(Animal Behaviour) Flashcards
1
Q
True or False:
Behavior problems are common
A
True
2
Q
What is the leading cause of death in dogs and cats?
A
Behavioural problems
3
Q
Often, what is the behavioural problem?
A
The “problem” is normal dog and cat behaviour that the owner finds inappropriate and then makes worse in attempts to correct it
4
Q
In ____, the _______ __ __________ ________ ___________ was approved by _____ to provide a __________ __________ _________ credential for technicians in _________
A
2007
Academy of Veterinary Behaviour Technicians
NAVTA
Veterinary Technician Specialty
Behaviour
5
Q
Define:
Behaviour
A
Any act done by an animal
6
Q
True or False:
An animal can exhibit a behavioural act randomly
A
False; An animal does not exhibit a behavioural act without a reason
7
Q
Can the reason an animal exhibits a behavioural act be obvious?
A
Yes, it can also not be obvious
8
Q
What must there be for a behavioural act to occur?
A
A stimulus
9
Q
Define:
Stimulus
A
Some internal or external change that exceeds a threshold causing stimulation of the nervous and/or endocrine systems
10
Q
This ________ and ________ ___________ and ___________ of information requires a number of ________ __________ in the animal’s ____
A
Receptor
Cellular stimulation
Integration
Chemical Messengers
Body
11
Q
List some examples of chemical messengers in the animal’s body required in the stimulation and integration of information
A
Epinephrine
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Serotonin
Many others
12
Q
What are some problem behaviours caused by?
A
Increased/decreased amounts of these neurotransmitters (epinephrine, acetylcholine etc.)
13
Q
The behaviour problems caused by increased or decreased amounts of neurotransmitters has led to the development of:
A
Veterinary psychopharmacology
14
Q
Define:
Ethology
A
The study of animal behaviour
15
Q
True or False:
Most ethologists agree that animal behaviour is genetically programmed or learned
A
False; Most ethologists agree that animal behaviour is BOTH genetically programmed AND learned
16
Q
What is genetically programmed also known as? What is learned also known as?
A
Genetically programmed is known as instinctive
Learned is known as conditioned response
17
Q
There are ___ general categories of ___________ _________:
A
Two
Conditioned responses
Classical conditioning
Operant conditioning
18
Q
Define:
Classical conditioning
A
Refers to the association of stimuli that occur at approximately that same time or in roughly the same area
19
Q
Define:
Operant conditioning
A
Refers to the association of a particular activity (the operant) with a punishment or reward
20
Q
In operant conditioning, what is the particular activity known as?
A
The operant
21
Q
Define:
Imprinting
A
The pattern of behaviour that bonds animals to their caretakers
22
Q
True or False:
Imprinting occurs in early life
A
True
23
Q
When is the most important time period for behaviour development in dogs and cats?
A
3-12 weeks
24
Q
During the 3-12 weeks, what do cats/dogs learn?
A
Animals learn:
About their environment
How to interact with others
What not to fear
25
Animals that are not __________ during this period (_-__ weeks) can result in the development of:
Socialized
3-12
Phobias
26
__________ _____________ have an important role in _________ clients about the correct ways to _____ and ________ with their pets
Veterinary professionals
Educating
Raise
Interact
27
What also plays a role in animal behaviour problems? What behaviour problems can it play a role in?
Disease
Aggression and house soiling
28
True or False:
Animals must learn how to interact with one another
True
29
As ______ animals, ____ have a _______ _____ that determines order of access to _______ _________ (____, ____, _______ ____)
Social
Dogs
Pecking order
Coveted resources
Food
Toys
Resting spot
30
True or False:
The dogs' pecking order that determines order of access to coveted resources stays the same
False; These relationships can fluctuate
31
_______ ____________ can be used to reinforce a desired _________ or ______ an undesirable one
Operant conditioning
Behaviour
Punish
32
True or False:
Punishing an undesirable behaviour is not recommended
True
33
Define:
Positive reinforcement
Immediate pleasant occurrence following a behaviour
34
Define:
Negative reinforcement
Any immediate unpleasant occurrence used to create a desired behaviour
35
Define:
Positive punishment
Adding an undesirable occurrence to decrease behaviour
36
Define:
Negative punishment
Removing a desirable occurrence to decrease behaviour
37
How does negative reinforcement differ from punishments?
