Don Cherry , Teddy Lazebnik , Carolyn J. Henry , Brittany N. Florkiewicz
{"title":"Harnessing AI-based computer vision to evaluate biological and behavioral variables in dog-dog play interactions","authors":"Don Cherry , Teddy Lazebnik , Carolyn J. Henry , Brittany N. Florkiewicz","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Social play among mammals is thought to be crucial for the development of socio-cognitive and motor skills. Trait matching, or the tendency of individuals to seek partners who share similar biological and behavioral traits, could enhance the benefits of play by allowing mammals to accurately and reliably predict each other’s behavior. As a result, this could lead to smoother social interactions. To test this idea, we explored the preferences of domesticated dogs during intraspecific open play bout sessions, as dogs are known for engaging in high levels of social play even into adulthood. In line with other studies on intraspecific play in dogs, we examined whether trait matching affected play duration and the average distance between dogs. We specifically predicted that trait matching would lead to longer play times and closer average proximity. We analyzed the effects of both biological (size, age, sex) and behavioral (head-to-head contact, head-to-tail contact, rearing history) traits on duration and distance. We did not find any evidence to support our predictions. Given the null results of our study and the recent mixed findings from other research on intraspecific dog play, it seems that other biological and behavioral factors (such as energy levels and personality traits) may play a role in trait matching. This, in turn, could influence the average duration and distance of play, although additional research is needed to confirm these ideas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 7-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tanveer Khan, Noor Hashida Hashim, Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain, Hasmahzaiti Omar
{"title":"Nocturnal rat-tapir interaction raises welfare concerns in captive settings","authors":"Tanveer Khan, Noor Hashida Hashim, Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain, Hasmahzaiti Omar","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Unusual interspecies interactions in captivity may pose welfare risks to zoo animals, particularly wild rodents, as hosts for diverse pathogens. Using nocturnal camera-trap monitoring, we documented a previously unreported interaction between Malayan tapir (<em>Tapirus indicus</em>) and rats. Over five nights, 35 rat-tapir interaction events were recorded, with 80% occurring between 21:00 and 06:30 h. Among the 35 recorded events, 14 events (40%) involved direct physical contact, during which one or more rats (up to 4 individuals) interacted with one or both tapirs, often concentrating around pre-existing wounds. The remaining 21 events (60%) were close proximity events without physical contact. Tapirs showed avoidance or defensive responses to direct contact, including sudden jerks, high-pitched vocalizations, and withdrawal movements. Rat activity decreased markedly on the night when a stray cat was recorded, suggesting predator avoidance. While the precise nature of this interaction remains unclear, it raises important welfare concerns for captive animals. We recommend routine nocturnal monitoring, proactive rodent control, and improved enclosure management. Additional research is required to determine the true nature of this interaction and to assess its prevalence, mechanisms, and potential physiological effects across zoos.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 94-96"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147797375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C.M. Vinke , D. Hartman , M. Meijer , S.M.A. Gardeweg , I.R. van Herwijnen
{"title":"Case reports of two dogs from commercial breeding establishments: Their behavioral and health problems - treatment, training and outcomes","authors":"C.M. Vinke , D. Hartman , M. Meijer , S.M.A. Gardeweg , I.R. van Herwijnen","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dog puppies from commercial breeding establishments often face poor early-life conditions, leading to higher chances of developing problem behaviors. We present two cases of Labrador-type dogs with such a background to illustrate how problem behaviors, in combination with medical issues, underpin animal welfare risks. Both dogs were diagnosed with serious problem behaviors that found an onset in early-life and carried a very poor outcome. Both dogs suffered from several medical issues, which, in one case, likely worsened early-life aversive experiences, leading to a very poor prognosis. These two cases illustrate how dogs from commercial breeding establishments are predisposed to high animal welfare risks, despite the efforts of veterinarians, shelter personnel and behavioral therapists to lower such risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 87-93"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147797376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Toscano Batista , Catarina Lavrador , Gonçalo da Graça-Pereira
