculty and community co-educators, offered undergraduate psychology students the opportunity to train shelter dogs and write shelter-specific grant applications. Method Learning outcomes were assessed via course grades and self-evaluation questions for students enrolled in the CLB ( n = 21) and in a comparably challenging Sensation and Perception (SnP, n = 47) course, taught within the same semesters by the same faculty instructor. Results In comparison to participation in the SnP course, participation in the CLB course was associated with higher content comprehension, confidence in and familiarity with relevant skills (i.e., dog training and grant writing), as well as awareness of and sense of responsibility to the needs of the community. Conclusion The employment of community-engaged pedagogy can benefit various stakeholders, including students, the community, and in this specific case, shelter dogs. Teaching Implications This proof-of-concept study may encourage psychology educators to integrate community-engaged pedagogy into their curriculum.

Effects of contingent and noncontingent reinforcement on the emotional behavior of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris)

Intermittent schedules of reinforcement are frequently used in dog training. During fixed-time (FT) schedules, reinforcement delivery is time-based and response-independent. In contrast, during fixed-interval (FI) schedules, a response produces a reinforcer if a certain amount of time has elapsed since the last reinforcer was delivered (i.e., FI schedules are time-based and response-dependent). FT schedules are typically used in noncontingent-reinforcement interventions with the aim of decreasing an undesired behavior. Although the effectiveness of these interventions has been reliably shown with human and nonhuman animal learners, little is known about the emotional behavior that is related to these contingencies. In the present study, the target behavior (stepping on a mat) of six dogs was initially trained (shaped) and maintained on a FI 15s schedule. In addition, dogs were exposed to a FT 15s schedule, a combination of FT 15s and FI 15s schedules, and an extinction-only condition (no reinforcement was delivered for the target response). We found that rates of emotional responses (e.g., lip/nose licking, vocalizing) varied in prevalence across dogs and phases. Although lip/nose licking was displayed in high rates across all dogs and phases, it was generally lower in baseline and extinction phases. This suggests that these phases produced less frustration-related behavior. The effect-size calculations for dogs engaging in pacing, sneezing, and vocalizing underscored the varied prevalence of the behaviors across phases and dogs and yielded mostly small- to medium-size effects. These results are especially relevant for the training of companion and working dogs and their well-being during training sessions. Future research should continue investigating emotional behavior in dogs across various schedules of reinforcement (e.g., variable schedules).

An investigation of household dogs as the source in a case of human bacteraemia caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a commensal and an opportunistic pathogen in dogs, and is also an opportunistic pathogen in humans. Here we report about a case of bacteraemia with a fatal outcome in a 77-year-old co-morbid male likely caused by a S. pseudintermedius and the investigation into the possible transmission from the two dogs in the patient’s household. The two dogs carried the same S. pseudintermedius strain, but this dog strain was unrelated to the strain from the patient. In contrast to the patient strain, the dog strain showed reduced susceptibility to several antibiotics and both dogs had received antibiotic treatment prior to sampling. So, it is conceivable that these treatments can have eliminated the patient’s strain between the transmission event and the dog sampling. It is also worth noting that the patient strain was positive for the expA gene, which encodes an exfoliative toxin closely related to the S. aureus exfoliative toxin B. This toxin has been linked to canine pyoderma, but its effect on humans remains unknown. Transmission of S. pseudintermedius was confirmed in the household between the dogs. However, we could not verify that the dogs were the source for the S. pseudintermedius in the patient.

Re-emergence of canine influenza in the United States of America; a call for One Health approach; a letter to the editor

Re-emergence of canine influenza in the United States of America; a call for One Health approach; a letter to the editor

Proposed Protocol for Field Testing of Endurance Fitness of Young Labrador Retrievers.

The number of dogs and, with it, dog sports are growing in popularity, and the training of dogs begins at an early age. Although fitness testing is an imperative part of purposeful training and sports, to our knowledge, no objective field tests are available for measuring young dogs' endurance fitness. The aim of this study is to describe a simple, easy-to-repeat, and inexpensive way to test training intervention effects on endurance fitness in young Labrador Retrievers. Healthy client-owned 16-week-old Labrador Retrievers will be recruited and divided into test and control groups. The test group will have an eight-week training program followed by a four-week detraining period, while the control group will live a normal puppy life. All dogs will be tested for endurance fitness four times at four-week intervals: at baseline, one month later, two months later at the end of the training period, and one month after ending the training program. Each of the four testing sessions will be identical and will consist of four measurements of heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BL): at baseline, after trotting 1000 m, after sprinting 200 m, and at recovery 5-8 min after the sprint. The training-induced changes in endurance fitness are evaluated by changes in HR and heart rate recovery times (HRR), BL, and running times.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Canine Babesiosis Causative Agent Babesia canis in Naturally Infected Dogs in the Dobrogea Area (Southeastern Romania).

