Behaviour, Restraint, Husbandry and Nutrition Flashcards
ethology
study of animal behaviour. it’s both instinctive and learned
classical conditioning
conditioned response that associates stimuli that occurs at about the same time or in roughly the same area
operant conditioning
conditioned response that refers to the association of a particular activity with punishment or reward
imprinting
pattern of behaviours that occurs early in life and bonds animals to their caretakers.
most important period for behaviour development in dogs and cats
3-12 weeks. what happens during this period can affect and animal for the rest of its life
positive reinforcement
any immediate pleasant occurrence that follows a behaviour. treats and praise
negative reinforcement
any immediate unpleasant occurrence used to create a desired behaviour. electric fence, witholding affection, refusal to give treats
anthropomprphism
the attribution of human characteristics and emotions to animals
cat scratching
mostly territorial, stretches the muscles and tendons and removes worn outer sheaths, greeting and play
dog destructive behaviour
digging, chewing, tearing, scratching, throwing trash around. separation anxiety, noise, loneliness, play, teething, investigating
socialization for dogs
should happen at a young age, to be taught how to act around other animals and humans
problem resolutions
arriving at a behavioural diagnosis, medical conditions, history of behaviour, observe animal at home, interview the owner
command response reward
giving a command and immediately rewarding the desired response every time it is performed
clicker training
use of a sound signal to the animal that it performed the right behaviour and will receive a reward
extinction
elimination of a problem behaviour by completely removing the reinforcement for the behaviour
avoidance therapy
associating an unpleasant stimulus with a behaviour
habituation
surrounding the animal with the stimulus at low levels until the animal becomes acclimated to the stimulus and is no longer afraid of it
counterconditioning
replacing an undesirable behaviour with a desirable one
desensitizing
diminishing a particular behaviour by gradually exposing the animal to the stimulus that produces the inappropriate response
environmental modification
changing one or more environmental parameters
surgery
anatomic alteration. male pets to decrease aggressiveness and markings
mediciation
sedatives, hormonal agents, herbal
approaching a dog
extend hand-palm down, fingers bent slightly, let dog sniff your hand
happy dog
wagging tail, initiated affection, head cocked and slightly lowered
aggressive dog
head lowered between shoulders, level stare, tail straight out, grimace or growl
dog danger potential
main defense is to retreat, any dog will fight if cornered, can always bite
dog restraint devices
leash, guantlets (heavy leather gloves), catchpole (rigid pole separating the restrainer and dog with a quick release handle, voice commands
dog special handling
puppies, pregnant dogs, old dogs, nervous dogs, aggressive dogs, injured
removing dog from cages or runs
handler blocks door with a knee or forearm to prevent escape
lifting dogs
small- draped over the forearm, medium- one arm around neck, other arm around rear end, lrg- lifted by two people
dog standing restraint
one arm around dogs neck, other arm around its abdomen, keeping dog close to body
dog crowding
for lrg dogs. dog in sitting position close to a corner. straddle, and restrain head with both hands, gripping mandibles
dog sitting or sternal recumbency
usually used on exam tables
when restraining a cat
minimal amount of restraint should be used, procedure should be done as quickly as possible. if it vigorously opposes release it then gently try again
cat restraint devices
towel and blanket, feline restraint bags, muzzles, guantlet
cat distraction techniques
caveman pats-exaggerated heavy buy gentle pats on the head. Puffs of air- blowing or puffing air into cats face
husbandry
involves the housing, diet and environment of animals
vaccinations
prevent diseases
proper sanitation and disinfectants
prevent infections and disease transmission
preventative medicine
husbandry, vaccinations and sanitization all contribute
goals of preventive medicine
lowest possible incidence of disease in animals under the care of the veterinary practice/ fewer visits = efficient preventive medicine. saves expenses with disease , prolongs life spans and improves the well-being of animals
ventilation
If inadequate it increases urine odors, ammonia levels and the number of airborne bacteria and viruses. keep animals away from vents and air conditioners.
