Archive for category: Dog Behavior

Differences in Trait Impulsivity Indicate Diversification of Dog Breeds into Working and Show Lines

Megan Maxwell, March 21, 2016, Dog Behavior, 0

A study published this month in Scientific Reports examines impulsivity across Border Collies and Labs bred either for show or for work. Abstract Impulsiveness describes the inability to inhibit behaviour in the presence of salient cues. Trait-level impulsivity exists on a continuum and individual differences can be adaptive in...

Trainer's Ring Announcement

Megan Maxwell, March 18, 2016, Dog Behavior, 0

Spring Trainer’s Ring 2016 Laura Monaco Torelli Spring is here! What a fun time of year for us and our pups to get out and stretch our legs after a long winter. This is also the season for puppies to suddenly spring up, and show up, on our radar...

ACVB Announcement

Megan Maxwell, March 16, 2016, Dog Behavior, 0

Dr. Jaak Panksepp is our keynote speaker! The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is excited to announce our keynote speaker for this year’s Behavior Symposium is Dr. Jaak Panksepp, neuroscientist, psychobiologist, and author of the well known text Affective Neuroscience and other texts on biological psychology. Don’t miss...

Abstract: Evaluation of plasma cortisol levels and behavior in dogs wearing bark control collars

Megan Maxwell, January 27, 2016, Dog Behavior, 0

Steiss, J.E., Schaffer, C., Ahmad, H.A., & Voith, V. L. (2007). Evaluation of plasma cortisol levels and behavior in dogs wearing bark control collars. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 106, 96-106. Abstract On Week -1, 24 healthy mixed breed kennel dogs were screened by physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry,...

Abstract: Effects of surgical and chemical sterilization on the behavior of free-roaming male dogs

Megan Maxwell, January 16, 2016, Dog Behavior, 0

A recent study by E. Garde, G.E. Pérez, R Vanderstichel, P.F. Dalla Villa, and J.A. Serpell and published in November 2015 in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, furthers our understanding of the behavioral effects of sterilization. The study’s abstract is presented here. Population management of free-roaming domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)...

Have you taken your dog for a sniff today?

Megan Maxwell, January 12, 2016, Dog Behavior, Recommended Articles, 0

A recent blog post from Dr. Patricia McConnell, CAAB, on the importance of letting your dog stop to smell the roses! http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/take-your-dog-on-a-sniff

Book Summary: How Dogs Learn

Megan Maxwell, January 2, 2016, Dog Behavior, 0

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch provides this summary of her book, How Dogs Learn, for the National Animal Interest Alliance. This book remains an excellent resource for any pet behavior professional’s library! http://www.naiaonline.org/articles/article/how-dogs-learn1#sthash.kiIf3Hxc.dpbs

Comparing OCD in Humans and Dogs

Megan Maxwell, December 15, 2015, Dog Behavior, 0

In this National Geographic article, an MRI study of OCD in dogs is discussed and strategies for addressing OCD are offered by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Jill Goldman. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/06/130610-ocd-dogs-health-animals-science-brains/

Preventive Behavioral Care: Setting your Pup Up for Success

Megan Maxwell, December 2, 2015, Dog Behavior, 0

Many families bring a puppy into their home around the holidays or in the new year. Although the “puppy under the tree” image is one that warms our hearts, it may not be the best time of year for getting a puppy. In addition to the hustle and bustle...

Steroids Can Change Your Dog's Behavior

Megan Maxwell, November 29, 2015, Dog Behavior, Recommended Articles, 0

Dr. Emily Levine summarizes findings from a recent study demonstrating behavioral effects of steroids in dogs. See the AVSAB blog post from November 12, 2015 for the full abstract of this study. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/decoding-your-pet/201511/steroids-can-change-your-dogs-behavior