Behavioral traits detected in shelter dogs by a behavior evaluation
Animal shelters and other organizations caring for and placing dogs regularly use behavioral test batteries to evaluate a dog’s behavioral tendencies in order to make safe and appropriate placements. Behavioral tendencies, or behavioral traits, are driven in part by personality. Therefore, test batteries should be able identify patterns of behaviors which reflect elements of canine […]
Relationships between scores of the feline temperament profile and behavioural and adrenocortical responses to a mild stressor in cats
There is a growing need for an easy assessment of stress levels in cats in order to more effectively diagnose, distinguish and treat stress-related disorders or behavioural problems. Therefore, we investigated which behavioural changes might be associated with an adrenocortical response to an acute stress or (spray bath) and in which magnitude this response depends […]
Investigating behavior assessment instruments to predict aggression in dogs
This masked controlled study evaluated a group of dogs to determine if the results of two behavior assessments detected aggression in dogs that had a history of aggression according to a validated questionnaire for measuring behavior and temperament traits in dogs. Groups of dogs with or without a history of aggression were identified from owner-completed […]
Early experiences modulate stress coping in a population of German shepherd dogs
Abstract Early experiences may alter later behavioural expressions in animals and these differences can be consistent through adulthood. In dogs, this may have a profound impact on welfare and working ability and, it is therefore interesting to evaluate how experiences during the first weeks of life contribute to shaping the long-term behaviour. We analysed data […]
Consistency of shelter dogs’ behavior toward a fake versus real stimulus dog during a behavior evaluation
Behavior evaluations are widely used by animal shelters and other organizations that rehome dogs. The dog-to-dog subtest is a common feature of most canine behavior evaluations. The use of model devices such as a stuffed dog during this subtest could be convenient for shelters and increase safety. However, there is little research indicating if a […]
Evaluation of the predictive validity of the Behavioural Assessment for Re-homing K9’s (B.A.R.K.) protocol and owner satisfaction with adopted dogs
It is common practice for animal shelters and rescue organisations to conduct behaviour assessments on the dogs in their care. The information obtained is used to identify dogs suitable for re-homing and also assist with matching dogs to appropriate homes. Although the aim of these assessments is to provide a snapshot of the behavioural characteristics […]
Puppy Temperament Assessments Predict Breed and American Kennel Club Group but Not Adult Temperament
Puppy assessments for companion dogs have shown mixed long-term reliability. Temperament is cited among the reasons for surrendering dogs to shelters. A puppy temperament test that reliably predicts adult behavior is one potential way to lower the number of dogs given to shelters. This study used a longitudinal design to assess temperament in puppies from […]
Characteristics of ex-racing greyhounds in New Zealand and their impact on re-homing
A small proportion of greyhounds surplus to the racing industry are entered into specialist re-homing organisations to be re-purposed as pets. Records of 835 greyhounds, from New Zealand Greyhounds as Pets, were used to investigate whether pre-adoption characteristics (age, sex, racing record, reason entered) and management factors (temperament test result, foster and trainer effects) had […]