Familiar Dogs Research Articles

Evaluation of a Behavioral Test for Sickness Behavior Associated with Fusarium Mycotoxin Ingestion in Female Beagle Dogs (Canis familiaris).

Animals exhibit behavioral changes during illness, including lethargy, anorexia, fever, adipsia, and anhedonia, which are believed to comprise an adaptive evolutionary strategy. Exploratory and social behaviors generally decrease during illness, but behavioral changes of dogs during illness have not been described. The objective of this study was to evaluate a novel canine behavior test during subclinical illness induced by dietary Fusarium mycotoxin. Twelve mature female beagle dogs received 3 treatment diets: a control diet (control), a diet formulated with grains contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxin (toxin), and the toxin diet together with a toxin binding agent (binder). All dogs received each diets for 14 d in a Latin square design with a 7-d washout period between diet trials. The test consisted of individually releasing dogs into the center aisle of the housing room for 4 min per day, during which interactions with familiar dogs in adjacent kennels were recorded by an observer outside the room who was blind to treatment groups. Total interactions, orientation, and attempted physical contact with other dogs were less frequent during the toxin and binder diet treatments. Conversely, frequencies of physical proximity and olfactory contact with familiar dogs in adjacent kennels were not associated with diet. In conclusion, induction of subclinical gastrointestinal illness influenced aspects of social interactions in beagle dogs. A clinical assessment sheet integrating these findings was developed to aid in early identification of subclinical illness in research dogs based on behavior.

Genetic testing of dogs predicts problem behaviors in clinical and nonclinical samples

BackgroundVery little is known about the etiology of personality and psychiatric disorders. Because the core neurobiology of many such traits is evolutionarily conserved, dogs present a powerful model. We previously reported genome scans of breed averages of ten traits related to fear, anxiety, aggression and social behavior in multiple cohorts of pedigree dogs. As a second phase of that discovery, here we tested the ability of markers at 13 of those loci to predict canine behavior in a community sample of 397 pedigree and mixed-breed dogs with individual-level genotype and phenotype data.ResultsWe found support for all markers and loci. By including 122 dogs with veterinary behavioral diagnoses in our cohort, we were able to identify eight loci associated with those diagnoses. Logistic regression models showed subsets of those loci could predict behavioral diagnoses. We corroborated our previous findings that small body size is associated with many problem behaviors and large body size is associated with increased trainability. Children in the home were associated with anxiety traits; illness and other animals in the home with coprophagia; working-dog status with increased energy and separation-related problems; and competitive dogs with increased aggression directed at familiar dogs, but reduced fear directed at humans and unfamiliar dogs. Compared to other dogs, Pit Bull-type dogs were not defined by a set of our markers and were not more aggressive; but they were strongly associated with pulling on the leash. Using severity-threshold models, Pit Bull-type dogs showed reduced risk of owner-directed aggression (75th quantile) and increased risk of dog-directed fear (95th quantile).ConclusionsOur association analysis in a community sample of pedigree and mixed-breed dogs supports the interbreed mapping. The modeling shows some markers are predictive of behavioral diagnoses. Our findings have broad utility, including for clinical and breeding purposes, but we caution that thorough understanding is necessary for their interpretation and use.

Evaluating and re-evaluating intra- and inter-species social transmission of food preferences in domestic dogs

Social-transmission of food preference is a robust behavioral phenomenon in rodents and other species, but less work has evaluated this phenomenon in broader taxa and to what degree social-transmission can occur between species. Here we show that over the span of three experiments that consisted of a human-dog, a dog-dog, and a replication study of a dog-dog demonstrator-observer test, we did not observe successful social transmission of food preferences across all three experiments. For our first experiment, we investigated whether pet dogs acquire food preference from their owners using a two-bowl preference test. The results suggested that our dogs did not acquire a preference for the flavor consumed by their owners. This then led us to investigate whether this failure was the result of an inter-species failure, so we replicated the experiment using two familiar dogs as the demonstrator and observer. The results for Experiment Two also suggested that our participant dogs do not acquire food preference from a canine demonstrator. A third experiment attempted a direct replication of the Lupfer-Johnson and Ross (2007) that found dog-dog transmission of food preferences. Our results again indicated that our participant dogs did not acquire food preference from demonstrators. Over the span of three experiments, our results did not show clear canine food preferences for the food consumed by a demonstrator (human or dog).

Cats and dogs: Best friends or deadly enemies? What the owners of cats and dogs living in the same household think about their relationship with people and other pets.

