The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training

This study investigated the welfare consequences of training dogs in the field with manually operated electronic devices (e-collars). Following a preliminary study on 9 dogs, 63 pet dogs referred for recall related problems were assigned to one of three Groups: Treatment Group A were trained by industry approved trainers using e-collars; Control Group B trained by the same trainers but without use of e-collars; and Group C trained by members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, UK again without e-collar stimulation (n = 21 for each Group). Dogs received two 15 minute training sessions per day for 4-5 days. Training sessions were recorded on video for behavioural analysis. Saliva and urine were collected to assay for cortisol over the training period. During preliminary studies there were negative changes in dogs' behaviour on application of electric stimuli, and elevated cortisol post-stimulation. These dogs had generally experienced high intensity stim uli without pre-warning cues during training. In contrast, in the subsequent larger, controlled study, trainers used lower settings with a pre-warning function and behavioural responses were less marked. Nevertheless, Group A dogs spent significantly more time tense, yawned more often and engaged in less environmental interaction than Group C dogs. There was no difference in urinary corticosteroids between Groups. Salivary cortisol in Group A dogs was not significantly different from that in Group B or Group C, though Group C dogs showed higher measures than Group B throughout sampling. Following training 92% of owners reported improvements in their dog's referred behaviour, and there was no significant difference in reported efficacy across Groups. Owners of dogs trained using e-collars were less confident of applying the training approach demonstrated. These findings suggest that there is no consistent benefit to be gained from e-collar training but greater welfare concer! ns compared with positive reward based training

Impact of AVHRR channel 3b noise on climate data records: filtering method applied to the CM SAF CLARA-A2 data record

A method for reducing the impact of noise in the 3.7 micron spectral channel in climate data records derived from coarse resolution (4 km) global measurements from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data is presented. A dynamic size-varying median filter is applied to measurements guided by measured noise levels and scene temperatures for individual AVHRR sensors on historic National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) polar orbiting satellites in the period 1982–2001. The method was used in the preparation of the CM SAF cLoud, Albedo and surface RAdiation dataset from AVHRR data—Second Edition (CLARA-A2), a cloud climate data record produced by the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility for Climate Monitoring (CM SAF), as well as in the preparation of the corresponding AVHRR-based datasets produced by the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) project ESA-CLOUD-CCI. The impact of the noise filter was equivalent to removing an artificial decreasing trend in global cloud cover of 1–2% per decade in the studied period, mainly explained by the very high noise levels experienced in data from the first satellites in the series (NOAA-7 and NOAA-9). View Full-Tex

Factors associated with long-term success in working police dogs

With increasing threats of terrorism, police and military detection dogs are of growing importance for protecting servicemen/women and society. However, a relatively high proportion of potential working dogs fail to make full operational status, or are later withdrawn from service. To date, research has focused primarily on factors which are associated with a dog’s short term success, such as passing/failing certification after training. Rather than the more important outcome of working life expectancy. In this study, we used two validated instruments of temperament (Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS)) to identify factors associated with long-term working dog success. Active working UK police dogs (n = 63) scored significantly higher on the trait “energy and interest” within PANAS and “responsiveness” within DIAS in comparison to a general population of those withdrawn from service (n = 16), and those included for a matched pairs analysis (n = 11pairs), and the wider pet dog population (PANAS n = 343; DIAS n = 571). This suggests that the combination of these traits may be important for a long-term working life. There was no significant difference between active UK police dogs and active military dogs (n = 20) on these factors, suggesting this trait may also be important across different service fields. Comparison with a non-UK police dog sample (active Dutch police dogs n = 28) revealed no significant differences in energy and interest, but higher responsiveness scores in active UK police dogs, further highlighting the importance of these traits in working dog populations. Future research should assess the cause-effect relationship between these traits and success / withdrawal from work in the field

Can stimulus enhancement explain the apparent success of the model-rival technique in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)?

