8 Backyard Dogs Flashcards
Explain the slight downwards trend in pet ownership since 2002
- more apartment dwellers (no backyard)
- a lot more immigration; people bring different cultural values as to whether or not they need a dog in their life
How is money mainly spent on pets? (2)
1) Vet services; specialists
2) Pet food (marketed to humans)
Why is more money being spent on pets? (5)
- advances in vet medicine
- feel the need to do something for the animals in our life
- improved product choice
- becoming more aware about what we can do for our pets (vax, worming)
- good marketing (trainers, behaviorists)
Why are dogs good for us? (5)
- promotion of physical activity
- lower BP (exercise and reduce stress)
- increased opportunities to meet other people (parks, classes, clinics)
- reduction in loneliness (esp elderly/ill)
- teach children nurturing behavior
Risks for pet dogs (7)
- unrealistic expectations
- confinement to backyards
- time poor owners
- separation anxiety
- social fears/non social fears
- owner ignorance
- end of life decisions
Risk for pet dogs: expectations example
that puppies will toilet train themselves and come when called
Risk for pet dog: inappropriate mental stimulation
Dogs that lack mental stimulation are often ill-behaved. Dogs need an outlet for their minds and if they aren’t provided an appropriate resource, they’re going to come up with their own.
Understimulation: bored dog
Overstimulation: running up and down when see people/ ball thrown over and over again (no brain engagement at all)
- try to keep dogs indoors when not at home so they wont be overstimulated by the world (smells and sounds)
- sensory and visual stimulation can be overwhelming
Risk for pet dogs: social/non social fears
Social: to new people; not used to being handled by different people
Non social: thunders, stairs; these fears can interrupt what we do with the dog, need to train them to not be scared
Risk for pet dogs: end of life decisions
people often put off this decision; better a day too early than a week too late
Dogs at increased risk for surrender to shelters (4)
- sexually intact (intact dog or cat can be more aggressive and have behavioral issues as a result of their hormones. And many humans will have zero tolerance for undesirable behavior rather than to directly address the issue and how to resolve it)
- obtained at little to no cost (obtained from friends/family)
- more work than expected
- behavioral problems
Factors that reduce relinquishment (giving up) (2)
- regular vet care
- participation in obedience class
Comparison of dog-dog and dog-human play
Dogs were more interactive and less likely to posses the object when playing with a person
- relationship that dogs have with other dogs is different maybe bc a human is constantly reassuring
- calming interaction vs being riled up by other dogs
Sensitive period when socialising with humans
Research shows that at ~3-12 weeks of age, early interactions with humans can establish the basis for adult dog behaviour patterns and problems
- must make sure we socialize them early on
- optimal time to expose them to all the sights, sounds and smells that the puppy will likely be exposed to for the rest of his life
Why is the human-canine bond important? (3)
1) separation anxiety
2) behavioral problems and health issues
3) relinquishment
H-C bond importance: separation anxiety
-inappropriate attachment behavior in dogs may result in separation anxiety when owner is absent