Although popular culture describes them as mortal enemies, more and more often, dogs and cats live under the same roof. Does this make them best friends? Can sharing the same social and physical environment make them similar? This study compares the approaches of dogs and cats living in the same household have towards humans and other pets as perceived by the owner. Questionnaires collected from 1270 people owning both dog(s) and cat(s) were analysed. Most dogs and cats living together are playful with familiar humans (76.2%) but dogs have a more sociable approach towards strangers and conspecifics than cats (P<0.001). Moreover, the percentage of dogs that have a playful relationship with the owner (84.0%) was higher than cats (49.2%; P<0.001). Dogs and cats living together eat in different places and show different mutual interactions: more dogs lick the cat (42.8%) and more cats ignore the dog (41.8%) than vice versa (P<0.001). However, most dogs and cats sleep at least occasionally (68.5%) and play together (62.4%; P<0.001). Although some body postures, such as the tail’s position, are interpreted differently by the two species, the greater proportions of dogs and cats show a relaxed response to several kinds of approaches of their roommate. Our questionnaire confirms the common beliefs about the sociability of the dog and the privacy of the cat, but this does not result in continuous internal struggles. Most cohabitations are peaceful. Moreover, it is true that they speak different languages, but they seem to understand each other well and interpret each other's approaches in the right way. Thus, aspiring owners should not blindly believe popular assumptions, but both knowledge and respect for species-specific pet behaviours are essential to establish a balance in the household.

Coexistence of Diversified Dog Socialities and Territorialities in the City of Concepción, Chile.

Simple SummaryStray dogs are a common sight in cities all over the world, especially in Latin America, but research on their behavior is scarce. Studying their very considerable presence in Concepción (Chile) provided a unique opportunity to learn more about the extent of the sociality and territoriality patterns of the dog species. Interestingly, a wide range of socialities with humans (and with other dogs) were shown to be dependent on human activities and urban zoning signaled by passages, physical boundaries and landmarks. New forms of sociality were also evidenced, with dogs exhibiting intermediate degrees of sociality between the pet and stray dog categories. We postulate that this unique diversity of sociospatial positioning and level of adjustment (e.g., dogs using crosswalks either alone or with people) is made possible by the city’s specific human culture and range of urban areas. The dog species thus exhibits a considerable potential for social and spatial adjustment. The fact that it depends on the spatial layout and human culture of their environment explains the presence of dogs wherever humans are. Furthermore, it has implications for coping with the presence of dogs in numerous and varied human societies.There has been scant research on the presence of stray dogs in cities. Studying their very considerable presence in Concepción (Chile) provided a unique opportunity to learn more about the different patterns of sociality and territoriality exhibited by the dog species. Via a set of case studies, we examined the behavior of urban dogs, adopting an ethnographic methodology. This yielded findings of the dogs’ cognitive, social and spatial adjustment abilities, i.e., their territorialities. Our hypothesis was validated: We found numerous types of sociability, we confirmed the presence of two previously established categories: family dogs (pets, guard dogs and beggars’ dogs) and stray dogs (dogs almost entirely unused to humans, aggressive dogs at the far end of the campus and feral dogs in the woods). We also identified three new ones: familiar stray dogs in packs (dogs both spatially and socially close to humans), pet-stray dogs (i.e., village dogs interacting closely with people) and free-roaming pet dogs. We conclude that an ongoing two-way bond between humans and animals allowed these dogs to became part of a city’s urban identity and explains the stray dogs’ plasticity in terms of adapting to the diversified urban habitat. We postulate that it was the human culture and range of urban areas in Concepción that gave rise to this unique diversity of sociospatial positioning and level of adjustment (e.g., dogs crossing crosswalks).

Effect of training for dog fear identification on dog owner ratings of fear in familiar and unfamiliar dogs