The model-rival technique is a method of training whereby an animal learns the distinguishing features of a target object, such as name and colour, by observing a trainer and a potential competitor engage in conversation about these features. In this study the apparent effectiveness of the model-rival technique in training dogs to perform a selection-retrieval task by McKinley and Young McKinley, S., Young, R.J., 2003. The efficacy of the model-rival method when compared with operant conditioning for training domestic dogs to perform a retrieval-selection task. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 81, 357-365 was investigated to evaluate the hypothesis that simpler forms of learning may be responsible for the results. This was tested by repeating McKinley and Young's model-rival training method and comparing the results to those of training sessions devised to include different forms of stimulus enhancement of the object to be retrieved. These training sessions involved: minimal enhancement, during which the experimenters made no interactions with the target object; indirect stimulus enhancement, during which both experimenters switched their gaze between the dog and the target object; or direct stimulus enhancement, during which one of the experimenters held the target object. It was found that only the model-rival and direct enhancement methods resulted in a significant number of dogs successfully completing the selection-retrieval test. There was also evidence to suggest that with the direct stimulus enhancement training method dogs learned quicker than with the model-rival training method. It was concluded that dogs are able to learn to retrieve a named object in a selection-retrieval task as a result of simple stimulus enhancement, without necessarily understanding the complex cognitive processes which underpin learning in the model-rival process. c 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

A spatial discounting test to assess impulsivity in dogs

In domestic dog’s trait impulsivity can be measured psychometrically using the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS) and experimentally using a temporal discounting paradigm which requires substantial training. A Spatial Discounting Task (SDT) was developed as an alternative experimental method to assess impulsivity, and evaluated performance in adult (2–10 years) and younger (2–9 months) dogs. The test was modified for field use with fewer controls (Simplified Spatial Discounting Task (SDTs)). Convergent validity with the SDT and DIAS Overall Questionnaire Scores (OQS) and stability over time (4–6 weeks) in the two age groups was determined. 96% of dogs recruited reached criterion for testing. A significant positive relationship was found between Maximum Distance Travelled (MDT) in the SDT and OQS in adult dogs (r = 0.46, p = 0.028), with good test-retest reliability evident for both (p < 0.001). In young dogs, there was good test-retest reliability for OQS (p = 0.023), but no significant relationship was found between OQS and MDT, test-retest reliability for MDT in young dogs was poor. In the SDTs, 100% of dogs recruited met criterion for testing and there was a significant relationship between MDT and OQS (r = 0.61, p = 0.027). The SDT appears to be a useful method for measuring impulsivity in adult dogs with wide applicability

Animals can assign novel odours to a known category

The ability to identify a novel stimulus as a member of a known category allows an organism torespond appropriately towards it. Categorisation is thus a fundamental component of cognition andan essential tool for processing and responding to unknown stimuli. Therefore, one might expectto observe it throughout the animal kingdom and across sensory domains. There is much evidenceof visual categorisation in non-human animals, but we currently know little about this process inother modalities. In this experiment, we investigated categorisation in the olfactory domain. Dogswere trained to discriminate between 40 odours; the presence or absence of accelerants formed thecategorical rule. Those in the experimental group were rewarded for responding to substrates withaccelerants (either burnt or un-burnt) and inhibit responses to the same substrates (either burnt or unburnt)without accelerants (S+ counterbalanced). The pseudocategory control group was trained onthe same stimuli without the categorical rule. The experimental group learned the discrimination andanimals were able to generalise to novel stimuli from the same category. None of the control animalswere able to learn the discrimination within the maximum number of trials. This study provides the firstevidence that non-human animals can learn to categorise non-biologically relevant odour information

A double-blind placebo-controlled study into the efficacy of a homeopathic remedy for fear of firework noises in the dog (Canis familiaris)

Seventy-five dogs that showed a fear response to fireworks participated in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a homeopathic remedy for the alleviation of their behavioural signs. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatments; the homeopathic treatment or the placebo treatment. At the baseline assessments the owners identified the behavioural signs of fear that their dogs normally displayed in response to fireworks, rated their frequency and intensity, and assessed the global severity of their dog's responses. These measures were repeated at the final assessment and owners also completed weekly diaries for the length of the trial. There were significant improvements in the owners' rating of 14/15 behavioural signs of fear in the placebo treatment group and all 15 behavioural signs in the homeopathic treatment group. Both treatment groups also showed significant improvement in the owners' rating of the global severity of their dog's responses. However, there was no significant difference in the response seen between the two treatment groups. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Effect of pet training aids, specifically remote static pulse systems, on the welfare of domestic dogs: field study of dogs in training

