2015 IWDC Program (France)
The theme, “Working Dogs in Challenging Environments: new uses, new problems, new solutions”, has provided the opportunity to offer exciting information on an extensive range of topics which you will find both interesting and professionally developmental.
The environments in which working dogs are being utilized are growing at a vigorous pace, as our knowledge constantly increases in relation to their extraordinary capabilities. As their number grows, so does our challenge to identify best practices in the numerous activities associated to interrelated programs e.g. breeding, whelping, assessment, selection, training, program management etc. However, the challenge does not end there. We owe it to our canine partners to develop the networks we will establish during this conference and share the expertise we have in our specific fields. We must commit to regularly examine our best practices to ensure that they remain relevant and evolve as new discoveries are made.
The primary mission of the International Working Dog Breeding Association is to facilitate this exchange of information and thereby support professional education and interaction between international working dog programs.
Day 1 (23 Mar 2015) - Genetics, Behaviour and Training. Is there a missing link?
Crossbreed genetic analysis of a standardised behavioural test for potential guide dog puppies – Presented by KATY EVANS
Co-authors: Thomas W. Lewis, Lucy Asher, Simon Blythe, Matthew Bottomley, Lisa Tootill, Rena Roberts, Helen Whiteside, Gary C. W. England, Sarah C. Blott ; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Loughborough, UK
The international working dog registry: a new service to be provided by IWDBA – Presented by ELDIN LEIGHTON
Co authors: Patrick MacIsaac, Paul Mundell, Karen Overall, Walt Burghardt, Miguel Stevens, Erik Wilsson, Dominique Grandjean, Hannes Slabbert, Al Grossman; IWDBA, San Antonio, USA
Avoiding the surgeon : Preventing stifle disease – Presented by Bess Pierce
Genetic linkage and fine mapping of hunt and play behavior in explosives dogs from the TSA breeding and development center – Presented by Liz Hare
Co-authors: Katharine Lee, Scott Thomas; Dog Genetics LLC, Sunnyside, USA
Increased genetic improvements by cooperation among breeding programs; example from breeding of English Setter in Sweden and Norway – Presented by Per Arvelius
Co-authors: Gunnar Klemetsdal ; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
Early puppyhood education, what are the pros and cons for detection dogs? – Presented by Cynthia Otto
Co-authors: Annemarie DeAngelo, Patricia Kaynaroglu, Victoria Berkowitz ; Penn Vet Working Dog Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Personality and performance of search dog-human dyads: to match or not to match? A preliminary study – Presented by SARA HOUMMADY
Co-authors: Franck Peron, Loic Desquilbet, Loic Jullien, Barbara Bernard, Emmanuelle Titeux, Dominique Grandjean, Delphine Clero, Caroline Gilbert ; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR7179 CNRS/MNHN, France
Acquisition of dogs with previous biting incidents for police work – Presented by ESTHER SCHALKE
In the last years we have trained dogs the owners wanted to re-home because they showed either aggressive behaviour towards strangers, their handlers or both. Regardless of other factors all dogs had two former training ways in common:
• Triggering high level of arousal during training, and using positive punishment to keep dogs under control.
• Poorly structured impulse control training inducing a high degree of frustration
Due to Kiff et al. we developed a special training program mostly based on:
• Evaluation of the training level and the underlying emotions.
• Management
• Controlling resources.
• Avoiding positive punishment because the dogs learned to avoid punishment by showing aggressive behaviour.
• A highly structured training program based on positive reinforcement.
• Training the dog to act with an external reward, to learn a way to cope with competing motivation.
Co-author: Hans Ebbers ; Luologic GmbH, Duesseldorf Germany
Esther Schalke is a Doctor in veterinary medicine, graduated from the University of Hanover (Germany) in 1996. She got her PhD in 2000, is a board certified specialist in animal behavior (ECVBM-CA), and works as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute of Animal Behavior and Welfare, University of veterinary medicine Hanover. In 2009 she founded the Lupologic GmbH: center of applied ethology and veterinary behavior medicine, and published numerous publications in collaboration with the police dogs school of the LAFP North Rhine Westphalia.
The wellbeing of the guide dog: social skills and practices of people with visual disabilities – Presented by Stéphanie Michenaud
People with visual impairments indicate that dogs bring comfort when walking outdoors. They acknowledge the support provided daily by their dog for compensating their disabilities, but it is also a social catalyst. Participants will also mention the intimate relationship they have built with their canine companion. If the benefits to the individual are often mentioned, guide dog trainers also inform the dog has physical and psychological needs The study aims to question the visually impaired people on knowledge and practices intended to take care of their dog. The goals of this work are to: identify the different knowledge, practices around the wellbeing of working dogs and identify the characteristics of people and relationships that trigger a care more or less towards the dog. The psychosocial approach of social representations and practices around care of guide dogs for people with disabilities is being considered from the cultural and institutional integration.