Punishment is used to remove or decrease a behaviour
38
It is more difficult to use __________ to influence a ___'s behaviour and it may cause the ___ to become _______ or __________
Punishment
Dog
Dog
Fearful
Aggressive
39
Many ________ and ____________ use a combination of:
Trainers
Behaviourists
Positive reinforcement and negative punishment
40
True or False:
Most behaviour problems are easier to correct than to prevent
False; Most behavioural problems are easier to PREVENT than to CORRECT
41
What is the most common problem? What are other common problems?
Aggression
Damaging household belongings, exhibiting house soiling behaviour
42
_________ ___________ are an important source of ______________ ________ information on preventing ________ ________
Veterinary technicians
Scientifically accurate
Behavioural problems
43
Define:
Anthropomorphism
Refers to the attribution of human characteristics and emotions to animals
44
Pet owners often misinterpret their pet's _________ as _____, ________ or _____ when the pet is in fact reacting based on _______ _________
Behaviour
Spite
Jealousy
Guilt
Learned behaviours
45
Define:
House training
One of the most important and first behaviours that young pets are expected to learn
46
Many owners use ________ _______ to attempt to house train their pets that often interfere with _______ or ______ the ____________
Outdated methods
Success
Damage
Relationships
47
Problems related to house training may result in the animal: (3)
Being turned loose
Isolated in a yard or tied
Relinquished to a shelter
48
State the pets that can learn to use a litter box
Cats
Dogs
Pigs
Ferrets
Rabbits
49
Other species of ________ _________ _______ are either _____ or kept _______ because their ___________ behaviour is not restricted to specific _________
Domestic companion animals
Caged
Outside
Elimination
Locations
50
House training for a ___ requires that the ___ be _____ ___ __________, especially when: (3)
Dog
Dog
Taken out frequently
It wakes up
After it eats
Whenever it appears to be sniffing around the house
51
True or False:
When a puppy cannot be monitored, it should be confined to a crate
True
52
There are _________ types of ______; _____ ________ is also useful for preventing ___________ behaviours such as _______
Different
Crate
Crate training
Destructive
Chewing
53
True or False:
The use of the crate can be excessive
False; The use of the crate should not be excessive
54
Why should the use of the crate not be excessive?
The use of the crate should not be excessive, because 8-week-old puppies cannot hold their bowels longer than 4-6 hours
55
How long can 8-week-old puppies hold their bowels?
4-6 hours
56
Puppies will ____ in the ______ if they cannot ___ ___ or the _____ is too _____
Soil
Crates
Get out
Crate
Large
57
Who can help clients select a crate? What does attributes does the cage have to have?
Technicians
A crate that is easy to clean and the correct size for the puppy when it is an adult
58
True or False:
Owners must be made aware of several important points when house training their dogs
True
59
Points owners must be made aware of when house training their dogs:
A dog's ___________ to a crate must not exceed the time the animal can control its _______ and ______ (for young puppies _-_ hrs; many need to eliminate at _____ once during the _____)
Confinement
Bladders
Bowels
1-3
Least
Night
60
Points owners must be made aware of when house training their dogs:
The dog must be actively _____, be reinforcing _______ ________, the desired ________ for ___________
Taught
Correct behaviour
Location
Elimination
61
True or False:
Timing of the reward is not important
False; The timing of the reward is critical
62
Timing of the reward is critical: delay ____ ___ between the ________ and _____________ significantly decreases _____________
>0.5 sec
Behaviour
Reinforcement
Effectiveness
63
What may also be useful in house training for puppies?
Clicker training
64
State the steps in clicker training (4)
1. Use a collar and leash to take the puppy outside
2. Go to the same spot in the yard each time
3. Cue the puppy to "go potty"
4. Click and treat the puppy as the puppy passes urine or stool
65
Points owners must be made aware of when house training their dogs:
Use of ________ __________ in house training is never appropriate. Interactive __________ may cause the dog to become _________ to eliminate in the owner's ________ or may result in ____ of the owner
Physical punishment
Punishment
Reluctant
Presence
Fear
66
What should be sufficient to temporarily interrupt the behaviour?