Scientific studies often assess aspects of dog behaviour, such as fear, via owner reports. More information on how accurate these ratings are for dogs displaying different levels of fear would be valuable. The current study assessed which fear behaviours dog owners are able to reliably recognize and whether provision of training on recognition of fear alters participant ratings of fear in familiar and unfamiliar dogs. Dog owners (n = 735) were asked to identify which dog fear behaviours were present/absent in a series of videos. This survey showed that owners were able to correctly identify the presence and absence of (Sensitivity and Specificity >0.75) lowered body posture, ears back, lowered tail, wagging tail, panting, lolling tongue, yawning, lip licking, avoiding eye contact, and attempts to hide/escape/retreat. These behaviours were used to make a training tool for recognizing fear in dogs. Next, an intervention study was conducted where dog owners (n = 1413) were surveyed and asked to complete the fear and anxiety section of the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) for their own dogs, and then either received training on recognizing fear in dogs (i.e., training), or did not (i.e., control). Both groups were then asked to rate the severity of fear in dogs in nine videos, with three examples each of no fear, mild/moderate fear, and high/extreme fear. Finally, owners were asked to complete the C-BARQ survey for their own dogs a second time to determine if training to recognize fear in dogs altered their responses. Owners were scored as either correct or incorrect in their rating of each video, and this was modelled as the outcome of a mixed logistic regression model with owner as a random intercept, in order to assess the effect of training on owners’ ability to correctly rate dog fear displayed in videos. While training was not associated with owners being more likely to correctly identify ‘no fear’ (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.20; p = 0.881), it resulted in owners being more likely to correctly identify ‘mild/moderate fear’ (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.91; p < 0.001) and ‘high/extreme fear’ (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.50, 2.54; p < 0.001). The effect of training on owner ratings of fear in their own dog were assessed using three mixed linear regression models aligning with three previously identified C-BARQ factors relating to fear (i.e., stranger-, dog- and non-social fear) as the outcomes and with owner as a random intercept. Training was not associated with the outcome in any of the three models, either independently or as part of an interaction with time. High ICC values were obtained for all three fear factors; this suggests excellent test-retest reliability when reassessment occurs in a short time frame (<20 min.). Before recommending the use of training to improve the use of the C-BARQ, further studies are needed to determine why training improves recognition of fear in videos of unfamiliar dogs, but does not alter the owners’ rating of their own dogs.

Investigating jealous behaviour in dogs

The function of jealous behaviour is to facilitate the maintenance of an important social relationship that is threatened by a third-party, a rival individual. Although jealous behaviour has an important function in gregarious species, it has been investigated almost exclusively in humans. Based on functional similarity between dog-owner and mother-infant attachments, we hypothesised that jealous behaviour can be evoked in dogs, similarly to children. In our study owners focused their attention solely on the test partner, while they ignored their dog. We deployed familiar and unfamiliar dogs as social test partners, and familiar and unfamiliar objects as non-social test partners; all subjects encountered all test partners. Dogs showed more jealous behaviour, i.e. owner-oriented behaviour and attempts to separate the owner and test partner in case of social compared to non-social test partners. Results suggest that jealous behaviour emerges in dogs, and it is functionally similar to that in children observed in similar situations. Alternative explanations like territoriality, dominance rank can be excluded.

Aggression toward Familiar People, Strangers, and Conspecifics in Gonadectomized and Intact Dogs.

Gonadectomy is widely used to treat and prevent behavior problems including the aggressive behavior of dogs. The aim of this study was to determine whether aggressive behavior toward familiar people, strangers, or other dogs was significantly different in dogs gonadectomized at various ages vs. intact dogs using the Canine Behavioral Assessment Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) with multivariate analysis. Of 15,370 initial surveys, those for dogs reported to have been gonadectomized at less than 6 weeks of age or to correct a behavior problem, and those with incomplete answers to questions regarding independent or dependent variables were excluded, leaving 13,795 for the analysis of aggressive behavior toward familiar people: 13,498 for aggressive behavior toward strangers and 13,237 for aggressive behavior toward dogs. Aggressive behavior was defined (a) using mean scores for all questions on the C-BARQ for aggressive behavior (range 0–4) and (b) comparing dogs with no aggressive behavior (all questions answered 0) to dogs with moderate or severe aggression (at least one score of 2, 3, or 4). Data for intact dogs were compared with those for dogs gonadectomized at 6 months or less, 7–12 months, 11–18 months, and >18 months. Neither gonadectomy nor age at gonadectomy showed an association with aggression toward familiar people or dogs. However, there was a low but significant increase in the odds of moderate or severe aggression toward strangers for all gonadectomized dogs compared with intact dogs, but this effect was driven entirely by data for dogs gonadectomized at 7–12 months of age, which were 26% more likely to demonstrate aggression toward strangers. This large, comprehensive study of the relationships between gonadectomy and aggressive behavior in dogs demonstrates that when the many factors affecting aggressive behavior are considered, there is no evidence that gonadectomy at any age alters aggressive behavior toward familiar people or dogs, and there is only a minimal increase in aggression toward strangers. Given the increasing evidence of significant negative health effects of gonadectomy, there is an urgent need to systematically examine other means of preventing unwanted procreation, such as vasectomy and hysterectomy.

