The cage as an educational and therapeutic tool for dogs: Results of a dog’s owners questionnaire survey

IF 2.2 2区 农林科学 Q1 AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE
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Abstract

Introduction

The primary motivation for dog ownership is companionship, significantly enhancing the quality of life for both dogs and their owners. However, behavioral problems can strain this bond, leading many owners to resort to caging as a management strategy. This study aims to examine the frequency of cage use for educational and behavioral reasons, assess its efficacy in modifying behaviors, and explore potential welfare implications.

Materials and methods

A 41-question survey was disseminated via social networks from January to June 2021, collecting data on various aspects related to dogs, including caging history, duration, type of cage, outcomes for training purposes, behavioral modification plans, and welfare impact. The survey, available in French, English, and Hebrew, gathered responses from 1305 dog owners across 23 countries.

Results

The study found that 25.4 % of respondents used cages for their dogs. Neutered female dogs were more likely to be caged than their counterparts. The majority of caged dogs were puppies aged 6 months or younger, typically caged for training purposes. According to owners report, training goals were more easily achieved than behavioral goals, with dogs caged for behavioral conditions exhibiting more signs of distress.

Discussion

The findings highlight the prevalent use of caging for various purposes. If the study outcomes show an overall low level of discomfort for caged dogs, they also emphasize that signs of distress significantly increase when the cage is used for managing behavioral issues. The study underscores the need for enhanced education for veterinarians and trainers to reduce unnecessary caging and promote alternative management strategies. Future research should incorporate objective measures of behavior and welfare, explore the efficacy of alternative strategies, and investigate cultural factors influencing caging practices.

Conclusion

Crating can serve educational purposes with minimal welfare impact when used appropriately. However, it is ineffective and potentially detrimental when used for behavioral therapy in dogs with behavioral disorders. Owners should seek professional guidance and closely monitor their dogs for signs of distress when using crates. Using a crate as a personal and protected space can be beneficial if the dog retains control over its use.

笼子是狗的教育和治疗工具:狗主人问卷调查结果
导言:养狗的主要动机是陪伴,这大大提高了狗和主人的生活质量。然而,行为问题会使这种关系变得紧张,导致许多主人将笼子作为一种管理策略。本研究旨在调查出于教育和行为原因而使用笼养的频率,评估笼养在改变行为方面的效果,并探讨潜在的福利影响。材料和方法 2021 年 1 月至 6 月,我们通过社交网络发布了一份 41 个问题的调查问卷,收集了与狗有关的各个方面的数据,包括笼养历史、持续时间、笼子类型、训练结果、行为矫正计划和福利影响。该调查以法语、英语和希伯来语进行,收集了来自 23 个国家 1305 名狗主人的回复。与同类相比,绝育后的母狗更有可能被关在笼子里。被关在笼子里的狗大多是 6 个月或更小的幼犬,它们被关在笼子里通常是为了接受训练。根据狗主人的报告,训练目标比行为目标更容易实现,因行为问题而被关在笼子里的狗表现出更多的痛苦迹象。研究结果表明,笼养狗的总体不适程度较低,但同时也强调,当笼子被用于管理行为问题时,狗的痛苦症状会明显增加。这项研究强调,有必要加强对兽医和训练员的教育,以减少不必要的笼养并推广其他管理策略。未来的研究应纳入行为和福利的客观测量指标,探索替代策略的有效性,并调查影响笼养做法的文化因素。然而,在对有行为障碍的狗进行行为治疗时,笼养是无效的,而且可能有害。狗主人在使用围笼时应寻求专业指导,并密切监视狗是否有痛苦的迹象。如果狗狗能够控制围笼的使用,那么将围笼用作个人和受保护的空间是有益的。
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来源期刊
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Applied Animal Behaviour Science 农林科学-行为科学
CiteScore
4.40
自引率
21.70%
发文量
191
审稿时长
18.1 weeks
期刊介绍: This journal publishes relevant information on the behaviour of domesticated and utilized animals. Topics covered include: -Behaviour of farm, zoo and laboratory animals in relation to animal management and welfare -Behaviour of companion animals in relation to behavioural problems, for example, in relation to the training of dogs for different purposes, in relation to behavioural problems -Studies of the behaviour of wild animals when these studies are relevant from an applied perspective, for example in relation to wildlife management, pest management or nature conservation -Methodological studies within relevant fields The principal subjects are farm, companion and laboratory animals, including, of course, poultry. The journal also deals with the following animal subjects: -Those involved in any farming system, e.g. deer, rabbits and fur-bearing animals -Those in ANY form of confinement, e.g. zoos, safari parks and other forms of display -Feral animals, and any animal species which impinge on farming operations, e.g. as causes of loss or damage -Species used for hunting, recreation etc. may also be considered as acceptable subjects in some instances -Laboratory animals, if the material relates to their behavioural requirements
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