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

Involved to Evolve: Student Voices on Campus Climate and Sense of Belonging

Jamal-Jared Alexander Technical Communication and Rhetoric Presidential Doctoral Student, USU Amand Hardiman Department of Human Development and Family Studies Doctoral Student, USU Jessica Chatman Psychology School Counseling Graduate Student, USU Theresa Botchway Undergraduate Student, USU Kirk Napoleon Business Administration Undergraduate Student, USU Watch the video to see the session. Click on the download button for the accompanying discussion guide designed to provoke thoughtful discussion and advance conversation within social circles

Pet dogs improve family functioning and reduce anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder

Jessica Hardiman*†, Richard Mills‡ , PAWS Project Team† and Daniel Mills* * University of Lincoln, School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, UK † Dogs for the Disables, Frances Hay Centre, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK ‡ Research Autism, Adam House, London, UK ABSTRACT There is increasing evidence to suggest that dogs are beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in therapy sessions, and anecdotal reports suggest that dogs may have wider benefits, in a family setting. This study investigated the effect of dog ownership on family functioning and child anxiety. Using a validated scale of family strengths and weaknesses (Brief Version of the Family Assessment Measure-III [General Scale]), we compared parents of children with ASD who had recently acquired a pet dog (n = 42, Intervention group) with a similar group of parents not acquiring a dog (n = 28, Control group) at matched time points. A sub-population (n =14 acquiring a dog, n = 26 controls) completed a parental-report measure of child anxiety (Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale). The primary carer completed the scales via telephone at Baseline (up to 17 weeks before acquiring a dog), Postintervention (3–10 weeks after acquisition), and Follow-up (25–40 weeks after acquisition). Over time, scores for family functioning showed significant improvements (reduced family weaknesses, increased strengths) in the dog-owning compared with the non-dog owning group. In comparison with the non-dog owning group, anxiety scores in the dog-owning group reduced by a greater percentage, most notably in the domains of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (26% greater decrease), Panic Attack and Agoraphobia (24%), Social Phobia (22%), and Separation Anxiety (22%). The results illustrate the potential of pet dogs to improve whole family functioning and child anxiety

Response of the wood-decay fungus Schizophyllum commune to co-occurring microorganisms

Microorganisms are constantly interacting in a given environment by a constant exchange of signaling molecules. In timber, wood-decay fungi will come into contact with other fungi and bacteria. In naturally bleached wood, dark, pigmented lines arising from confrontation of two fungi often hint at such interactions. The metabolites (and pigment) exchange was investigated using the lignicolous basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune, and co-occurring fungi and bacteria inoculated directly on sterilized wood, or on media. In interactions with competitive wood degrading fungi, yeasts or bacteria, different competition strategies and communication types were observed, and stress reactions, as well as competitor-induced enzymes or pigments were analyzed. Melanin, indole, flavonoids and carotenoids were shown to be induced in S. commune interactions. The induced genes included multi-copper oxidases lcc1, lcc2, mco1, mco2, mco3 and mco4, possibly involved in both pigment production and lignin degradation typical for wood bleaching by wood-decay fungi

Effects of pet dogs for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families: expectations versus reality

Previous studies have examined the specific benefits of therapy and assistance dogs on children with autism, but until recently only anecdotes existed concerning the benefits of pet dogs. We conducted structured interviews with 40 parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to investigate the perceived impact of pet dogs. Half the sample (20) owned a pet dog and half the sample was looking to acquire one. Restrictions associated with dog ownership were underestimated, whilst enjoyment, fun and improvements in communication and social interaction were overestimated by the non-owners, indicating important areas where expectations are unlikely to be met. These areas represent important factors to consider when deciding whether to acquire a pet dog in families living with ASD, and as such is of interest to a broad audience including clinicians, veterinarians and parents

A theoretical framework for the ecological role of three-dimensional structural diversity

The three-dimensional (3D) physical aspects of ecosystems are intrinsically linked to ecological processes. Here, we describe structural diversity as the volumetric capacity, physical arrangement, and identity/traits of biotic components in an ecosystem. Despite being recognized in earlier ecological studies, structural diversity has been largely overlooked due to an absence of not only a theoretical foundation but also effective measurement tools. We present a framework for conceptualizing structural diversity and suggest how to facilitate its broader incorporation into ecological theory and practice. We also discuss how the interplay of genetic and environmental factors underpin structural diversity, allowing for a potentially unique synthetic approach to explain ecosystem function. A practical approach is then proposed in which scientists can test the ecological role of structural diversity at biotic–environmental interfaces, along with examples of structural diversity research and future directions for integrating structural diversity into ecological theory and management across scales

Genome-wide Analyses Identify KIF5A as a Novel ALS Gene

To identify novel genes associated with ALS, we undertook two lines of investigation. We carried out a genome-wide association study comparing 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls. Independently, we performed a rare variant burden analysis comparing 1,138 index familial ALS cases and 19,494 controls. Through both approaches, we identified kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) as a novel gene associated with ALS. Interestingly, mutations predominantly in the N-terminal motor domain of KIF5A are causative for two neurodegenerative diseases: hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). In contrast, ALS-associated mutations are primarily located at the C-terminal cargo-binding tail domain and patients harboring loss-of-function mutations displayed an extended survival relative to typical ALS cases. Taken together, these results broaden the phenotype spectrum resulting from mutations in KIF5A and strengthen the role of cytoskeletal defects in the pathogenesis of ALS.Peer reviewe

Association of Variants in the SPTLC1 Gene With Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Importance: Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare form of ALS characterized by age of symptom onset less than 25 years and a variable presentation.Objective: To identify the genetic variants associated with juvenile ALS.Design, Setting, and Participants: In this multicenter family-based genetic study, trio whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify the disease-associated gene in a case series of unrelated patients diagnosed with juvenile ALS and severe growth retardation. The patients and their family members were enrolled at academic hospitals and a government research facility between March 1, 2016, and March 13, 2020, and were observed until October 1, 2020. Whole-exome sequencing was also performed in a series of patients with juvenile ALS. A total of 66 patients with juvenile ALS and 6258 adult patients with ALS participated in the study. Patients were selected for the study based on their diagnosis, and all eligible participants were enrolled in the study. None of the participants had a family history of neurological disorders, suggesting de novo variants as the underlying genetic mechanism.Main Outcomes and Measures: De novo variants present only in the index case and not in unaffected family members.Results: Trio whole-exome sequencing was performed in 3 patients diagnosed with juvenile ALS and their parents. An additional 63 patients with juvenile ALS and 6258 adult patients with ALS were subsequently screened for variants in the SPTLC1 gene. De novo variants in SPTLC1 (p.Ala20Ser in 2 patients and p.Ser331Tyr in 1 patient) were identified in 3 unrelated patients diagnosed with juvenile ALS and failure to thrive. A fourth variant (p.Leu39del) was identified in a patient with juvenile ALS where parental DNA was unavailable. Variants in this gene have been previously shown to be associated with autosomal-dominant hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy, type 1A, by disrupting an essential enzyme complex in the sphingolipid synthesis pathway.Conclusions and Relevance: These data broaden the phenotype associated with SPTLC1 and suggest that patients presenting with juvenile ALS should be screened for variants in this gene.</p

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