Survey of knowledge of school children towards the prevalence, severity, management of maxillofacial injuries, and rescue skills in the event of a dog bite.

Maxillofacial injuries are reported commonly in children encountering animal/dog attack. The level of knowledge of children on such events can form a sound basis for the prevention of maxillofacial injuries resulting from dog bites/attacks. This study aims to assess the knowledge of children on maxillofacial injuries resulting from dog bites, their management, and rescue skills to be used during the event of a dog attack. The study is a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Seven hundred children aged 7-12 years participated in the study. A questionnaire consisting of 21 questions assessed the common site and management of injury resulting from dog bites, the source of exposure, and the knowledge of children on rescue skills to be used in the event of dog attack. This was followed by an awareness program to educate the children on rescue skills and management of dog bite injuries. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all the variables. A significant percentage of dog bite injuries occurred on the face and hands in children. Boys were more common victims. Familiar dogs inflicted injuries to the children commonly than stray dogs. The children lacked knowledge on the management of dog bite injuries; however, they were aware of rabies and its prevention. The children were not well aware of rescue skills to be used in the event of a dog attack. Children are innocent and behavior of dogs are unpredictable hence they become victims of the dog attacks. Educating children on safe animal behavior can prove vital in reducing gruesome maxillofacial injuries resulting from dog attacks.

Dog rivalry impacts following behavior in a decision-making task involving food.

Dogs learn a great deal from humans and other dogs. Previous studies of socially influenced learning between dogs have typically used a highly trained demonstrator dog who is unfamiliar to the observer. Because of this, it is unknown how dynamics between familiar dogs may influence their likelihood of learning from each other. In this study, we tested dogs living together in two-dog households on whether individual dogs' rivalry scores were associated with performance on a local enhancement task. Specifically, we wanted to know whether dog rivalry impacted whether an observer dog would approach a plate from which a demonstrator dog had eaten all available food, or whether the observer dog would approach the adjacent plate that still contained food. Dog rivalry scores were calculated using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire and indicated each dog's tendency to engage aggressively with the other household dog. Low-rivalry dogs were more likely to approach the empty plate than high-rivalry dogs when the observer dog was allowed to approach the plates immediately after the demonstrator had moved out of sight. This difference between low- and high-rivalry dogs disappeared, however, when observer dogs had to wait 5s before approaching the plates. The same pattern was observed during a control condition when a human removed the food from a plate. Compared to low-rivalry dogs, high-rivalry dogs may pay less attention to other dogs due to a low tolerance for having other dogs in close proximity.

Unveiling the "secret" of play in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Asymmetry and signals.

Due to their playful propensity, dogs are a good model to test some hypotheses about play dynamics (length, asymmetry, features of players) and communication (play bow [PBOW]; relaxed open-mouth [ROM] display). We video-recorded 203 play sessions between dogs in an off-leash dog park in Palermo, Italy. Contrary to the expectation, play asymmetry (particularly high in this species) did not differ between stranger and familiar dogs, thus suggesting the limited role of play in forming dominance relationships. Asymmetry negatively affected the duration of the session, whereas the increasing number of players was positively linked to the duration of playful interactions. The number of PBOWs exchanged by players may exert a certain influence on the session length as well. PBOWs were performed independently from the kind of play (locomotor vs. contact) the dogs were engaging in. Conversely, ROMs were preferentially emitted during contact play when "face-to-face" interactions were more likely. Body closeness is also required in case opening the mouth has not a signal function but only preludes a bite. However, in the 82% of cases play bites did not follow a ROM, thus suggesting that dogs place ROMs in the appropriate context to optimize signal detectability. In conclusion, 2 tactics may concur in coping with the asymmetry and unpredictability of play sessions in dogs. First, whenever the asymmetry increases dogs shorten the duration of their sessions thus limiting the risk of possible escalation. Second, dogs make use of a good communicative system based on the reciprocal exchange of playful signals. (PsycINFO Database Record

Rapid Improvement of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction with Immunotherapy designed for Alzheimer's Disease

Immunotherapy against amyloid-β(Aβ) may improve rodent cognitive function by reducing amyloid neuropathology and is being validated in clinical trials with positive preliminary results. However, for a complete understanding of the direct and long-term immunization responses in the aged patient, and also to avoid significant side effects, several key aspects remain to be clarified. Thus, to investigate brain Aβ clearance and Th2 responses in the elderly, and the reverse inflammatory events not found in the immunized rodent, better Alzheimer's disease (AD) models are required. In the aged familiar canine with a Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) we describe the rapid effectiveness and the full safety profile of a new active vaccine candidate for human AD prevention and treatment. In these aged animals, besidesa weak immune system, the antibody response activated a coordinated central and peripheral Aβ clearance, that rapidly improved their cognitive function in absence of any side effects. Our results also confirm the interest to use familiar dogs to develop innovative and reliable therapies for AD.

