{"title":"The cage as an educational and therapeutic tool for dogs: Results of a dog’s owners questionnaire survey","authors":"Stéphane Bleuer-Elsner , Sylvia Masson","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106386","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>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.</p></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>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.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>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.</p></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><p>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.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>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.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 106386"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2000,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016815912400234X","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
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.
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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