Introduction to Companion Animals

Companion Animals How many of you own pets? What pets do you own?

Companion Animals What is a companion animal? Species that have a special relationship with humans, are partially or totally dependent on them, live in close proximity with people, and go a step further in bonding with their owners

Companion Animals Why do we have pets? Where do pets come from?

Domestication an animal selectively bred in captivity and modified from its wild ancestors, for use by humans who control breeding and feeding What is the difference between domesticating an animal and taming an animal?

Tame When you tame an animal you work with it to make it easier to control

The Human-Animal Bond What is it? Why is it important? Aren’t we animals? Why are human-human bonds not enough for many people?

Human-Animal Bond Assignment Each student/pair of students will investigate a type of service animal and then present their findings to the class. You are the teacher and everyone is responsible for the material presented! Must include, but not limited to: What are these animals trained to do? Are there different types or categories of these animals? Why are they used? Brief history of these animals. How do these animals enhance the human-animal bond What kinds of humans benefit from this animal and how? How do the animals benefit from the work they do? 3 interesting facts. Picture/video References

Service Animal Examples Search and Rescue dogs Seizure alert/Response dogs Bomb sniffing rats, dogs Military Animals (past and present) Guide dogs, horses Therapy Animals Law Enforcement Animals Other?

Homework Assignment Read and take notes as needed for chapter one Anything that you read could be a question on a quiz or test