{"title":"Predictors of fear and anxiety in companion dogs: The role of caregiver-related variables","authors":"Maria Toscano Batista , Catarina Lavrador , Gonçalo da Graça-Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fear and anxiety (F/A) are adaptive emotional responses that, when persistent or disproportionate, may compromise canine well-being and lead to behavioral disorders. This cross-sectional study of 730 caregivers of companion dogs examined predictors of canine F/A, focusing on caregiver-related characteristics and interspecific (dog–caregiver) relationship variables. We first ran correlation analyses and then entered significant variables into multiple linear regression models to identify the most relevant predictors. Perceived caregiving costs, caregiver stress, favorable attitudes toward aversive training, and younger dog age emerged as risk factors. Basic training, medication, and more frequent veterinary consultations were associated with lower F/A. Notably, this is the first study to report an association between caregivers’ attitudes toward aversive training and F/A in dogs. The findings highlight the role of caregivers’ intrapersonal factors and interspecific relationship quality in dogs’ emotional health. The final model explained 11% of the variance in F/A.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gaëlla L. van Walraven , Sofie Salden , Jan Waelkens , Sofie F.M. Bhatti , Ine Cornelis , Emmelie Stock , Kathelijne Peremans , Jimmy H. Saunders , Anouck Haverbeke
{"title":"From frustration to clarity: Advanced imaging reduces caregiver burden in canine behavioral problems","authors":"Gaëlla L. van Walraven , Sofie Salden , Jan Waelkens , Sofie F.M. Bhatti , Ine Cornelis , Emmelie Stock , Kathelijne Peremans , Jimmy H. Saunders , Anouck Haverbeke","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Caring for dogs with chronic behavioral problems often leads to emotional exhaustion, guilt, and reduced treatment adherence among caregivers, particularly when behavioral interventions fail without a clear medical explanation. This case series describes two dogs, initially treated for aggression, compulsivity, and hyperreactivity, who were subsequently diagnosed through advanced imaging with porencephaly and Chiari-like malformation with syringomyelia. Identification of these structural abnormalities enabled caregivers to understand the neurological basis of their dogs’ behaviors, reducing uncertainty and strengthening engagement with ongoing management. By providing diagnostic clarification, advanced imaging supported more structured clinical decision-making and helped caregivers adjust expectations from cure to long-term management. In both cases, this shift reduced frustration and improved adherence to treatment strategies. These cases underscore the importance of considering neurological differentials in complex behavioral presentations and highlight the value of a multidisciplinary approach. Optimizing welfare in such cases requires not only appropriate medical intervention but also clear communication and sustained caregiver support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 79-86"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147797377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Use of a release hook to perform a bite release based on the example of military working dogs in the German military","authors":"Alexandra Nau , Susanne Hartmann , Jens Fischbach , Tobias Peters , Esther Schalke","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Immediately releasing the bite upon a previously conditioned auditory signal is a challenge for some military working dogs (MWDs) in highly motivated situations. To perform a bite release, a release hook can be used, although it has not yet been investigated to determine its compliance with the German Animal Welfare Act. MWD of the German Military were investigated by evaluating their behavior while using a bite release hook in protection work as well as by inspection of the oral cavity. No difference in behavior before and after the use of the bite release hook was detected, nor were any injuries to the oral cavity found during the examination under anesthesia. The results provide initial indications that the use of a bite release hook may be a useful tool for the MWDs in the German Military and such use is in compliance with the German Animal Welfare Act, with prior instruction has been provided by an experienced trainer in the field of service dogs. Further studies based on this are necessary to substantiate these results and allow for a conclusive statement about use. Until then, the release hook should certainly be checked beforehand and its correct use explained by expert trainers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 71-78"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147797378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A retrospective study of venlafaxine use, adverse effects, and perceived efficacy in 114 dogs with aggression disorders","authors":"Megan Petroff , Bailey H. Eagan , Lisa Radosta","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Venlafaxine is an antidepressant widely used in human medicine for psychiatric disorders and is increasingly prescribed in veterinary medicine. The goal of this retrospective study was to report on the use, adverse effects, and perceived efficacy of venlafaxine in dogs presenting with aggression-related behavioral disorders. Medical records from a veterinary behavioral referral service were reviewed for dogs prescribed venlafaxine between May 2016 and February 2021 with a presenting complaint of aggressive behavior, a diagnosis of one or more underlying behavioral disorders, and at least one follow-up contact (n = 114). The data collected included demographic details, medical history, venlafaxine use, perceived efficacy, adverse effects, and reasons for discontinuation, when applicable. Venlafaxine was started at a median dosage of 1.06 mg/kg/24h. Sixty-two of 107 patients (57.9%) treated with venlafaxine for at least three weeks and had efficacy data were reportedly improved, stable, or in remission at the most recent communication. A higher dosage was associated with increased odds of treatment efficacy (p = 0.007). Venlafaxine was discontinued in 51/114 (44.7%) dogs, primarily due to perceived adverse effects (72.5% of discontinuations) or lack of improvement (25.5%). Adverse events were reported in 59/107 dogs (55.1%), with lethargy and agitation the most common (19.6% each). Higher dosages were also significantly associated with higher odds of adverse events (p < 0.001), and adverse events resolved with dosage reduction or discontinuation. These findings suggest venlafaxine may be a promising component of multimodal treatment for dogs presenting with aggression as a clinical sign; however, controlled studies are needed to establish recommended dosing and efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 97-108"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147849660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer Vernick, Camille Squair , Karen L. Overall
