Exam 1: Canine Abnormal Behavior Flashcards
Psychological stressors
Restraint Inappropriate handling Social conflicts Unpredictable environment Insufficient exercise/stimulation Loud noises Inappropriate feeding
Signs of acute stress in dogs
Body language Reduced normal behaviors Spontaneous urination/defecation Vocalization GI motility: hypersalivate, vomit, diarrhea
Signs of chronic stress
Decreased behavioral repertoire Decreased exploratory behavior Reduced social behavior Increased antagonistic behavior Displacement activities Passivity/apathy Increased sleep Anorexia/inappetence Overeating Repetitive and stereotypic behaviors
Separation anxiety
One of most common behavioral diagnoses in dogs
Destruction, house soiling, vocalization, circling, trembling
Separation anxiety more common in …
Dogs from homes with single adult human
Noise aversion
Among most common canine behavioral disorders
Panic like behaviors: destruction, attempt at escape, hiding, pacing, house soiling, trembling, shaking, barking
Auditory system
Sound –> Neuronal impulses –> Sensory thalamus –> Amygdala and auditory cortex
Percentage of owners who seek treatment for noise aversion
13-16%
Unwanted normal behaviors - examples
Destructive Jumping Barking Predation Stealing Digging Herding House soiling Guarding
Common management error - Attention
Shouting commands inappropriate way to gain dog’s attention
Use squeak toy or treat bag instead
Common management error - reinforcers
Timing and value is very important
Common management error - Inadvertent positive erinforcement
Dog ignores command and does something more pleasurable
Common management error - Inadvertent punishment
Dog obeys command to come while playing - leave = dog less likely to come next time
Command must be followed by reward
Common owner problem
- Pulling on leash
Positive reinforcement - stop and wait till dog comes back
Negative punishment - cue (“oops”) then stop, cue (“heel”) to go
What not to use for leash pulling
Chain or prong choke collars