Canine babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease of major veterinary concern in Europe. Its prevalence has increased in the last two decades and is spreading rapidly toward the north. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of Babesia spp. strains isolated from naturally infected dogs in a tick-endemic area (Dobrogea) in southeastern Romania. For this purpose, a total of twenty-three samples from dogs diagnosed with various clinical forms of babesiosis, evaluated by means of clinical history, physical examination, and hematological tests, were subjected to a molecular investigation using PCR, sequencing analysis, and genetic characterization. A microscopic examination of thin Diff-quick-stained blood smears revealed large intra-erythrocytic Babesia piroplasms in all dogs. The PCR and sequencing analysis results indicated the presence of Babesia canis in 22 dogs (95.7%) and Babesia vogeli in 1 dog (4.3%). Among the B. canis isolates, two genotypes were distinguished based on two nucleotide substitutions (GA→AG) observed in the 18S rRNA gene sequences (at positions 609 and 610), with the AG genotype predominating (54.5% of samples), while the GA variant was identified in 9.1% of samples. In the remaining isolates (36.4%), both variants were identified. The B. vogeli-positive dog also tested positive for antibodies against Ehrlichia canis and displayed severe disease. This study reports, for the first time, the presence of genetically heterogenic B. canis strains in dogs with clinical babesiosis in Romania. These findings provide a basis for future studies on the relationship between the genetic structure of the causative agents of canine babesiosis in Romania and the course of the disease.

Skijoring as a way to develop physical endurance in humans and dogs

Relevance. Everyone knows that you need to maintain your health and good physical shape. But few people know that you can exercise together with your dog. Skijoring appeared in Norway at the end of the 18th century. Initially, skiing with a dog was used as a way of transportation, as well as for training the leader of the dog team. The first competition took place in Alaska at the beginning of the 20th century. Competitions have been held in Russia since the 1990s. But before that, this sport was developed in the USSR as a military-applied discipline and was called «towing a skier with a dog». Now, as in the USSR, it is developed in domestic dog breeding. The dog and the guide, as the dog trainer is called, must overcome a certain distance with boundaries for target shooting. In fact, this is a biathlon, but only with dogs. Currently,skidjoring is widespread in the world, World, European and Russian championships are held every year. The purpose of the study is to reveal a little-known, but very interesting and useful topic - playing sports with a dog. Methods and organization of research. Sports with a dog is an opportunity to spend free time with fun and, most importantly, with benefit and to improve the physical shape of not only a pet, but also a person.In skidjoring, as in skiing, athletes use skating and classic ski moves. They alternate depending on the segment of the route. Skating in contrast to the classic course requires a special rolled track. It was also noticed that the technique of skiing in skidjoring is noticeably different from the technique in skiing. In the skidjo ring, additional coordination is required from a person, since the body receives an additional load from the pulling dog. Conclusions. Skidjoring classes should begin with overcoming smooth straight segments and gradually increase the speed and complexity of the route. Thanks to skidjoring, not only a dog, but also a person will improve their endurance. Also, thanks to this sport, they will be able to improve their relationship with each other.

Skijoring as a way to develop physical endurance in humans and dogs

Relevance. Everyone knows that you need to maintain your health and good physical shape. But few people know that you can exercise together with your dog. Skijoring appeared in Norway at the end of the 18th century. Initially, skiing with a dog was used as a way of transportation, as well as for training the leader of the dog team. The first competition took place in Alaska at the beginning of the 20th century. Competitions have been held in Russia since the 1990s. But before that, this sport was developed in the USSR as a military-applied discipline and was called «towing a skier with a dog». Now, as in the USSR, it is developed in domestic dog breeding. The dog and the guide, as the dog trainer is called, must overcome a certain distance with boundaries for target shooting. In fact, this is a biathlon, but only with dogs. Currently,skidjoring is widespread in the world, World, European and Russian championships are held every year. The purpose of the study is to reveal a little-known, but very interesting and useful topic - playing sports with a dog. Methods and organization of research. Sports with a dog is an opportunity to spend free time with fun and, most importantly, with benefit and to improve the physical shape of not only a pet, but also a person.In skidjoring, as in skiing, athletes use skating and classic ski moves. They alternate depending on the segment of the route. Skating in contrast to the classic course requires a special rolled track. It was also noticed that the technique of skiing in skidjoring is noticeably different from the technique in skiing. In the skidjo ring, additional coordination is required from a person, since the body receives an additional load from the pulling dog. Conclusions. Skidjoring classes should begin with overcoming smooth straight segments and gradually increase the speed and complexity of the route. Thanks to skidjoring, not only a dog, but also a person will improve their endurance. Also, thanks to this sport, they will be able to improve their relationship with each other.

