Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Dogs – Training'

This thesis studies the performance of search dogs trained to locate the live scent (live only dogs) and compares their performance to that of search dogs trained to locate either live or cadaver scent depending on the verbal cue given by the handler (cross-trained dogs).

Accidental behavior chains are a common problem in dog training. Many handlers inadvertently reinforce undesirable behaviors. The behavior analytic literature already contains articles describing methods of breaking chains; however, those methods either are not used in dog training for practical purposes or are ineffective in dog training. This experiment investigated two ways to break a behavior chain, including extending the chain and introducing a delay into the chain. The results of extending the chain showed that it is possible to decrease the target behavior using this method, but it was not eliminated in this study. Adding a delay into the behavior chain resulted in a quick elimination of the target behavior.

Accidental poisoning of domestic dogs is an unfortunate occurrence when using poison baits to control introduced pests such as feral cats, red foxes, and wild dogs. This study aimed to investigate how dog breed (i.e., toy, terrier, sporting, domestic working and working dogs) and temperament influence aversion methods. Using non-poisonous baits and a device which emits a small electrical correction, domestic dogs were trained to avoid commercially-available non-toxic FoxOff® baits. Fifty-six dogs were recruited through online media services (e.g., Facebook). Each dog underwent four sessions of ‘one-on-one’ learned aversion training, spread across 6 weeks where individual dogs were subjected to a small electrical correction after having touched a non-toxic bait that has been attached to the training device and earthing rod (this created an electrical charged bait). Each dog’s behaviour, temperament and level of trainability were monitored during each session, based on temperament and behavioural test guidelines and procedures. Dog breeds were categorised based on their level of trainability; easy (i.e., only one to two training sessions and one to two repetitions of electrified baits during those sessions were required), moderate (i.e., only two to three training sessions and two to three repetitions of electrified baits during those training sessions were required), and difficult (i.e., all four training sessions and three repetitions of electrified baits during those four training sessions were required). The results indicated that 50 dogs were successfully trained to avoid the bait and that temperament and breed significantly influenced their level of trainability. Moreover, specific temperaments of obedience, excitability, playfulness and boldness were significantly related to each of the dog breeds respectively. Terriers were classified as having a difficult level of trainability; sporting and domestic working dogs displayed a moderate level of trainability, and working and toy dogs presented with easy levels of trainability based on their behavioural responses during the four training sessions. Furthermore, the temperament traits boldness (negatively correlated with trainability), fearfulness and anxiousness (positively correlated with trainability) significantly influenced dog trainability. This study demonstrated that learned aversion training with domestic and working dogs of different breeds and temperaments has future potential in relation to the development and implementation of practices involving learned aversion training methods for dogs.

Dogs have been used alongside humans as detection tools for centuries. There have been a multitude of studies published that demonstrate the accuracy and utility of detection dogs, more specifically conservation scent detection dogs. With ubiquitous agricultural threats in the United States, there is a need for a tool to help decrease the threat level. Pet dogs could be the answer. There are millions of pet dogs in the United States and with the success of the dog sport nose work there is the potential to use pet dogs as detection tools. In this proof-of-concept study, six pet dogs were trained to detect the spotted lanternfly. The dogs completed a training phase and five tests. The mean sensitivity of the six dogs, for the five tests, was 79.75%. The mean PPP of the six dogs, for all five tests, was 66.79%. The results suggest that these six dogs could be beneficial detection tools for the Spotted Lanternfly. Based on the findings in this study, pet dogs could be invaluable in the field of conservation scent detection.
Master of Science
Dogs have been used alongside humans as detection tools for centuries. There have been a multitude of studies published that demonstrate the accuracy and utility of detection dogs, more specifically conservation scent detection dogs. With ubiquitous agricultural threats in the United States, there is a need for a tool to help decrease the threat level. Pet dogs could be the answer. There are millions of pet dogs in the United States and with the success of the dog sport nose work there is the potential to use pet dogs as detection tools. In this proof-of-concept study, six pet dogs were trained to detect the spotted lanternfly. The dogs completed a training phase and five tests. The mean sensitivity, or proportion of correct detections, of the six dogs, for the five tests, was 79.75%. The mean PPP, or likelihood it is that the source of odor is present when a dog offers an alert; of the six dogs, for all five tests, was 66.79%. The results suggest that these six dogs could be beneficial detection tools for the Spotted Lanternfly. Based on the findings in this study, pet dogs could be invaluable in the field of conservation scent detection.

The current study investigated concept formation in domestic dogs, specifically that of a toy concept. The dog's differential responding (retrieval vs. non-retrieval) to two sets of stimuli suggested a toy concept. Differential responding occurred from the very first trial, indicating that the concept had been formed in the natural environment, not during the experiment. It was hypothesized that a common response may be responsible for the emergence of the class in the natural environment. The results demonstrated that it was possible to expand the class by adding previously non-retrieved objects to the toy class through a common response. It was also shown that the toy concept passed the more stringent criterion (transfer of function test) required validating it as a concept.

Dog trainers sometimes teach verbal cues by saying the cue as the dog is performing the desired behavior. However, there is disagreement about when to say the cue. In this study, a pet dog was trained to go to three different apparatus, the cue for each of which was given at a different time, in a multi-element design. The cue "hoop" was given just as the dog began to move to the hoop apparatus. The cue "carrier" was given as the dog was stepping into the carrier apparatus. The cue "platform" was given after the dog was sitting on the platform apparatus. To test if the dog had learned the cues, the trainer had the dog sit and gave the cue. During testing, if only the correct apparatus was present, the dog responded to all three cues. However, when all three apparatus were present, the dog only responded correctly to the "hoop" cue. This suggests that giving the cue just as the learner is beginning to perform the desired behavior is the most effective teaching method.