The Effect of Familiarity on Behavior of Kenneled Dogs During Interactions With Conspecifics

Kenneled environments often prevent direct physical contact between dogs, potentially causing stress, and so it has been recommended that such contact should be provided. This study examined the effect of familiarity on the behavior of dogs during off-lead interaction. Kenneled dogs (3 breeds) were given 15-min off-lead interactions with a familiar dog and an unfamiliar dog; the behavior of the focal dog and the distance between the dogs were recorded. More time in contact and interaction behaviors were recorded at 0 to 3 min with unfamiliar dogs than with familiar dogs. At 9 to 12 min, familiar pairs spent more time within 5 body lengths and more time being followed than unfamiliar pairs, who spent more time at more than 5 body lengths apart. This suggests that the initial interaction is more important when dogs are unfamiliar, but once this “greeting” has occurred, unfamiliar pairs are more likely to investigate their surroundings independently rather than together. Breed differences were observed only at 0 to 3 min. The study suggests that familiarity should be taken into account when assessing the effectiveness of conspecific contact as a potential enrichment for kennel-housed dogs.

Dog Bite Risk: An Assessment of Child Temperament and Child-Dog Interactions

Annually approximately 400,000 American children receive treatment for dog bites. Young children are at greatest risk and are frequently bitten following behavior that provokes familiar dogs. This study investigated the effects of child temperament on children’s interaction with dogs. Eighty-eight children aged 3.5–6 years interacted with a live dog. Dog and child behaviors were assessed through observational coding. Four child temperament constructs—impulsivity, inhibitory control, approach and shyness—were assessed via the parent-report Children’s Behavioral Questionnaire. Less shy children took greater risks with the dog, even after controlling for child and dog characteristics. No other temperament traits were associated with risk-taking with the dog. Based on these results, children’s behavior with unfamiliar dogs may parallel behavior with other novel or uncertain situations. Implications for dog bite intervention programs include targeting at-risk children and merging child- and parent-oriented interventions with existing programs geared toward the physical environment and the dog.

The Influence of the Relationship and Motivation on Inequity Aversion in Dogs

One crucial element for the evolution of cooperation may be the sensitivity to others’ efforts and pay-offs in comparison with one’s own costs and gains. If an individual responds to a disadvantageous reward distribution, then it would likely increase its relative fitness compared with those who do not (Brosnan & de Waal, Nature 428:140, 2004). Recent experimental research indicates that sensitivity toward unequal reward distribution is not a uniquely human trait; non-human primates react to inequity if they witness a conspecific that obtains a more attractive reward for the same effort. However, primates are not the only species that cooperate and thus would benefit from inequity aversion. Canids also frequently cooperate with group members (e.g., wolves, wild dogs, etc.) or humans (domestic dogs), allowing for the possibility that they also are sensitive to the reward distribution. We report the findings of two studies of dogs’ responses to inequity and the social factors that mediate such responses. In the first study, we investigated whether domestic dogs showed a response to the inequity of rewards received for the same action in pairs of familiar dogs. We found that dogs showed significant behavioral differences when tested without food rewards when in the presence of a rewarded partner compared to the baseline and asocial control situations. This indicated that the presence of a rewarded partner matters (Range, Horn, Viranyi, & Huber, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 106(1):340–345, 2009). In contrast to primates, dogs did not react to differences in the quality of food or effort. In the second study, we analyzed whether individual (motivational or personality) characteristics determined the response of each subject to unequal reward distributions or whether the subject’s responses depended on the specific relationship they had with its partner. We found that individual motivation and the quality of the relationship influenced the dogs’ performance in test conditions, but that these factors varied across the control and reward inequity conditions. Overall, our results suggest that inequity aversion in dogs is conditional on their and their partner’s rewards. Whether inequity aversion is based on the same mechanisms in both humans and non-human primates is still unclear.

