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Genetics and behavioural problems in dogs
87 icant litter-effect on various open-field variables. It is possible that such littereffects are responsible for conflicting results reported in the literature. The social test was based on chin-rubbing behaviour on wooden pegs that had recently been chin-marked by a dominant male. There was no difference in chin-rubbing behaviour between the 3 treatments. Also, direct confrontation tests did not produce differences between the groups. Handling, therefore, did not appear to affect social behaviour in the rabbit.
GENETICS
AND BEHAVIOURAL
PROBLEMS
IN DOGS
R.A. MUGFORD’ and A.S. GUF’TAZ ‘10 Otter-show Park, Chertsey, Surrey (Gt. Britain) ‘Psychology
Department,
University College, London
(Gt. Britain)
ABSTRACT The practical application of ethology and comparative psychology to resolve behavioural problems in companion animals is a relatively new aspect of veterinary practice. A proper understanding of the causation of these undesirable behaviour-patterns is necessary. One factor which markedly determines the type and intensity of behavioural problem is the breed of dog or cat. It was hypothesized that changes in the selection criteria (i.e. breed standards) of certain popular but problem-prone breeds would significantly reduce the incidence of behavioural problems in the pet population. An easily-administered briefencounter behavioural test was used at a large British dog show (Crufts, 1982). TWO hundred and three dogs of 15 breeds were tested for their reactions to 1-min stare and then being approached and touched by a lady observer. All dogs were tested singly on benching and out of the presence of the owners. Responses were classified on scales for aggressiveness, friendliness and fearfulness-approachability. Large and statistically significant differences between breeds were demonstrated, which correlated with breedcharacteristic behavioural problems encountered in practice. Extreme aggressiveness in certain breeds (notably short-haired Daschunds) or nervousness in others (e.g. German Shepherds) were apparent in the confined/bench dog but not in the ring. Training, the promise of titbits and dominant handlers mostly suppressed antisocial traits during formal judging, although several instances of extreme aggression in the ring were witnessed and tolerated by judges. It was concluded that shows for pure-bred dogs were at best irrelevant and in many instances were harmful to the needs of pet owners who want healthy and easily-managed companions. New morphological and behavioural criteria are needed to produce dogs for companionship rather than exhibition. For the long-term goal of reducing dog behavioural and control problems, it was argued that production of better dogs has been a neglected factor relative to the effort expended upon regulating and educating people in responsible pet ownership.
GENETICS
AND BEHAVIOURAL
PROBLEMS
IN DOGS
R.A. MUGFORD’ and A.S. GUF’TAZ ‘10 Otter-show Park, Chertsey, Surrey (Gt. Britain) ‘Psychology
Department,
University College, London
(Gt. Britain)
ABSTRACT The practical application of ethology and comparative psychology to resolve behavioural problems in companion animals is a relatively new aspect of veterinary practice. A proper understanding of the causation of these undesirable behaviour-patterns is necessary. One factor which markedly determines the type and intensity of behavioural problem is the breed of dog or cat. It was hypothesized that changes in the selection criteria (i.e. breed standards) of certain popular but problem-prone breeds would significantly reduce the incidence of behavioural problems in the pet population. An easily-administered briefencounter behavioural test was used at a large British dog show (Crufts, 1982). TWO hundred and three dogs of 15 breeds were tested for their reactions to 1-min stare and then being approached and touched by a lady observer. All dogs were tested singly on benching and out of the presence of the owners. Responses were classified on scales for aggressiveness, friendliness and fearfulness-approachability. Large and statistically significant differences between breeds were demonstrated, which correlated with breedcharacteristic behavioural problems encountered in practice. Extreme aggressiveness in certain breeds (notably short-haired Daschunds) or nervousness in others (e.g. German Shepherds) were apparent in the confined/bench dog but not in the ring. Training, the promise of titbits and dominant handlers mostly suppressed antisocial traits during formal judging, although several instances of extreme aggression in the ring were witnessed and tolerated by judges. It was concluded that shows for pure-bred dogs were at best irrelevant and in many instances were harmful to the needs of pet owners who want healthy and easily-managed companions. New morphological and behavioural criteria are needed to produce dogs for companionship rather than exhibition. For the long-term goal of reducing dog behavioural and control problems, it was argued that production of better dogs has been a neglected factor relative to the effort expended upon regulating and educating people in responsible pet ownership.