Livestock guarding dogs (LSGDs) have been used for centuries to reduce depredation on livestock and more recently, to facilitate the conservation of threatened predator species. Conservation NGOs (non-government organisations) in southern Africa promote the use of Anatolian Shepherds as LSGDs. However, livestock farmers in Botswana have been using a variety of different breeds for this purpose, including the local mixed-breed “Tswana” dogs. Postal, telephonic and face-to-face interview questionnaires were administered to 108 livestock farmers in Botswana to gauge how their LSGDs were being used, in order to determine what factors contributed to the success and affordability of these dogs. Eighty-three percent of farmers had LSGDs which equaled or decreased livestock depredations on their farms, with an average reduction in livestock depredation of 75% per year. This equated to an average saving of US$2,017 annually per farm. The costs of purchasing (average US$27) and maintaining the 198 LSGDs in my study (average US$169/LSGD/year) were very low compared to other countries and helped contribute to the high profits obtained by farmers (average US$1,497/farm or US$789/LSGD). A unique investigation of different breeds was possible due to the diverse array of breeds in the sample (Anatolian Shepherds, Cross Breeds, Tswana dogs, Greyhounds and Pitbulls), with the crossbreed dogs (Crosses and Tswana LSGDs) performing the best. LSGDs that reduced depredation and had minimal behavioural problems were the most likely to incite positive changes in their owners in regards to attitudes towards predators. Sixtysix percent of farmers stated that they were more tolerant of predators since obtaining a LSGD, and 51% reported that they were less likely to kill predators since obtaining a LSGD. My results indicate that successful, well-behaved LSGDs are a cost-effective tool that has the ability to increase farm productivity and improve predator-farmer conflicts in Botswana. The methods recommended in my thesis, in particular the benefits of using local breeds of dog as LSGDs, can be implemented on farming practices the world over to assist farming productivity and to promote conservation efforts.

There is disagreement among clicker trainers on whether or not food should be delivered every time the clicker (conditioned reinforcer) is used. However, presenting a conditioned reinforcer without food can weaken the strength of the conditioned reinforcer and also disrupt its discriminative stimulus function. A within subjects reversal design was used with 2 dogs to compare the behavioral effects of continuous pairings (C+F condition) vs. intermittent pairings (C+C+F condition) of the clicker with food. Results show that the C+C+F condition affects the frequency, accuracy, topography, and intensity of the behavior, and increases noncompliance and other unwanted behaviors. This study adds to the literature by evaluating the effects of conditioned reinforcement in an applied setting using discrete trials without undergoing extinction.

The current study investigated the impact of delivering a jackpot on response rate and response allocation in two domestic dogs. For the purpose of this research, a jackpot was defined as a one-time, within-session increase in the magnitude of reinforcement. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of delivering a jackpot in both single-operant and concurrent schedule procedures. Experiment 1 investigated the impact of a one-time, within-session increase in the magnitude of reinforcement on response rate in a single-operant procedure. Results of Experiment 1 showed no clear change in response rate after the delivery of the jackpot. Experiment 2 investigated the impact of a one-time, within-session increase in the magnitude of reinforcement on response allocation in a concurrent schedule procedure. Results of Experiment 2 showed an increase in response allocation to the jackpotted contingency in both subjects. These results suggest that a jackpot, as defined here, has no effect in single-operant procedures while having an effect in concurrent schedule procedures. These effects are similar to those reported in the magnitude of reinforcement literature.

Very few behavior-change programs with canines produce effects that persist beyond the training condition. The present study is an experimental demonstration of a constructional program that established calm patterns of behavior as alternatives to hyperactive ones. Three dogs that exhibited hyperactive patterns were chosen as subjects. Seven conditions common to canine-caretaker relationships were used to determine which factors resulted in the hyperactive patterns. Then, sitting and lying down were taught as beginning points using touch as a reinforcer. The final behavior, maintained by naturally occurring reinforcers, was established errorlessly. The study used a control-analysis strategy of behavior change with a changing-criterion design. The intervention resulted in an immediate reduction in hyperactivity and an increase in sitting and lying down for all dogs.

Unsocialized stray dogs live unrestrained in urban areas, having limited to no direct contact with humans. Aggressive behaviour towards humans leads to their apprehension to shelters, where they tend to stay permanently. This study aimed to determine if unsocialized stray dogs could be rehabilitated and develop the social skills needed for adoption. Six unsocialized stray dogs (Group Stray) and 12 socialized dogs (C1: Control Group 1, n=6; C2: Control Group 2, n=6) housed in a shelter were selected. Stray and C2 dogs went through two training phases: social rehabilitation towards humans and leash training. Sociability towards humans and behaviour on a leash were tested in all groups following Valsecchi et al. (2011). Sociability Tests (ST) and Leash Tests (LT) were conducted before any intervention (ST1), after sociability training (ST2, LT1) and after leash training (ST3, LT2). Training sessions and tests were video recorded and posteriorly analysed by four observers. Results showed that for Stray, but not for C1 and C2, there was a significant increase in sociability from ST1 to ST3. Moreover, for Stray Group there was a significant decrease in the frequency of fear-related behaviours between ST1 and ST3. For leash behaviour, no significant changes were found from LT1 to LT2 for neither group. However, there was considerable individual variation, as not all strays overcame their extreme fear towards humans. These findings suggest that dog­–human interactions can be improved through training for dogs who do not show extreme fear and/or aggression towards humans.