Domestic dogs display calming signals more frequently towards unfamiliar rather than familiar dogs

Domestic dogs display calming signals more frequently towards unfamiliar rather than familiar dogs

Owner reported coping styles and occurence of undesirable behaviors in domestic cats

s 31 between aggression and training is present, even when gender and neuter status are taken into account. The type of aggression for which the dog was referred was then compared with attendance at training, and age of onset of any training. Results showed that aggression towards unfamiliar dogs and unfamiliar humans was most common in dogs whose onset of training was at less than 16 weeks, and that aggression towards familiar humans was most common in dogs that had been to no formal training. Aggression towards familiar dogs was comparatively uncommon but also occurred most frequently in dogs that had been to no formal training. Different breed categories were compared to see if they affected aggression and the results showed that pastoral dogs and gundogs were four times more likely to display aggression if they were trained (P 5 0.01). This study identifies training methods as an important potential factor in the presentation of aggression related behavior problems in dogs and shows little evidence for the role of two commonly cited factors namely gender or neuter status. The behavioral medicine approach suggests that aggressive behavior is multifactorial and that individuals who are insecure and anxious are at increased risk of developing these responses. Lack of training and structure may favor these emotional states, but training using mixed negative and positive signals may be equally detrimental.

The effects of sex, gonadectomy and status on investigation patterns of unfamiliar conspecific urine in domestic dogs, Canis familiaris

Little is known about social roles of urine marking and mark investigation in interpack communication in canids beyond mate acquisition, or of the influence of gonadal hormones on interpack urinary communication. We studied the responses of male and female, intact (nonoestrous) and gonadectomized Labrador retrievers to urine from unfamiliar dogs of the same four reproductive categories. We compared two measures of subject social status within subjects' home groups and measured the effect of subject status on urine investigation duration. We also compared the responses of subjects to urine from familiar and unfamiliar dogs. All subjects showed high interest in unfamiliar urine samples, but differed in their preference for particular unfamiliar urine types. Intact males, intact females and spayed females investigated urine from intact males and females equally, whereas neutered males investigated urine from intact males longer than urine from intact females. Urine from intact males and females elicited longer investigation than did urine from gonadectomized sources. Males showed no difference in investigation of familiar and unfamiliar urine, whereas females showed a nonsignificant tendency to investigate urine from unfamiliar dogs longer than urine from groupmates. Low-status subjects investigated urine longer than high-status subjects. Sex, status and familiarity patterns suggest that males and females, both intact and gonadectomized, have strong interest in unfamiliar urine and investigate urine to assess unfamiliar conspecifics in multiple social contexts, including mate and threat assessment. These results also suggest that gonadal hormones may affect urine investigation patterns both by increasing sexually motivated urine investigation in males and by creating signals in urine that allow assessment of potentially risky conspecifics.

Prevention of dog bites: Evaluation of a brief educational intervention program for preschool children

AbstractDog bites are an underestimated societal problem. Victims suffer injuries, both physical and emotional, that sometimes end in death, and the economic cost to the community is high. The most frequent victims are children, many of whom are bitten at home. Current interventions, primarily aimed at the control of dogs in public areas, appear unlikely to reduce the incidence of dog bites within this group. In this study, parents' beliefs about their children's behavior around familiar and strange dogs were investigated using a questionnaire. The impact of a brief educational dog safety program on 192 kindergarten children (M = 4.68 years of age) was then evaluated. The questionnaire data revealed that many children engage in unsafe behaviors around dogs, and that parents are largely unaware of the dangers associated with such behaviors. The dog safety program resulted in a significant increase in the ability of children to identify high risk situations for up to 4 weeks, with the benefits being even greater in those children whose parents were also given information regarding safe behaviors around dogs. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Facial dog bites in Southwestern Nigerian children: an analysis of eight cases.

This paper analyses the prevalence, pattern and treatment outcome of eight cases of facial dog bite in Nigerian children seen and managed at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital's Complex, a tertiary hospital located in Southwestern Nigeria. During the study period of 18 months (July 1996-December 1997), a total of 174 cases of facial soft tissue injuries in children were managed, two of which resulted in rabies and death of the patients. Based on the findings of this analysis, we suggest that unprovoked facial dog bites inflicted by familiar domestic dogs may be complicated by rabies. Ignorance about the risk of uncompleted treatment, financial constraints and scarcity of the vaccine may be implicated in the outcome. The need to improve community knowledge of rabies and the availability and affordability of rabies vaccine are highlighted.