This proposal aims to assess the welfare of dogs trained with pet training aids, specifically remote static pulse collar systems (excluding electric dog fences). Whilst many dog owners and trainers consider these devices to be valuable training aids, their use is controversial and electronic devices have been banned in several European countries. Critics of remote static pulse training aids (e-collars hereafter) argue that they cause unnecessary pain; and that other methods, such as positive reinforcement training, should be employed to modify dogs’ behaviour. Those in favour of remote static pulse training aids argue that, when applied correctly, they can successfully recondition undesirable behaviour, especially behaviour that is highly motivated and difficult to control using other methods. Evidence of the impact of such devices on dog`s overall quality of life is inconclusive, in terms of both immediate and the longer term effects of the use of electronic training aids. This proposal aims to address these concerns, assessing the immediate and longer term physiological, behavioural and psychological effects of the use of these devices. It has been argued that inappropriate use of such devices, for example, failure to link delivery of the re-inforcer with clear conditioning stimuli, or poor timing of response and re-inforcement, could lead to welfare problems. For this reason it is considered unethical to induce such bad practise experimentally and avoiding exposure of dogs to additional, inappropriate or unavoidable potentially aversive stimuli is a feature of the project. Indeed this would be deemed a Home Office Procedure. The project will therefore sample adult dogs (over 6 months of age) undergoing training by professional trainers. Dogs recruited to the study will have been referred for problems commonly addressed using e-collars (for example livestock worrying) and will be trained by professional trainers in one of three ways; one using e-collars and two control populations where dogs will not be exposed to e-collars 1. E-collar group: Trainers with experience of use of e-collars, using e-collars as part of their training programme. 2. Control A: Trainers with experience of use of e-collars, not using e-collars as part of their training programme. 3. Control B: Trainers who do not normally use e-collars in training, not using e-collars as part of their training programme. Behavioural and physiological data that can be used to assess dog’s state will be collected from dogs in training over a five day period to assess immediate impact of exposure to e-collar stimulus in comparison to control groups, as well as adaptation to training protocols. There will also be a follow up assessment of dogs at 3 months post training, to assess long term welfare consequences of training methods and their efficacy The project had a single aim, namely to assess the impact of use of remote static pulse electric training aids (ecollars) during the training of dogs in comparison to dogs referred for similar behavioural problems but without ecollar training. The specific objective was to use appropriate behavioural and physiological measures to make inferences about the welfare of subjects including their aversion and anxiety during and following training. A secondary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and possible explanations for any differences between treatment groups. These included owner assessment of severity of problem, population characteristics, trainer factors and temperament of dogs. The study design was developed following consultation with trainers to ensure a protocol that was representative of advised best practice in use of e-collars. Adult dogs (n=63) undergoing training by professional trainers were recruited to investigate the welfare consequences of behavioural modification incorporating e-collars, in comparison to positive reward based training. Dogs had been referred for problems commonly addressed using e-collars (recall problems and livestock/wildlife worrying) and were divided into three populations; one using e-collars and two control populations where dogs were not exposed to e-collars

Effect of pet training aids, specifically remote static pulse systems, on the welfare of domestic dogs

This proposal aims to assess the welfare of dogs trained with pet training aids, specifically remote static pulse collar systems (excluding electric dog fences). A number of versions of such training aids are available in UK, which differ in two ways. Firstly in the intensity of re-inforcement with most devices operating over a range of intensities. Secondly, devices can include a warning or secondary conditioning stimulus to precede application of the reinforcing stimulus. Whilst many dog owners and trainers consider these devices to be valuable training aids, their use is controversial and electronic devices have been banned in several European countries. Critics of remote static pulse training aids argue that they cause unnecessary pain; and that other methods, such as positive reinforcement training, should be employed to modify dogs’ behaviour. Those in favour of remote static pulse training aids argue that, when applied correctly, they can successfully recondition undesirable behaviour, especially behaviour that is highly motivated and difficult to control using other methods. Evidence of the impact of such devices on dog's overall quality of life is inconclusive, particularly on the long-term effects of the use of electronic training aids. This proposal aims to address these concerns, assessing the immediate and longer term physiological, behavioural and psychological effects of the use of these devices. in addition, the physical characteristics of the devices will be evaluated by bench testing their outputs and reliability. The project had a single aim, namely to assess the impact of use of remote static pulse electric training aids (ecollars) during the training of dogs in comparison to dogs referred for similar behavioural problems but without ecollar training. The specific objective was to use appropriate behavioural and physiological measures to make inferences about the welfare of subjects including their aversion and anxiety during and following training. A secondary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and possible explanations for any differences between treatment groups. These included owner assessment of severity of problem, population characteristics, trainer factors and temperament of dogs. The study design was developed following consultation with trainers to ensure a protocol that was representative of advised best practice in use of e-collars. Adult dogs (n=63) undergoing training by professional trainers were recruited to investigate the welfare consequences of behavioural modification incorporating e-collars, in comparison to positive reward based training. Dogs had been referred for problems commonly addressed using e-collars (recall problems and livestock/wildlife worrying) and were divided into three populations; one using e-collars and two control populations where dogs were not exposed to e-collars