Despite some experiments have been carried out to investigate dog’s visual cognitive abilities and to study the mechanisms underlying how they promptly modify their behaviour while interacting with humans, it is still not clear to which features of the stimuli they mainly attend when solving a task. In addition to physical proprieties, there are different factors that modulate the saliency of a visual stimulus in dogs, such as the previous experience and training received. To investigate whether during the associative learning some aspects of visual information have different salience during the associative learning and the role played by previous experiences, the project was developed around three independent studies. The purpose of the first study was to assess the visual processing of global and local levels of hierarchical stimuli in domestic dogs. Fourteen dogs were trained to recognise a compound stimulus in a simultaneous conditioned discrimination procedure and were then tested for their local/global preference in a discrimination test. As a group, dogs showed a non-significant trend for global precedence, although large inter-individual variability was observed. Choices in the test were not affected by either dogs’ sex or type of stimulus used for training. However, the less time a dog took to complete the training, the higher the probability that it chose the global level of test stimulus. Moreover, dogs which showed a clear preference for the global level in the test were significantly less likely to show positional responses during discrimination training. These differences in the speed of acquisition and response patterns may reflect individual differences in the cognitive requirements during discrimination training. The individual variability in global/local precedence suggests that experience with using visual information may be more important than predisposition in determining global/local processing in dogs. The second study, composed by two experiments, investigated the relevance of visual stimuli using more complex images: human face pictures. Dogs exhibit characteristic looking patterns when looking at human faces but little is known about what the underlying cognitive mechanisms are and how much these are influenced by individual experience. In Experiment 1, seven dogs were trained in a simultaneous discrimination procedure to assess whether they could discriminate a) the owner’s face parts (eyes, nose or mouth) presented in isolation and b) whole faces where the same parts were covered. Dogs discriminated all the three parts of the owner’s face presented in isolation, but needed fewer sessions to reach the learning criterion for the eyes than for both nose and mouth. Moreover, covering the eyes region significantly disrupted face discriminability compared to the whole face condition while such difference was not found when the nose or mouth was hidden. In Experiment 2, dogs were presented with manipulated images of the owner’s face (inverted, blurred, scrambled, grey-scale) to test the relative contribution of part-based and configural processing in the discrimination of human faces. Furthermore, by comparing the dogs enrolled in the previous experiment and seven ‘naïve’ dogs we examined if the relative contribution of part-based and configural processing was affected by dogs' experience with the face stimuli. Naïve dogs discriminated the owner only when configural information was provided, whereas expert dogs could discriminate the owner also when part-based processing was necessary. The present study provides the first evidence that dogs can discriminate isolated internal features of a human face and corroborate previous reports of salience of the eyes region for human face processing. Although the reliance on part-perception may be increased by specific experience, our findings suggest that human face discrimination by dogs relies mainly on configural rather than on part-based elaboration. For a more applied comprehension of the phenomenon and to understand what happens in a more natural situation, the third study explored the characteristic of dog’s attention to natural visual stimuli (humans) during a training session in which different type of exercises and levels of difficulty were requested. Moreover, the quality and quantity of training dogs had received during their lives was taken into account to investigate a possible influence on their attention to humans. As in the second study, the specific effect of training emerged also in the third. Having received a specific training modified dogs’ attention towards the caregiver. The variation of attention pattern did not emerge in a baseline condition but only when the caregiver asked the dog to perform some obedience exercises evidencing that the training had a very context-related effect. In conclusion, dogs seem to acquire more quickly and spontaneously global/configural information of a visual stimulus and when an effect of previous experience such as training is present, this effect is specific and strictly context-related.