{"title":"The successful use of medications and behavior modification in the treatment of a dog rescued from an animal hoarding situation: A case report","authors":"Jennifer Vernick, Camille Squair , Karen L. Overall","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2026.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An approximately 2-year-old, male neutered, Australian cattle dog mix was presented to the Atlantic Veterinary College shortly after being adopted from a local humane society. The dog was born into an animal hoarding situation and remained there until he was surrendered to a humane society at roughly two years, along with 76 other dogs from the same property. About 1 month after adoption, the owners noted that the dog was continuing to be fearful and withdrawn and sought a consultation with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. He was diagnosed with fear/fearful behaviors and social anxiety. He responded favorably to treatment with the medications paroxetine, gabapentin, and alprazolam, and to a behavior modification protocol and environmental management designed to protect him as he recovered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"85 ","pages":"Pages 16-23"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Toscano Batista , Catarina Lavrador , Gonçalo da Graça-Pereira
{"title":"Separation-related problems in dogs: Influence of caregiver characteristics and fear/anxiety","authors":"Maria Toscano Batista , Catarina Lavrador , Gonçalo da Graça-Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.12.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.12.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Separation-related problems (SRPs) are among the most prevalent behavioral disorders in companion dogs, with negative consequences for the welfare of both dogs and their caregivers. This cross-sectional study focused primarily on caregiver-related characteristics influencing SRPs, followed by the role of fear/anxiety behaviors in dogs. Initial correlation analyses were conducted, and variables significantly associated with SRPs were included in multiple linear regression models to identify the most relevant predictors from a broad set of factors. The results underscore the role of interpersonal dynamics and fear/anxiety. Caregiver stress, emotional closeness to the dog, more positive attitudes towards aversive training methods, and co-sleeping emerged as risk factors, collectively explaining 8.7% of the variance in SRPs. When fear/anxiety was added to the model, the explained variance increased, with the final model accounting for 15% of the variability in this behavioral disorder. In contrast to previous notions that an inadequate dog–caregiver relationship stems from avoidant attachment, the findings suggest that excessive emotional closeness on the part of the caregiver may be a more relevant factor. Future studies should aim to include additional variables in the model (e.g., unpredictable routines, previous kennel stays) to increase its explanatory power.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"84 ","pages":"Pages 19-25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brittany N. Florkiewicz , Eddie Kanevsky , Anna Zamansky , Teddy Lazebnik
{"title":"Close encounters of the cat kind: The influence of context and sex on facial signaling proximity in domesticated cats (Felis silvestris catus)","authors":"Brittany N. Florkiewicz , Eddie Kanevsky , Anna Zamansky , Teddy Lazebnik","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Animals, such as domesticated cats, establish and maintain various types of social bonds through frequent and affectionate interactions, which can include behaviors like allogrooming, allorubbing, and co-sleeping. In our previous study, we found that these behaviors are facilitated by rapid facial mimicry, a process that allows individuals to connect with one another both physically and psychologically. When measuring social bonds among animals, researchers have often relied on spatial proximity measurements, and recently, there has been a movement toward using AI-based approaches to improve accuracy in these assessments. However, such approaches have not yet been applied to the study of domestic cat affiliative behavior and social bonding, despite their large degree of social flexibility. In our current study, we use AI-based computer vision systems to investigate the relationship between social context (affiliative vs. non-affiliative), sex composition (female-female, mixed-sex, male-male), and spatial proximity during intraspecific cat facial signaling interactions. Based on our understanding of social bonding in domesticated cats, we developed two testable predictions: (P1) that cats will be closer during affiliative facial signaling interactions than during non-affiliative ones; and (P2) that adult sex composition affects communicative proximity, with female–female dyads showing the closest proximity, followed by female–male/male–female, and finally male–male dyads. Our results supported P2 but not P1. Interestingly, cats showed significantly greater spatial proximity during non-affiliative facial signaling interactions than during affiliative ones. Our study reveals the utility of AI-based approaches in the study of cat behavior, while also presenting a more complex and nuanced social profile of cats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"84 ","pages":"Pages 9-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}