Calmly saying "oops"
Calling the puppy
67
True or False:
The dog can be taken outside in a positive, nonthreatening manner and rewarded if it eliminates
True
68
In an ideal training program, correct behaviour is reinforced with ____ ___________, and ____________ for ______________ behaviour never occur
100% consistency
Opportunities
Inappropriate
69
In reality, if the ______ are made aware of it through your educational efforts, it may give them a more ________ ___________ on the ____ and ______ required for _____ ________
Owners
Accurate perspective
Time
Effort
House training
70
What are the reasons that people choose cats as pets instead of dogs?
They can be readily trained to eliminate in a litter box
They do not need to be walked
71
True or False:
It is not a normal instinctual behaviour for kittens and cats to use a substrate for elimination
False; It IS normal instinctual behaviour for kittens and cats to use a substrate for elimination
72
______ do not need to observe the _____ eliminating or have the _____ demonstrate part of the process by ______ the cat's ____ in the ______
Kitten
Queen
Owner
Raking
Paws
Litter
73
True or False:
The accessibility of the litter box and suitability of the substrate must be examined from the kitten's or cat's perspective
True
74
What is the major complaint of owners on the cat?
The cat stopping or inconsistently using the litter box
75
True or False:
There aren't many reasons why a cat might stop using the litter box
False; There are MANY reasons why a cat might stop using the litter box
76
What is needed to determine the cause of a cat that stops using the litter box?
A detailed history
77
Kittens are __________ and _____________ immature, a litter box should be within ____ access at ___ _____
Physically
Behaviourally
Easy
All times
78
True or False:
Kittens may need multiple litter boxes in various locations in the house with privacy
True
79
True or False:
The litter boxes should be placed by appliances
False; They should be placed AWAY from appliances that might make sudden startling noises
80
Cats prefer ______ _______ of ____-_______ __________, otherwise it is likely to develop ________ to a clumping ______ of very small _________
Softer texture
Fine-grained substrates
Aversion
Litter
Particles
81
What do cats develop idiosyncratic preferences for? Are the reasons well understood?
Substrates
Locations for elimination
The reasons are not well understood
82
_______ of ___________ are often the basis of many _____________ ___________ problems
Changes
Preferences
Inappropriate elimination
83
Cats may avoid litter that is: (3)
Consistently dirty
Too deep
Scented
84
What impression are owners sometimes under about litter?
The more litter they put in a box, the less often they need to clean it
85
State the general guidelines of a litter box (4)
Keep the litter depth at no more than 2 inches
Remove feces and urine clumps daily
Change the litter frequently enough to prevent odors from developing
Ensure that the majority of the litter is always dry
86
__________ ____________ recommend that the ______ ___ be changed once a ____
Veterinary behaviourists
Litter box
Week
87
What should changing the litter box include? (2)
Disposing of dirty litter
Washing the box with warm soapy water
88
True or False:
Covered litter boxes may appeal cats
False; Covered litter boxes may appeal OWNERS
89
How does a covered litter box appear from a cat's perspective?
From a cat's perspective, it is difficult to see who may be lurking outside
90
When collecting _______ on an _____________ ___________ case, always ask for the ____ and ________ of ______ ___ in addition to the _________
History
Inappropriate elimination
Type
Location
Litter box
Substrate
91
State the checklist for litter boxes (5)
1. Place the box in a quiet location
2. Make sure the location is accessible from the cat's perspective
3. Use fine-grained unscented litter
4. The litter depth should be approximately 2 inches
5. Scoop daily, empty, and wash the litter box once a week
92
Cats _______ for a variety of _______ and in different _________
Scratch
Reasons
Locations
93
What is one of the most important motivations for a cats scratch? Why?
Marking their territory
Scratches leave visual and olfactory marks
94
Scratching also _________ the _______ and _______ of the ____ and remove the worn out _______ from the _____
Stretches
Muscles
Tendons
Legs
Sheaths
Claws
95
True or False:
Scratching is a greeting or play behaviour
True
96
__________ objects should be provided in locations where the __________ may be _________
Scratching
Scratching
Triggered
97
Merely providing the __________ object does not guarantee the cat will use it ______________ - the objects must match the cat's preferences for _________ _________, with regard to ______, ___________ and _______
Scratching object
Preferentially
Desirable locations
Height
Orientation
Texture
98
True or False:
If a new cat is encouraged to use its own scratching post, it will still scratch furniture
False; It may AVOID exercising its claws on furniture
99
Owners must understand that they should __________ cats from ________ their ___________ by: (2)
Discourage
Clawing
Possessions
Distracting the cat caught in the act
Preventing its access to the items
100
What do many clients resort to as a preventative measure for cats scratching things?