Nonostante alcuni esperimenti abbiano indagato quali siano le abilità cognitive visive del cane ed esplorato i meccanismi alla base della sua prontezza nell’adeguare il comportamento durante l’interazione con l’uomo, non è ancora chiaro a quali caratteristiche degli stimoli visivi i cani prestino maggiore attenzione mentre risolvono un compito. Oltre alle proprietà fisiche, sono molti i fattori che possono modulare la salienza di uno stimolo visivo, come per esempio l’esperienza pregressa e l’addestramento ricevuto. Il presente progetto è stato sviluppato su tre studi indipendenti, al fine di studiare quali aspetti dell’informazione visiva abbiano maggior rilevanza durante l’apprendimento associativo e quale ruolo giochi l’addestramento. Il primo studio ha esplorato le caratteristiche della processazione (globale e locale) di stimoli geometrici gerarchici nel cane domestico. Quattordici cani sono stati addestrati a distinguere uno stimolo composto, applicando una procedura di discriminazione simultanea condizionata e la loro preferenza per il livello locale/globale è stata verificata con un test di discriminazione visiva. Il gruppo di cani ha dimostrato una tendenza non significativa per la precedenza globale, sebbene sia stata riscontrata un’ampia variabilità individuale. Le scelte eseguite durante il test non sono state influenzate nè dal genere dei cani, nè dal tipo di stimolo usato durante l’apprendimento. Tuttavia, minore era il tempo impiegato per completare la fase di apprendimento, maggiore era la probabilità che il cane scegliesse il livello gloable dello stimolo visivo durante il test. Inoltre, i cani che hanno dimostrato una preferenza per il livello globale dello stimolo visivo durante il test hanno manifestato, con minor probabilità, risposte posizionali durante l’apprendimento. Queste differenze, emerse sia nella velocità di apprendimento della procedura che negli schemi di risposta durante il test, potrebbero rispecchiare l’esistenza di prerequisiti cognitivi diversi tra i soggetti. La variabilità individuale, riscontrata nella precedenza globale/locale di processazione, suggerisce che l’esperienza nell’uso delle informazioni visive potrebbe essere più importante della predisposizione nel determinare quale sia la tipologia di processazione (globale/locale) usata dai cani. Il secondo studio, composto da due esperimenti, ha indagato quale sia la rilevanza degli stimoli visivi utilizzando immagini più complesse, ossia fotografie di volti umani. I cani esibiscono schemi di attenzione caratteristici quando guardano i volti umani, però si conosce poco dei meccanismi cognitivi sottostanti e quanto questi siano influenzati dall’esperienza individuale. Nel primo esperimento, sette cani sono stati addestrati applicando una procedura di discriminazione simultanea per verificare che fossero in grado di discriminare: a) le parti del volto del proprietario (occhi, naso o bocca) presentate singolarmente; b) le facce intere dove le stesse parti erano state coperte. I cani sono riusciti a discriminare tutte e tre le parti della faccia del proprietario presentate singolarmente, ma, per gli occhi, hanno avuto bisogno di un minor numero di sessioni per raggiungere il criterio di apprendimento stabilito rispetto a naso e bocca. Inoltre, la discriminabilità dei visi è stata inficiata di più quando la regione degli occhi non era visibile, che non quando erano nascosti naso o bocca. Nel secondo esperimento, per testare il contributo relativo della processaziona basata sulle parti o sulla configurazione nella discriminazione di facce umane, sono state usate delle immagini del viso del proprietario manipolate in diversi modi (invertite, sfuocate, ‘scrambled’ - ossia suddivise in parti e riarrangiate in modo casuale - e in scala di grigi). Inoltre, confrontando i sette cani coinvolti nel primo esperimento con sette cani ‘naïve’ è stato esaminato se il contributo relativo della processazione basata sulle parti o sulla configurazione sia stato influenzato dall’esperienza che hanno avuto i cani con gli stimoli raffiguranti le facce. I cani naïve sono riusciti a discriminare il proprietario solo quando l’informazione configurazionale era conservata, mentre i cani esperti sono riusciti a discriminare il proprietario anche quando era necessario processare le immagini basandosi sulle parti. Questo studio prova, per la prima volta, che i cani riescono a discriminare gli elementi interni di un viso umano presentati singolarmente e conferma la salienza della regione degli occhi per la processazione di facce umane. Sebbene un’esperienza specifica possa incrementare la capacità di basarsi sulla percezione delle parti, i risultati suggeriscono che, nel cane, la discriminazione di volti umani si basa principalmente sull’elaborazione della configurazione che delle parti. Per una comprensione più applicata del fenomeno e per capire cosa succede in un contesto più naturale, il terzo studio ha esplorato le caratteristiche dell’attenzione del cane a stimuli naturali (uomo) durante una sessione di addestramento, in cui era richiesta l’esecuzione di esercizi di diverso tipo e difficoltà. Inoltre, sono state prese in considerazione la quantità e la qualità di addestramento ricevuto nel corso della vita dei soggetti per indagare la loro eventuale influenza sulle caratteristiche dell’attenzione prestata all’uomo. Come emerso anche nel secondo studio, è stato riscontrato un effetto specifico dell’addestramento. Aver ricevuto un addestramento specifico influenza l’attenzione prestata dai cani al proprietario. L’attenzione non è variata, infatti, in una condizione di base, ma solo quando il conduttore ha chiesto al cane di eseguire alcuni esercizi di obbedienza, mettendo in luce che l’addestramento ha avuto un effetto contesto-specifico. Per concludere, dai risultati ottenuti nel corso dei tre esperimenti del progetto, sembra che i cani acquisiscano più velocemente e spontaneamente le informazioni visive globali e configurazionali. Quando è presente un effetto dell’addestramento, questo è specifico e strettamente legato al contesto.

