Fear/Reactivity in working dogs: An analysis of 37 years of behavioural data from the Mira Foundation’s future service dogs

2019 ◽  
Vol 221 ◽  
pp. 104864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Dollion ◽  
Amélie Paulus ◽  
Noël Champagne ◽  
Nicolas St-Pierre ◽  
Éric St-Pierre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Dogs ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
Fear Reactivity

scholarly journals Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily E. Bray ◽  
Cynthia M. Otto ◽  
Monique A. R. Udell ◽  
Nathaniel J. Hall ◽  
Angie M. Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Service Dogs ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
Effectiveness And Efficiency ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Behavioral Criteria

Dogs perform a variety of integral roles in our society, engaging in work ranging from assistance (e.g., service dogs, guide dogs) and therapy to detection (e.g., search-and-rescue dogs, explosive detection dogs) and protection (e.g., military and law enforcement dogs). However, success in these roles, which requires dogs to meet challenging behavioral criteria and to undergo extensive training, is far from guaranteed. Therefore, enhancing the selection process is critical for the effectiveness and efficiency of working dog programs and has the potential to optimize how resources are invested in these programs, increase the number of available working dogs, and improve working dog welfare. In this paper, we review two main approaches for achieving this goal: (1) developing selection tests and criteria that can efficiently and effectively identify ideal candidates from the overall pool of candidate dogs, and (2) developing approaches to enhance performance, both at the individual and population level, via improvements in rearing, training, and breeding. We summarize key findings from the empirical literature regarding best practices for assessing, selecting, and improving working dogs, and conclude with future steps and recommendations for working dog organizations, breeders, trainers, and researchers.

scholarly journals DISEASE OF SERVICE DOGS WITH DIROFILARIASIS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

2019 ◽  
pp. 388-393
Author(s):  
Nagorniy ◽  
Ermakova ◽  
Chernikova ◽  
Kiosova
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Federal Budget ◽  
Dirofilaria Repens ◽  
Service Dogs ◽  
Frequent Change ◽  
Central Russia ◽  
European Part Of Russia ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
Southern Russia

Service dogs are an important source of distribution and maintenance of dirofilariasis foci in various territories due to the frequent change of their places of service and movement throughout Russia. The aim of our work was to study the dynamics of infection of working dogs and their role in the spread of dirofilariasis. On the basis of Federal Budget Institution of Science of Rostov Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, studies of the invasion of dogs by dirofilariasis have been conducted from 2000 to the present. In 2018, 159 blood samples of dogs from different territories of the European part of Russia were examined using the blood larvoscopy method after concentration in 3% acetic acid with subsequent staining according to Romanovsky-Giemsa. The results of a survey of dogs that arrived in Rostov-on-Don to protect socially significant objects in June 2018 showed that the prevalence of infection of working dogs was 13%. Animals from the territories of central Russia were infected in 16.6% of cases, the same indicator in dogs from the territories of southern Russia was 9.1%. The infection of service dogs of Dirofilaria repens was 8.7%, Dirofilaria immitis – 1.4%, and mixed infection was detected in 2.9% of the dogs. In the south of Russia, the prevalence of dogs with Dirofilaria immitis and mixed invasion is prevalent, while Dirofilaria repens dominates in the central zone. Analyzing the data obtained and previous research results, one can note the fact that active preventive measures have led to a decrease in the incidence of dirofilariasis among working dogs. However, the average extensiveness of this dog invasion remains high.

scholarly journals The use of soluble fibre for the management of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhoea in police working dogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Alves ◽  
A. Santos ◽  
P. Jorge ◽  
A. Pitães
Keyword(s):  
Large Bowel ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Colonic Motility ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Soluble Fiber ◽  
Soluble Fibre ◽  
Psyllium Husk ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
Defecation Frequency

Abstract Background Chronic intermittent or persistent diarrhoea is a common condition in dogs and may be a reflex of gastrointestinal or non-gastrointestinal disorders. Besides diarrhoea, many athletes experience other gastrointestinal symptoms. Dietary fiber can help normalize colonic motility and transit time, support normal gastrointestinal microflora growth and provide fuel for colonocytes. This study aimed to evaluate dietary supplementation effectiveness with psyllium husk in police working dogs with chronic large-bowel diarrhoea. Twenty-two animals were selected. Concurrent conditions were ruled out through complete blood count and serum biochemistry. Fecal Clostridium and Salmonella were also screened. A soluble fiber, psyllium husk, was added to the diet at the dose of 4 tablespoons/day for 1 month. A daily log of fecal characteristics (type, frequency, and color) was maintained during the supplementation month and for an additional month, without supplementation. Results Response to treatment was classified as “very good” in 50% of animals, “good” in 40% of animals, and “poor” in 10% of cases. During the month of psyllium husk supplementation, defecation frequency decreased from 3.5 to 2.9 times a day, with 90% of animals showing consistent stools regularly and registering a mean increase of 2 kg in body weight. Beneficial effects were still observed during the second month, without psyllium husk supplementation. Conclusion Psyllium husk can be useful in the management of chronic large-bowel diarrhoea in working dogs, which exhibited lower defecation frequency, improved stool consistency, and gained weight. Effects were felt beyond the supplementation period. Alternative approaches for non-responsive cases need to be evaluated.