Declawing the cat
101
Many __________ _____ available commercially do not permit the cat to reach _________ to its full ______ to scratch as many like to
Scratching posts
Vertically
Height
102
True or False:
Many scratching posts available commercially are not sturdy enough to support the cat's weight
True
103
What happens if the scratching post cannot support the cat's weight? What will this do to the cat?
It will readily fall over
This will frighten the cat
104
For scratching posts, it is a good idea to talk to _______ about the ____________ of ______ or even _____-__-_______ scratching poles
Owners
Desirability
Taller
Floor-to-ceiling
105
True or False:
All cats scratch vertically all the time
False; Not all cats scratch vertically all the time
106
How else do some cats prefer to scratch, besides vertically?
Som prefer to stretch their legs out front and rake backward in a horizontal motion
107
If a cat prefers to scratch in a horizontal motion, what kind of a post should be used?
A flat, horizontal object than a vertical post
108
Some cats may use both scratching positions depending on: (3)
Where they scratch
When they scratch
Why they scratch
109
True or False:
Texture may be the most frequently overlooked aspect of providing an acceptable scratching object
True
110
Cats that like to ____ their ______ in ____, ________ motions may be more likely use objects with a _______ that permits it
Rake
Claws
Long
Vertical
Texture
111
Other cats use more of a "_______" motion and may prefer items covered with _____, wrapped ____________
Picking
Sisal
Horizontally
112
What will happen an object that has been scratched repeatedly? What has been proposed about an object that has been scratched repeatedly?
Results in the coverings being somewhat shredded
Holds the cat's scent
Cats will prefer a repeatedly scratched object over a new, unused object
113
Owners can save ______ of ________ off favourite _________ items to use on __________ _____ to protect new _________
Scraps
Material
Scratching
Scratching posts
Furniture
114
Where do you place the scratching object? (2)
Where the cat is likely to be motivated to scratch
Adjacent to an unacceptable item the cat is already using
115
______ or __________ __________ or a ___ attached to the top can be used to encourage the cat to use the object
Catnip
Commerical pheromones
116
True or False:
Raking the cat's feet up and down the post is not necessary
True
117
True or False:
Raking the cat's feet up and down the post is not necessary, though it does not have adverse effects
False; It MAY have adverse effects
118
What is the most reliable way to discourage inappropriate scratching?
First, provide an alternative
Then, change the texture of the "off limit" item
119
State ways to change the texture of the "off-limit" item
Covering with plastic, sandpaper, or another unpleasant texture
120
Destructive behaviour is a classification of behaviour based more on the _____'_ view of the ______ than on the actual ________ that caused it
Owner's
Result
Behaviour
121
State destructive and self-rewarding actions (6)
Digging
Chewing
Tearing
Scratching
Moving objects from one place to another
Removing the contents from the trash
122
True or False:
Dogs show behaviours considered destructive for various reasons
True
123
___________ _________ that are ___________ manifestation of other problems, such as __________ _______, can be _______ but may not be _________; The underlying problem must be resolved
Destructive behaviours
Symptomatic
Separation anxiety
Treated
Prevented
124
What kind of destructive behaviour can often be prevented or minimized? State examples
Destructive behaviour that occurs as the result of normal development process
Teething, play, and investigative behaviour
125
True or False:
Dogs should not be exposed to toys when they're young
False; Dogs SHOULD BE exposed to SUITABLE toys when they're young
126
The ______________ of the toy can be maximized by first _________ the dog every time it plays with them
Attractiveness
Rewarding
127
What play patterns should the toys elicit?
Should elicit the play patterns that the dog is likely to exhibit (be available for chewing and tearing, as well as for carrying and chasing)
128
Can establishing a toy rotation be helpful? Why?
It may be helpful so that different toys are available each day to make them more appealing
129
If the dog is caught chewing an unacceptable item, what should you do?