This study evaluated the effects of programming a variability contingency on one object and the generalization of variability across other objects and contingencies when the defining features of the variable responses were topographical differences. A dog's interactions with five different objects were measured under both ANY (where any physical contact with the object would be reinforced on a fixed ratio schedule) and the VAR contingencies (where only the novel responses per trial would be reinforced). The ANY contingency produced stereotyped responding of behavior with all objects. When one of the dog-object interactions was changed to the VAR contingency, a marked decrease in stereotypic behavior and an increase in novel responses in the form of topographical combinations were observed across both contingencies.

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the effects of combining negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement during teaching with the effects of using positive reinforcement alone. A behavior was trained under two stimulus conditions and procedures. One method involved presenting the cue ven and reinforcing successive approximations to the target behavior. The other method involved presenting the cue punir, physically prompting the target behavior by pulling the leash, and delivering a reinforcer. Three other behaviors were trained using the two cues contingent on their occurrence. The results suggest that stimuli associated with both a positive reinforcer and an aversive stimulus produce a different dynamic than a situation that uses positive reinforcement or punishment alone.

The most common type of human animal interaction (HAI) programme used in prisons involves prisoners caring for and training unwanted dogs from rescue shelters, to prepare the dogs for rehoming. Such programmes have been previously developed specifically aimed towards male young offenders, and are claimed to improve emotional, social and practical outcomes. Paws for Progress, the first prison based dog training programme in the UK, was introduced to HM YOI Polmont in 2011. By clearly communicating each step of the 5 Step approach (1. Identify the problem; 2. Review the evidence; 3. Develop a logic model; 4. Identify indicators and monitor the logic model; 5. Evaluate the logic model), it has enhanced our understanding of the development processes required for effective prison based dog training programmes. This evaluation provides the first comprehensive quantitative analysis of short, medium and long term outcomes for Scottish young offenders serving custodial sentences (N = 70) following participation. The aims of Paws for Progress are to improve behaviour, increase engagement in education, develop employability skills, and enhance well-being. Using a mixed design with two control groups and triangulating quantitative and qualitative outcomes, the evaluation assesses the efficacy of the programme in meeting these aims. Systematic analyses of semi-structured interviews pre and post participation in the programme support findings from the quantitative analyses. Analyses of institutional behaviour, measured by Disciplinary Reports, educational progress measured by written assessments and qualifications, employability skills measured by psychometric tests, and prisoner well-being all improved for participants, but such improvements were not shown by control groups. Paws for Progress positively impacts short and medium term outcomes and data on longer term outcomes also indicate the benefits are far reaching. By clearly relating programme aims to the outcomes achieved, and considering the contribution of Paws for Progress to future desistance from crime, the value and relevance of these findings are evident. The evaluation contributes to our understanding of effective methodologies in this applied context, which can be utilised to improve research practice in interventions in criminal justice and in human animal interaction.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
Temperament Tests can be a forensic tool as they are often used to clarify legal cases in which dogs were allegedly involved in circumstances of aggression towards humans or other dogs. The test used in this study, the standardized temperament test of Lower Saxony, a battery type test of 36 situations scaled from 1-7 aims to identify those dogs that show disturbed or inadequate aggression at the point of the evaluation. To be able to use this test as a forensic decision making tool it is important to understand if aggressive behaviour shown in the test can be altered through training. The records of all Temperament Tests applied at the Hamburg Shelter since 2006 to 2016, a total of 264 were analysed. From these records, the dogs that were subject to two Temperament Tests were chosen: n= 28 dogs. These dogs had been subject to a first Temperament Test at the Shelter, were trained, and then took a re-test. The 36 situations comprising the test were bundled into 5 sub-groups of situations evaluating similar circumstances and the results of the first and the second temperament test were analysed applying a paired Wilcoxon signed rank test with continuity correction. The training the dogs had been subject to in the meantime was taken into consideration. The average values in two of the five bundles were lower in the second temperament test: in the bundle of situations where the dogs had to interact with threatening humans the average value went from 1.64 in the first test to 1.39 in the second test (P=0.03) and in the bundle of situations of dog-dog contact, the average value went from 1.98 in the first test to 1.53 in the second test (P=0.02). These results suggest that training does have an effect on the aggressive behaviour shown in some test situations. 23/28 dogs, 82,1%, passed the second Temperament Test after being trained at the shelter. Practical implications and future applicability of the test are discussed.
RESUMO - Testes de Temperamento podem ser uma ferramenta forense uma vez que são frequentemente utilizados para esclarecer casos legais nos quais cães alegadamente estiveram envolvidos em circunstâncias de agressão contra humanos ou outros cães. O teste utilizado neste estudo é o teste de temperamento estandardizado da Baixa Saxónia, na Alemanha. Este teste é constituído por uma bateria de subtestes, 36 situações avaliadas numa escala de 1-6 e pretende identificar aqueles cães que mostrem agressividade perturbada ou inadequada no momento da avaliação. Para poder utilizar este teste como ferramenta para tomar decisões forenses, é importante compreender se o comportamento agressivo mostrado no teste pode ser alterado através de treino. Foram analisados os resultados de todos os Testes de Temperamento aplicados no Abrigo de Hamburgo desde 2006 até 2016, um total de 264. Deste conjunto de dados foram selecionados todos aqueles cães que, por alguma razão, repetiram o Teste de Temperamento: n=28. Estes cães foram sujeitos a um primeiro Teste de Temperamento no abrigo, foram treinados e voltaram a ser testados. As 36 situações constituintes do teste foram agrupadas em cinco subgrupos de situações que avaliam circunstâncias similares e os resultados agregados do primeiro e segundo teste foram comparados utilizando um teste de Wilcoxon emparelhado e relacionados com o treino ministrado entretanto. O valor das médias de dois dos cinco subgrupos foram inferiores no segundo teste: no subgrupo de situações em que os cães tinham de interagir com humanos que agiam de forma ameaçadora o valor da média alterou-se de 1.64 no primeiro teste para 1.39 no segundo (P=0.03) e no subgrupo de interação cão-cão o valor médio alterou-se de 1.98 no primeiro teste para 1.53 no segundo (P=0.02). Estes resultados sugerem que o treino influencia o comportamento agressivo demonstrado em algumas situações do teste. Para além disso, 23/28 cães, 82,4%, passaram no segundo Teste de Temperamento. Foram discutidas implicações práticas e a aplicabilidade futura deste teste.
N/A

