Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Animal Behavior Veterinary Assisting Textbook Chapter 6: Animal Behavior and Restraint Pages

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Behavior  Any act done by an animal.  Reason may not be obvious to humans  Must be a stimulus: some internal or external change that exceeds a threshold and causes stimulation of the nervous and/or endocrine systems  Ethology: study of animal behavior  Animal behavior is instinctive (genetically programmed) and learned (conditioned response)  Two categories of conditioned responses  Classical conditioning  Operant conditioning 2

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Operant Conditioning Association of a particular activity (operant) with a punishment or reward Used to reinforce a desired behavior or punish an undesirable one 3

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Types of Operant Conditioning Positive Punishment Add an undesirable occurrence to decrease behavior Example- invisible fence collar- adding a shock to prevent dog from running thru the fence Negative Punishment Remove a desirable occurrence to decrease behavior Example- taking away a toy every time they try to shred it Positive Reinforcement Rewarding for the desired behavior Example=-giving the dog a treat for sitting Negative Reinforcement Taking away something to reach the desired behavior Example- hold the collar tightly till the dog sits, then release 4

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Preventing Behavior Problems Easier to prevent behavior problems than fix them Vital that veterinary staff be able to instruct owners correctly Common behavior problems Aggression Damage to household House-soiling Anthropomorphism: attribution of human characteristics and emotions to pets 5

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. House Training Dogs Take outside frequently After waking After eating After playing If sniffing and circling Crate training Proper size No longer than 4-6 hours for puppies Teach desired location for elimination Reinforce desired behavior immediately NO physical punishment after “accidents” 6

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. House Training Cats Trained to use litter box Instinctual Litter box must be… Clean Easily accessible Litter (type of substrate) should be soft and fine Privacy Not in high traffic area Near loud/startling noises 1 box per cat plus one extra NO surprise attacks 7

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Destructive Cat Behavior Scratching posts can prevent destructive cat behavior Why cats scratch Mark territory Stretch muscles and tendons Remove worn outer sheaths from claws Scratching objects Proper location Proper height, orientation, texture 8

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Scratching Objects Height: tall enough for full height stretch Weight: sturdy enough to hold cat’s weight Orientation: horizontal or vertical Texture: depends on cat’s preference Location: where cat likes to scratch Attach a toy or spray with pheromone or catnip 9

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Destructive Dog Behaviors Are self-rewarding Are shown for a variety of reasons Underlying cause (more difficult to manage and prevent) Separation anxiety Noise phobia Disease Normal development process (easier to manage and prevent) Teething, playing, investigating Behaviors seen as destructive: Digging Chewing Tearing Scratching Getting into trash 10

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Preventing Destructive Dog Behavior Plenty of exercise Appealing toys Provide a digging area Keep in crate when not home or supervised 11

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Appealing Toys Reward when toy is played with Elicit preferred play action Take away unacceptable items and replace with acceptable toy Booby trap unacceptable items or areas 12

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Digging Provide a specific area to dig Loose soil or sand Bury items to encourage digging in area 13

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Aggressive Behavior Aggression towards people is most commonly reported behavior problem in dogs Aggression towards other cats is most commonly reported behavior problem in cats Aggression: behavior that is intended to harm Agonistic Behavior: behaviors that animals show in situations involving social conflict (submission, avoidance, escaping, offensive and defensive threats, offensive and defensive aggression) Common types of aggression: Conflict-related, fear-induced, predatory, pain-induced, inter- male, territorial, maternal, redirected, resource guarding Dogs must be socialized and taught how to behave correctly 14

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Preventing Aggression Determine type of aggression Puppy tests Very subjective Best to match breed/personality with activity and lifestyle Castration Aids in reducing aggression Reduces overpopulation Lessens health problems Socialization Dogs: 3-12 weeks Cats: 2-7 weeks PLEASANT EXPERIENCES 15

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Providing Problem Prevention Services Information vs. time Provide extra examination time for new puppy/kitten appointments Written materials to enhance verbal information 16

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Providing Problem Resolution Services Make a behavioral diagnosis for problem Excessive barking, house-soiling, aggression, etc. Obtain complete behavioral history Observe animal in its own environment Owner’s log of animal’s behavior Behavior modification plan Possible referral to behavior specialist Medications or nutritional/herbal supplements No simple solution 17

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Referring Cases to Behavior Specialists Referral resources: Range from dog trainers to veterinarians certified by American College of Veterinary Behavior Animal Behavior Society certification National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) membership Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) certification Obedience training is not behavior modification 18

Copyright © 2013 by Mosby, Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Referring Cases to Behavior Specialists Ask behavior specialist for referral preferences Have medical and behavior history prepared Give client information about what to expect from referral Be professional to client about needing psychological help for the patient Provide ancillary materials about behavior specialists 19