The item should be taken away and replaced with one that is acceptable
130
To ________ the dog's interest in _________ items, attempts can be made to lessen their ______
Decrease
Household
Appeal
131
State methods to lessen a dog's interest in household items (3)
Commercial products that give objects a bad taste
Motion detectors or Snappy Trainers can discourage animals from bothering specific items or areas
Items can be "booby-trapped" in other ways
132
True or False:
Owners should be reminded of the advisability of "dog-proofing" the house just as they would for a young child
True
133
True or False:
Dogs that insist on digging outside shouldn't be provided with area to do so
False; Dogs that insist on digging outside CAN BE provided with their own area in which to do so
134
What should the digging area provided to a dog consist of? Why?
Should consist of loose soil or sand to facilitate digging
135
How can owners attract a dog to a digging site?
The owners can shallowly bury enticing items to attract the dog
136
What is the most common behaviour probem in dogs and cats?
Aggression
137
True or False:
Aggressive behaviour is not normal for most species of animals
False; Aggressive behaviour IS normal for most species of animals
138
Define:
Aggression
Behaviours that animals show in situations involving social conflict
139
State the parts of the agonistic behaviour system (5)
Submission
Avoidance
Escaping
Offensive and defensive threats
Offensive and defensive aggression
140
There are many different types of __________. It may be directed against ______, _______ _______ or _________, ________, or other ____ and _______
Aggression
People
Family members
Strangers
Children
Dogs
Species
141
State the different types of aggression (9)
Fearful
Territorial
Maternal
Intermale
Interfemale
Predatory
Play-related
Redirected
Various others
142
The most common complaint from dog owners is __________ towards ______; the common complaint from cat owners is __________ towards other ____
Aggression
People
Aggression
Cats
143
True or False:
The factors that determine when and where animal will display aggressive behaviour are fully understood
False; The factors that determine when and where animal will display aggressive behaviour are NOT fully understood
144
Since the factors that determine ____ and _____ animals will display __________ _________ are not fully understood, it is ________ that preventing problems will be a ______ _______
When
Where
Aggressive behaviour
Unlikely
Simple process
145
True or False:
In some cases, owners inadvertently reinforce aggressive behaviour by withdrawing from the pet when it acts aggressively
True
146
What is considered the #1 public health problem in children?
Aggression directly at children
147
In children, the highest number of bites is in which group?
Young boys 5-9 years of age
148
More than ___ of children have sustained a ____ ______ before the age of __
50%
Bite injury
18
149
True or False:
Dogs don't have to be socialized to children when they are young
False; Dogs MUST be socialized to children when they are young
150
True or False:
Children must be taught how to behave around dogs, particularly the strange ones
True
151
Do parents often worry about dog aggression towards infants? What should be done?
Yes
New parents should be advised about how to introduce their new baby to their dog
152
State the type of aggression that:
Result of unpredictable environment or inconsistent/inappropriate use of punishment
Conflict-related
153
State the type of aggression that:
Is from fearful situations (i.e., noises, veterinary office)
Fear-induced
154
State the type of aggression that:
Is characterized by instinctual stalking and pouncing with no warning growl
Predatory
155
State the type of aggression that:
Is a protective instinct
Pain-induced
156
State the type of aggression that:
Is a natural instinct usually eliminated by castration
Intermale
157
State the type of aggression that:
In dogs is usually directed towards humans that are not members of their household, and in cats is usually directed towards other cats
Territorial
158
State the type of aggression that:
Is a normal protective instinct
Maternal
159
One way to prevent aggression problems in animals would be to select ____ that are unlikely to develop such ________
Pets
Problems
160
Describe what "puppy tests" do and what it can be used for
Supposedly predict a puppy's likelihood for dominant behaviour or aggression problems as an adult
Can be used to suggest behavioural tendencies and match puppies and new owners
161
True or False:
Temperament testing may be too subjective to truly aid in matching puppies with owners
True
162
When selecting a ___ ___ it is far more advisable to match ________ and _________
New pet
Activity
Lifestyle
163
True or False:
Castrating male animals doesn't reduce some forms of aggressive behaviour in many species
False; Castrating male animals CLEARLY reduces some forms of aggressive behaviour in many species
164
Does postpubertal castration seem to be as effective as prepuberal castration?
Yes