El presente trabajo de investigación consiste en demostrar que un negocio como un Club Spa para nuestras mascotas, específicamente perros, los cuales llamaremos hijos caninos para el presente trabajo, cubre una necesidad insatisfecha en el mercado actual y que además existen tendencias crecientes tanto en el mercado de mascotas como en el mercado de la tecnología, uso del celular, que hace aún más sentido en la creación de este Club Spa para hijos caninos. Este Club Spa está enfocado exclusivamente para caninos y logra diferenciarse de cualquier otro negocio similar teniendo claro su posicionamiento, el cual es diversión y seguridad para los hijos caninos. La idea es poder tener un local donde pueda brindarse diferentes tipos de servicios, desde los más usuales como: corte, baño y atención de veterinarios así como otros servicios diferentes que son un lugar de esparcimientos con juegos recreacionales y pequeñas piscinas pero además que si el dueño lo desea, pueda ofrecer servicios de adiestramiento, relajación y emparejamiento para sus hijos caninos. Todo esto apoyado de una App que se desarrollará, donde el dueño podrá ver en línea lo que su hijo canino está haciendo en el Club Spa pero además podrá adicionar algún servicio que no haya sido incluido en un inicio o algún tipo de comida extra que desee para su hijo canino y además podrá interactuar con nuestra marca, incluso pudiendo contactar con otros usuarios en caso quiera emparejar a su hijo canino. El análisis económico y evaluación financiera hecha para el presente trabajo de investigación nos muestran resultados interesantes, como un VAN positivo de S/. 1.7 millones de soles, una TIR de 87% además de un período de recuperación (año 2), lo cual nos muestra que es un proyecto viable y rentable que aprovecha la tendencia creciente del mercado por el cuidado y preocupación de su hijo canino.
The present research try to demonstrate that a business model like a Club Spa for dogs have identified an unmet need in the current market. There are also growing trends in both, dog market and the technology market, which makes even more sense in the develop of this Spa Club for dog son. This Club Spa focused exclusively for dogs, manages to differentiate itself from any other similar business with clear positioning, which is fun and safety for dog son. The idea is to have a place where different types of services can be offered, from the most usual ones such as: cutting, bathing and veterinary care as well as other different services that are a recreational place with recreational games and small swimming pools but also we can offer training, relaxation and matching services for their dog. All this supported by an App that we will develop where the owner can see online what his son is doing in the Club Spa, but he will also be able to add a service that has not been included in a start or any type of extra food that he wants for his dog son and also can interact with our brand, even being able to contact other users in case you want to match your dog son. The financial evaluation made in this research show intereseting results, such as a positive NPV (Net present Value) of S/. 1.7 millions and IRR (internal rate of return) of 87% and the recovery period is almost 2 years. This research, also shows us that it is a viable and profitable Project that takes advantage of the growing trend of the market due to the care and concern of their canine son.
Trabajo de investigación

Recent years have seen a rapid improvement in the techniques for the localization of people buried in avalanches through the use of radio transmitters (transceivers). However, when the avalanche victims are not equipped with transmitter equipment, the use of rescue dogs remains the most effective method for locating them. Although the level of training of rescue dogs is generally good, there remains a considerable margin of improvement. Such an improvement could be achieved through innovative training methods based on the analysis of the dogs performance in a multi-disciplinary context. Among the problems that make this kind of study difficult, there is our lack of knowledge of the chemical and physical variables that govern the diffusion of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds rising from the buried body to the snow surface. Moreover, we still lack a study of a dog’s olfactory ability to discriminate among the different classes of molecules emitted by the human body (sweat, breath, clothes, etc.) and how these molecules reach the surface after moving through the snow mass. One of the ultimate goals of this study is to select specific olfactory targets that can be used for training avalanche dogs.

Recent years have seen a rapid improvement in the techniques for the localization of people buried in avalanches through the use of radio transmitters (transceivers). However, when the avalanche victims are not equipped with transmitter equipment, the use of rescue dogs remains the most effective method for locating them. Although the level of training of rescue dogs is generally good, there remains a considerable margin of improvement. Such an improvement could be achieved through innovative training methods based on the analysis of the dogs performance in a multi-disciplinary context. Among the problems that make this kind of study difficult, there is our lack of knowledge of the chemical and physical variables that govern the diffusion of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds rising from the buried body to the snow surface. Moreover, we still lack a study of a dog’s olfactory ability to discriminate among the different classes of molecules emitted by the human body (sweat, breath, clothes, etc.) and how these molecules reach the surface after moving through the snow mass. One of the ultimate goals of this study is to select specific olfactory targets that can be used for training avalanche dogs.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
Cada vez mais a sociedade atual tenta fornecer meios que facilitam e melhoram a qualidade de vida dos seres humanos. Os cães de assistência são um desses meios. Os cães-guia auxiliam pessoas cegas, os cães para surdos auxiliam pessoas com dificuldades de audição graves e os cães de serviço auxiliam pessoas com problemas motores, orgânicos ou mentais. Este tipo de cães passa por um processo de aprendizagem através de um treino especializado de acordo com o tipo de utilizador, sendo o reforço positivo e o clicker as técnicas mais utilizadas para se obter tais objetivos. Além disso, a escolha das raças e os seus temperamentos são de extrema importância, pois está em causa a segurança de um ser humano com incapacidades. O objetivo principal deste trabalho foi caraterizar os cães de assistência em Portugal, tendo sido feitos 2 tipos de questionários, um às associações que treinam cães de assistência e o outro aos utilizadores desses mesmos cães. Foram feitos inquéritos a 3 associações e a 32 utilizadores espalhados pelo País. Verificou-se que a raça mais utilizada é a Labrador Retriever devido à sua personalidade calma, à sua memória e à sua destreza física. Também se aferiu a importância da esterilização de todos os cães de assistência assim como a sua vacinação. Finalmente averiguou-se que os utilizadores destes animais se sentem mais confiantes, seguros, com melhor autoestima e conseguem socializar-me com maior facilidade com a sociedade em geral, após estes animais fazerem parte das suas vidas. Também sentem uma ligação muito forte com o seu cão de assistência, pois cada vez mais a lei permite que este tipo de cães acompanhem os seus utilizadores em qualquer local público, sejam transportes ou estabelecimentos comerciais.
ABSTRACT - Today´s society increasingly tries to provide a way to ease and improve the quality of the human being life. Assistance dogs is one of them. Guide dogs help blind people, hearing dogs assist people with severe hearing difficulties and service dogs help people with mobility, organic or mental problems. This type of dogs undergo a learning process using a specialized training in accordance with the type of users. Positive reinforcement and clicker techniques are the most used to achieve those aims. Moreover, breed and temperament choice is of utmost importance as the safety of people with disabilities is at stake. The main objective of this study was to characterize assistance dogs in Portugal in order to achieve that goal, two types of questionnaires were made, the first one to associations that train assistance dogs, and the another one to assistance dogs users. Inquires were made to three associations and 32 users throughout the country. It was found that Labrador Retriever is the most used breed due to its relaxed personality, its memory and its physical ability. The importance of neutering/spaying and vaccination was also accessed for all dogs. Finally we found that dog users feel more confident, secure, with better self-esteem and manage to socialize easier with society in general, after these animals were envolved in their lifes. In our days, law‟s allow these type of dogs to accompany their users in any public place, whether transport or commercial facilities, therefore enabling establishment of very strong connection with their owners since they share almost all their daily tasks.

