Animal Position Statements

Question 1

dominance theory position statements key points

Answer 1

• Theory that individuals will submit or defer to the dominant individual when they are present
• dominance is all about priority access to resources
• often humans want leadership of an animal (animal willing to perform behaviours willingly) rather than a dominant relationship
• Advised not to use dominance theory in dog training. No scientific proof.

Question 2

Breed-specific legislation position statement key points

Answer 2

• Breed-specific legislation used to try and decrease dog bites towards humans. Not a solution, leads to a false sense of security for communities and poor welfare towards certain breeds.
• Better solutions: adequate house placement, early socialization/training, owner education
• issues with breed identification/poor labelling
• aggression mostly occurs from fear, more likely in resident dogs (dogs with little human interaction; chained in yard)
• can have other negative effects (O avoids vet care such as vaccinations, training)

Question 3

Puppy socialization

Answer 3

• most important in first 3 months of life
• behavioural issues are number one cause of relinquishment to shelters and number one cause of death of dogs under 3yrs
• puppies can start puppy training classes as early as 7-8 weeks, giving vaccine and deworming 7 days prior to class and keeping vaccines up to date as they age

Question 4

Humane dog training

Answer 4

• use reward based methods (better effectiveness)
• reward training results in greater attentiveness to owner and greater dog-human bond
• cortisol present in both positive and negative emotional states so not a good indicator
• aversive method training results in higher pessimistic behaviours
• use systematic desensitization (not flooding or exposure plans) which involves gradual exposure to a stimulus

Question 5

Positive vet care position statement

Answer 5

• Vet practice promoting calm emotions for patients and caregivers
• avoid stress which can lead to emotional distress and to fight, flight, freeze response resulting in fear response at all future visits
• Anxiety and fear lead to increased cortisol, blood glucose, pupil dilation and muscle tension, increased vitals which can hinder accurate diagnosis and lead to anesthetic and sedation risk
• fear of vet leads to less vet visits and a increase in preventable illness and behaviours
• advise using counter-conditioning to create a positive association
• Ways to do this: create calm environment, quiet, clean, pre-medicate, minimal restraint, move people not the pet, keep owners in the exam room, avoid force