scholarly journals PARE0002 IMPACT OF SERVICE DOGS ON THE BURDEN OF ARTHRITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1287.1-1287
Author(s):  
P. Wegscheider
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Service Dogs ◽  
Mobility Impairments ◽  
Assistance Dogs ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Team Assessment ◽  
Personal Assistants ◽  
Austrian Population ◽  
Short Time

Background:Assistance dogs support humans with different physical disabilities: 1. Service dogs for people with diverse mobility impairments 2. signaling dogs for humans diagnosed with diabetes, hearing impairments, seizure, or posttraumatic stress disorder 3. guide dogs for people with visual impairments. Definitions and terms are not consistent over Europe; Austrian terminology is used in the following. These specially trained dogs support people in their everyday lives and make it possible that less help is required from personal assistants or caregivers. Diverse studies show this positive impact of assistance dogs on the quality of life of disabled people. There are just a few case reports from United States about service dogs for people diagnosed with any inflammatory rheumatic disorder. Dogs are trained individually for about 1.5 years before team training and the concluding team assessment through Austrian authorities take place. Since 2015, there has been an adapted legislation for service dogs in Austria which brings significant improvements in many areas. In comparison to the model set by Austria, there is no corresponding legal basis at EU level or in other European countries.Objectives:Case-report about my own situation diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in 2001 and my service dog May. May supports my every day live in private and business affairs since 2019Methods:May was trained for less than two years before team assessment. May is able to pick up things I dropped. These include coins, my key, my mobile phone, clothes, towels and lots of other things I want her to pick it up for me. May opens and closes doors, empties the washing machine, pulls the laundry basket and even helps me put on and take off clothes. In general, she carries many things which I instruct her to carry. I am able to learn her more new things in a short time. Furthermore May acts safe on public transport and even airplanes. Due to special training May is allowed to move without dog leash or muzzle. A muzzle or leash would handicap the dog’s work. As a result of May’s help I need less personal assistance.Results:May’s physical and psychological support gives me greater independence and increases my self-confidence. She was trained to specifically meet the needs of my disability. Beside her skills, May helps to reduce pain and burden of arthritis.Conclusion:My aim is to spotlight the great support of service dogs to severely affected arthritis patients. Austria had realized legislation for assistance dogs to guarantee certain permissions the owner’s needs (e.g. access to working place, hospital). I would love to raise awareness about assistance dogs to improve the knowledge about those animals to implement European legislation.References:[1]Arbeitskreis für Hygiene in Gesundheitseinrichtungen des Magistrats der Stadt Wien, MA 15, Richtlinie für den Umgang mit Assistenzhunden und Therapiehunden in Gesundheitseinrichtungen, 29.3.2017; access 1.10.2019[2]AK Krankenhaushygiene OÖ, Umgang mit Assistenzhunden in Gesundheitseinrichtungen, Version 1; access 1.2019[3]Bremhorst, A et al, Spotlight on Assistance Dogs- Legislation, Welfare and Research, Animals 2018, 8, 129; doi:10.3390/ani8080129[4]Deutsche Gesellschaft für Krankenhaushygiene (DGKH), Empfehlungen zum hygienegerechten Umgang mit Therapiehunden in Krankenhäusern und vergleichbaren Einrichtungen, Hyg Med 2017; 42-10[5]Glenk, LM et al, Perceptions on Helath Benefits of Guide Dog Ownership in an Austrian Population of Blind People with and without a Guide Dog, Animals 2019, 9, 428; doi:10.3390/ani9070428[6]Lundqvist, M et al, Certified service dogs- A cost- effectiveness analysis appraisal, Plos ones 12.9.2019, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0219911[7]Sozialministeriumservice, Richtlinie Therapiehunde des Bundesministers für Arbeit, Soziales und Konsumentenschutz, 01.01.2015; access 1.10.2019Acknowledgments:I am very grateful to Kati Kohoutek, May’s trainer and the efforts of Austrian’s long lasting dog trainers and Karl Weissenbacher, the leader of Messerli Institute/ department of Veterinary University Vienna.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Risk and Environmental Factors Associated with the Presence of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 in Diarrheic Dogs from Thessaly, Central Greece

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 590
Author(s):  
Maria Kantere ◽  
Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽  
Alexios Giannakopoulos ◽  
Vassilis Skampardonis ◽  
Marina Sofia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Canine Parvovirus ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
Canine Parvovirus Type 2

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) primarily infects dogs, which are the main host reservoir, causing severe gastrointestinal disease associated with immunosuppression. The present study was conducted in Thessaly, Greece and aimed to identify risk and environmental factors associated with CPV-2 infection in diarrheic dogs. Fecal samples were collected from 116 dogs presenting diarrhea and were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of CPV-2 DNA. Supplementary data regarding clinical symptoms, individual features, management factors and medical history were also gathered for each animal during clinical evaluation. Sixty-eight diarrheic dogs were found to be positive for the virus DNA in their feces. Statistical analysis revealed that CPV-2 DNA was less likely to be detected in senior dogs, while working dogs, namely hounds and shepherds, had higher odds to be positive for the virus. Livestock density and land uses, specifically the categories of discontinuous urban fabric and of human population density, were identified as significant environmental parameters associated with CPV-2 infection by using Geographical Information System (GIS) together with the Ecological Niche Model (ENM). This is the first description of the environmental variables associated with the presence of CPV-2 DNA in dogs’ feces in Greece.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document