En la actualidad casi el 50% de las familias peruanas tienen una mascota, siendo el perro el animal doméstico de mayor preferencia en los hogares. Pese a la coyuntura actual la tenencia de mascotas no ha disminuido en el país y el impacto de la pandemia es que ahora los dueños suelen pasar mucho más tiempo con sus mascotas notando así, diversas conductas que antes no lograron percibir. Por ende, cuando notan malos comportamientos y los dueños no son capaces de poder resolverlos inician la búsqueda de un entrenador para sus canes. Esto podría resultar complicado porque no hay más información ni alcance sobre personas calificadas para asumir este rol. Nuestro modelo de negocio consiste en el desarrollo de un aplicativo móvil que ofrece el servicio de adiestramiento canino el cual presenta dos perfiles dirigidos a usuarios y entrenadores. El aplicativo se denomina “Dogner” y ofrece a los dueños de canes tres tipos de servicios, los cuales son: Adiestramiento básico, socialización para cachorros y adiestramiento deportivo. Estos podrán solicitar el servicio desde la comodidad de su hogar, eligiendo al entrenador más cercano y mejor calificado, a su vez estará visible el curriculum vitae y en cada entrenamiento podrán realizar el seguimiento respectivo a su mascota. El propósito de Dogner es poder contribuir con la generación de trabajo a los entrenadores que se vieron afectados por la coyuntura actual, así como también facilitar la búsqueda de adiestramiento canino a todos dueños de perros.
Currently, almost 50% of Peruvian families have a pet, being dogs being the most preferred domestic animal in households. Despite the current situation, pet ownership has not decreased in the country, the impact of the pandemic is that now owners tend to spend more time with their dogs, noticing different behaviors that were not perceive before. Therefore, when owners notice bad behaviors and are not able to solve them, they start looking for a dog trainertrainer for their dogs. This could be complicated because there is not information or reach of qualified people to assume this role. The following business proposal consists about the development of a mobile application that offers dog training services with two profiles targeting at users and trainers. The application is called "Dogner" which offers dog owners three types of services: Basic training, puppy socialization and sports training. Dog owners will be able to request service from the comfort of their home, choosing the closest and best qualified trainer, while their curriculum vitae will be visible and they owners will be able to follow up on each training session. The purpose of Dogner is to contribute with job opportunity to trainers who were affected by the current situation, as well as quick Access to search for dog training to all dog owners.
Trabajo de investigación

Analysis of data provided by the Virginia Departments of Motor Vehicles, Transportation, and Education all show school buses as having a significantly higher number of accidents per hundred million miles of travel than other forms of transportation. Such statistics are alarming and formal study of school bus accident factors has been limited. The purposes of this study were to (a) establish the adequacy of the school bus driver training programs of Local Education Agencies(LEAs) of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and (b) assess the results of various training programs on the reduction of school bus accidents. Descriptive data were gathered using two surveys. The driver survey included items regarding driver training and accident history. In addition, the survey included driver history, driver demographics, and inquiries into the adequacy of training preparation for the Commercial Drivers License(CDL). The transportation directors survey included items regarding training topics, training methods, program description, and employer expectations. Other topics included were the impact of the CDL, and government mandated training programs. Data analysis was conducted by developing cross-tabulation matrices, chi square tests of significance, correlation coefficients, paired t-tests, and multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA). Conclusions formulated from this study include: (a) training programs in many LEAs do not meet national standards for adequacy; (b) there is no direct relationship between the number of school bus accidents and the adequacy of the training program; (c) there are few LEAs that analyze accident statistics to make modifications to training programs; and (d) most LEAs use the Virginia School Bus Driver Curriculum Guide as their major training resource. Findings such as these provided beneficial data to the Virginia Department of Education, LEA officials, and directors of transportation on training modification and effectiveness, as well as accident reduction.
Ed. D.

The use of attention training protocols for the treatment of generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) is undergoing increased examination. Initial investigations were positive but more recent investigations have been less supportive of the treatment paradigm. One significant limitation of current investigations may be over-reliance on self-report. In this investigation, we expanded on initial investigations by using a multimodal assessment of patient functioning (i.e., including behavioral assessment). Patients with a primary diagnosis of SAD (n = 31) were randomly assigned to eight sessions of attention training (n = 15) or placebo/control (n = 16). Participants were assessed at pre- and post-treatment via self- and clinician-report of social anxiety as well as anxious and behavioral response to two in vivo social interactions. Results revealed no differences between groups at post-treatment for all study outcome variables, suggesting a lack of effect for the attention training condition. The results are concordant with recent investigations finding a lack of support for the use of attention training as an efficacious treatment for patients with SAD.
M.S.
Masters
Psychology
Sciences
Psychology Clinical