Lime and odour: A preliminary investigation into the effect of hydrated lime on the volatiles emitted from human remains

The location of human remains is performed primarily through the aid of cadaver detection dogs, which rely on the malodour produced through decomposition of decaying bodies. Malefactors will attempt to conceal these putrefactive odours through chemical additions such as lime, which is also wrongly believed to accelerate decomposition and prevent the identification of the victim. Despite the frequency of lime in forensic applications, to date no research has been performed to determine its effect on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during human decomposition. This research was therefore conducted to ascertain the effects of hydrated lime on the VOC profile of human remains. Two human donors were used in a field trial at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER): one donor was covered with hydrated lime, and the other had no chemical additions acting as a control. VOC samples were collected over a period of 100 days and analysed using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). The volatile samples were accompanied by visual observations of how decomposition progressed. The results showed that lime application decreased the rate of decomposition and decreased total carrion insect activity. Lime increased the abundance of VOCs during the fresh and bloat stages of decay, however the abundance of compounds plateaued during active and advanced decomposition and were much lower than those detected from the control donor. Despite this suppression of VOCs, the study found that dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, key sulfur-containing compounds, were still produced in high quantities, and can thus still be used to locate chemically altered human remains. Knowledge of the effects of lime on human decomposition can inform the training of cadaver detection dogs, and ensure a greater chance at locating victims of crimes or mass disasters.

Guiding principles: Effect of a science-based staff training program on knowledge and application of assistance dog training techniques

Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is an effective and humane training technique for modifying animals’ behavior. Given the influence of assistance dog charities, the numbers of dogs trained by them and the importance of their role, it is vital that they utilize PRT when handling their dogs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a standardized staff training package about PRT on staff knowledge and application of dog training techniques. A sample of 363 Guide Dogs UK staff responded to an online survey. Staff who had received advanced (P = 0.003) or intermediate (P = 0.043) internal training were more likely to demonstrate knowledge of training theory than staff who had not received training. Staff were more confident in both practical (P = 0.0082) and theoretical (P = 0.0012) dog training techniques if they had received any internal training. Positive reinforcement was the most understood and applied principle with 96.4% of staff correctly answering the positive reinforcement knowledge questions and 98.2% of participants selecting positive reinforcement as a method they used to modify dog behavior. Aversive techniques (positive punishment) were less likely to be utilized by staff who had received any internal training (P < 0.001) and those who had answered learning theory questions correctly (P = 0.024). Internal training on the subject of PRT is effective at improving staff knowledge and application of ethical dog-handling practices. It is recommended that assistance dog organizations provide training on PRT to staff and stakeholders to enhance knowledge and ethical dog-handling practices thus improving the welfare of the dogs in their care.

A preliminary examination of the contextual interference effect on trained trick retention in domestic dogs.

This study sought to enhance current dog training practices by determining whether a finding from human motor skill learning research, the contextual interference (CI) effect, could be replicated in a trick-training paradigm with companion dogs. In humans, research shows that practicing skills in random order, as compared with blocked order, improves learning of those skills. To test this question in dogs, we randomly allocated 17 dogs to blocked training (low CI) or random training (high CI). The dogs performed three behaviors of varying difficulty. After training, we conducted a retention test in which half of the dogs in each group performed the tasks in blocked order and the other half in random order. We scored each trick, measured duration, and measured whether dogs required one or two tries to perform a behavior. We found no significant differences between dogs who practiced three tricks in random or in blocked order during training and during a retention test. This study is the first to apply the CI effect to dog trick training. Although no evidence of the CI effect was found, the current research provides a preliminary framework for future studies with potential implications for increasing retention of trained skills.

A comparison of paired- and multiple-stimulus-without-replacement preference assessments to identify reinforcers for dog behavior.

Dogs may be relinquished to shelters and are unlikely to be adopted if they engage in problem behavior. A successful way to eliminate problem behavior is through training techniques based on behavioral principles. Obedience training with the use of positive reinforcement has been successful in treating problematic behavior by dogs. In order for this method to work, it is essential that the stimuli selected function as reinforcers. Preference assessments can be used to identify these potential reinforcers. A preference assessment is a systematic method used to identify stimuli that may serve as possible reinforcers by yielding preference hierarchies. Although preference and reinforcer assessments have been successfully used with humans, research with nonhuman animals is limited. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy and efficiency of paired-stimulus preference assessment with a multiple-stimulus preference assessment. The results suggested that the results of both preference assessments corresponded with reinforcer assessments but that the paired-stimulus method was the most efficient.