Behaviour

Noise-related fear in dogs

Emotions are relatively short-term affective states typically occurring in situations involving (potential) rewards or punishers (Rolls, 2005). They are complex phenomena and are accompanied by...

Canine separation-related problems: Part 4: first steps in resolving owner absent problems

Studies have found that 22–55% of the domestic dog population display behaviours that are problematic for their owners during owner absence (Bradshaw et al, 2002; Mills and Mills, 2003; Marques Soares...

Noise reactivity and firework fear in dogs

Genetic mutations occur in different parts of the genome all the time, and cause genetic differences between individuals, populations and species. Some mutations may be beneficial and provide a...

Canine separation-related problems: part 3: identifying the emotional component

Hyper-attachment is no longer described in literature about human separation; instead, such literature focuses on different forms of attachment (Ainsworth, 1979), focusing less on specific ‘disorders’...

Separation-related problems part 2: owner absence, learning and pain

Not only can owner behaviour (such as inappropriate introductions to separation or inadequate preparation of dogs to experience a sense of safety whilst alone) predispose dogs towards...

Canine separation–related problem behaviours – part 1: social living and owner absence

Sociality and social connectedness are considered to be adaptive (McMillan, 2016), bringing benefits such as safety, parental care, improved food acquisition and mate procurement. For social species,...

Cooperative care for companion dogs: emotional health and wellness

Dogs are important members of a unique interspecies relationship that involves a care and concern that permeates species boundaries. However, the various interactions that humans have with companion...

Dog friendly clinics: helping pets have a positive experience

There are four key touch points that veterinary teams have with owners and/or their dog during the veterinary clinic journey – pre-appointment, reception and waiting area, consultation,...

Decoding puppy behaviour

We all know this look, the heart-warming glance from a puppy when they soften their eyes and squint at you. While most of us rightly interpret this as a dog enjoying a particular activity (or wanting...

Canine stress in the veterinary environment

Owners play an important role in preparing their dog for the veterinary visit (Reimer et al, 2021)..

Sound sensitivity in dogs: protecting emotional welfare and the human–pet bond

With minor variations for breeds with floppy or folded ears, the basic structure and functioning of the majority of dogs' ears is very similar. Designed to capture and funnel sound down the ear canal,...

Stress-free vet visits: considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

The process starts at reception when the patient is booked in. Information about the animal's previous behavioural history at the practice should be logged, alongside a relevant medical history. The...