Stress Management Training (SMT) may be an effective treatment for patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression. An SMT package has been given to active regular military personnel diagnosed with anxiety and depression under the care of the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), RAF Brize Norton. The SMT was not standardised and provided psycho-education and generic anxiety management. This thesis describes attendees (n=90) of the unstandardised SMT. The unstandardised SMT was then standardised and its effectiveness was investigated by means of a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). The RCT compared participants (n=53) who received standardised SMT to those on the waiting list (control group) (n=45). Outcome measures used in the RCT were the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). The results of the unstandardised SMT study showed that most attendees (91%) were diagnosed with adjustment disorders prior to the study. Most attendees (57%) met the threshold, as determined by the BDI-II, for a possible depressive disorder by the time they received the unstandardised SMT. This finding was replicated in the RCT where most participants (94%) were diagnosed with adjustment disorders prior to the study but most participants (81%) exceeded the threshold, as determined by the BDI-II, for a possible depressive disorder by the time they received the standardised SMT. The results of the RCT showed that standardised SMT had a short term beneficial effect at six weeks in participants with high scores on the BDI-II but not in participants with high scores on the BAI. This effect was no longer present at 12 weeks. This thesis does not support the continued use of SMT as a tertiary stress management intervention within the military or the wider adoption of standardised SMT to treat regular, active military personnel with diagnoses of anxiety or depressive disorders. This thesis recommends that the military may wish to test the effectiveness of providing different stress management interventions as a secondary stress management intervention instead.

The aim of this thesis was to examine the influence of training and competition on achievement motivation, specifically on: (a) achievement goals and perceived motivational climate; and (b) on the relationships between goals, perceived climate, and outcomes such as effort, enjoyment, tension, psychological skills and performance. Study one addressed these purposes in tennis and study two in football; study three extended the findings to a wide variety of sports, and study four to an experimental training and competition of a golf-putting task. In general, the findings indicate that ego orientation and perceived performance climate tend to be higher in competition than in training. Task orientation showed a propensity to be higher in training than in competition, whereas perceived mastery climate appeared to be more stable across the two contexts. A task goal emerged as the most adaptive goal in both contexts, whereas an ego goal was found to be associated with additional benefits in competition, such as higher effort. Sport type (i.e., individual vs. team sports) influenced these relationships, but only in competition. Overall, these findings suggest that the distinction between training and competition contexts is a valuable one and should be considered when examining achievement motivation in sport.

Dance faculty in higher education have various backgrounds and training ranging from professional dance careers to doctoral degrees in dance. This study sought to examine the ways background and training impact faculty members‟ pedagogical approach to a dance technique class in a higher education dance department. This study examined the pedagogical knowledge, content knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge of participants through qualitative methods including interviews, observations, and document analysis. Six major themes emerged from the data: desire to teach, teaching focus, challenging students, planning and preparation, instructional methods, and assessment strategies.

Introduction: College soccer begins in August and ends in November, allowing athletes less than 4 months to condition and play all regular season matches. A consistent consequence of this condensed season structure is an elevated risk of training distress. In turn, training distress can lead to impaired performance and an increased likelihood of injury. Thus, it is important to identify signs of symptoms of distress early so that appropriate adjustments to training volume can be made. Simple, noninvasive techniques, which can be implemented by coaching staff, are ideal. This study investigated whether heart rate recovery was effective as an indicator of training distress in collegiate soccer players. Methods: 26 women and 17 men were enrolled in the study. Data were collected at 4 time points, measuring shuttle run time, heart rate recovery time, resting heart rate values, and MTDS questionnaire score. Heart rate recovery time was defined as the duration it took an athlete to reach 60% heart rate maximum from peak heart rate following the shuttle run. Results: Shuttle run times were prolonged in the beginning and end of season compared to the two mid-season tests (p < 0.001); heart rate recovery times differed at each time period (p=0.003); freshmen deviation from baseline was greater compared to all other grades (p=0.001). Although not statistically significant, resting heart rate values trended up at the end of the season for both genders. Conclusions: Heart rate recovery did not detect training distress in athletes; shuttle run times and resting heart rate appeared to be possible variables that should be taken in to consideration for further research and possibly assist in tailoring training session for optimal performance.

East Tennessee State University implemented quality improvement (QI) training for second-year family medicine residents in 2009. Results in 2011 indicated training increased scores in QI skill assessments as well as self-efficacy in QI. With residents who completed the training now in practice, does the increase in knowledge and skill translate to increased QI in practice? A survey of graduates compares frequency of QI cycles and self-assessment of QI skills among graduating classes, those receiving QI training and those graduating before training began. Residents that completed the QI curriculum rated their training higher; however residents that did not receive training were more involved in QI in practice. We suggest that this is due to QI involvement increasing with practice. Results will guide curriculum improvements to strengthen future resident training.

Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-37).
The aim of this study is to assess whether ECG interpretation improves with advancing years of Emergency Medicine training in South Africa, and to compare the results with similar international studies. A prospective cross-sectional study of Emergency Medicine registrars and recently qualified emergency physicians was conducted between August 2008 and February 2009 during training sessions at various universities through South Africa. Subjects completed a survey about level of training and experience, previous ECG training and their impression of the current training program and how it could be improved. They were then asked to interpret 10 clinically important ECGs. The trainees in their first and second years of emergency medicine training were compared to their more senior counterparts (third to fifth years).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007.
Title from PDF of title page (viewed Oct. 13, 2009). Additional advisors: Jerri D. Edwards, David L. Roth, David E. Vance, Virginia G. Wadley. Includes bibliographical references (p. 36-44).