Co-author: Marie Preau ; Social Psychology Research Group, University Lyon 2, France
Stéphanie is a Phd student in Social Psychology (GRePs – Social Psychology Research Group) at the University of Lyon 2, France. Her thesis concerns the compensation of visual disability by the guide dog based on a psychosocial perspective. Especially, this work focuses on the effects of guide dogs on people’s quality of life, on social identity and on the perception (social representations/attitudes) of people concerning guide dogs. It explores too practices of disabled people about their dogs’well-being. She obtained her Master of Psychology from University of Nantes (France). During her Master, she has conducted research on social representation and attitudes of people on assistance dogs and on Coexistence between man and bear in the Pyrenees (France) : an illustration of social thought. Her main interests are dog-human relationship in working contexts, cultural influence on dog-human relationship, perceptions and practices regarding dogs welfare. She is also interested in dog-human communication, interactions and canine personality. More generally, her interests are in animal-human interactions and how they impact on all participants based on a psychosocial approach. She is also a professionnel dog trainer, specialised in positive training using clicker-training. She has worked at CESECAH (Breeding and Selection Centre of guide dogs, French Federation of Guide Dog Association) and was dog trainer at Handi’Chiens (training assistance dogs for disabled people, children with autism and for animal assisted activities). She works with dogs owners and proposes educational activities with children, teenagers and elderly people. She currently teaches future professional dog trainers (Animalin) and students who will work in Animal Assisted Activities (EFCMA).
Sex ratio: is it always 1:1? – Presented by ELDIN Leighton
A major challenge in maintaining a canine breeding colony is finding a sufficient number of breeding-quality females. Within litters, ranges from 0% to 100% of female pups born are observed, but as litters are aggregated into increasingly larger groups, the sex ratio generally draws toward 1:1. In the shorter-term, however, an altered sex ratio increases the challenge of finding breeding-quality females. Among The Seeing Eye’s German Shepherd Dogs grouped by calendar quarters since 1980, the percent of females born varied from 18% to 76%. Certainly, chance alone plays a role in creating this shortterm variation, but recent studies have revealed that additional mechanisms are also operating. An altered sex ratio was observed in litters where at least one monorchid or cryptorchid (undescended testicle) puppy was born and in litters containing one or more pups born with an umbilical hernia. Cause and effect should not be ascribed to this observation.
Co-authors: Morristown, NJ Gaudenz Dolf, Ph.D., University of Berne, Switzerland ; Claude Gaillard, Ph.D., University of Berne, Switzerland ; Claude Schelling, DVM, Zurich University, Switzerland
Founded in 1929, The Seeing Eye, Inc. is the oldest guide dog school in the world. Since the 1940’s, they have bred dogs to work as guides for blind people. In 1980, they asked Dr. Leighton to develop a breeding plan to genetically reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia, while also maintaining the ability of the dogs to be trained for work as guides. By following his plan, the organization reduced the incidence of hip dysplasia to less than 5% in young dogs over the first 10 years. Since 1995, Dr. Leighton has been fully responsible for overseeing implementation of the breeding plan, and today, he holds the endowed Jane H. Booker Chair in Canine Genetics at The Seeing Eye.
Guide dogs in the City of Paris – Presented by Marc Blondot
Guide dog school of Paris works for more than 30 years to create efficient partnerships between guide dog owners and their animals. In that direction, our breeding is the vital pillar to prepare the future. Our training must be updated regularly, explained and understood by everyone in the chain : puppy walkers, trainers, instructors, guide dog owners. Like any learning, it must be maintained and reinforced.
After a high school diploma, Marc Blondot went to Bordeaux University for two years more, in Social Careers and graduated in June 1989. After this new diploma, he joined the guide dog school of Paris as a trainer, in December 1989. He actually continues his career in Paris as Aftercare manager. During these 25 years, he trained dogs, worked with clients in classes, worked also with puppy walkers and taught new trainers, in the guide dog’s work. He also could travel and visit different other schools around the world and had the opportunity to receive, with his staff, assessors from IGDF.
The use of frozen and chilled canine semen – Presented by Maarten Kappen
The use of extended canine semen for artificial insemination instead of natural breeding is a very common procedure in canine reproduction nowadays in our clinic. In some cases we can control the whole process from collection of the semen to delivery of the puppies but in many cases only small parts of it. The weakest point in this reproduction chain makes the f inal results though. The presentation will go over the different steps in this more and more internationally influenced chain from animal selection and genetics, collection of the semen, quality evaluation, extenders, chilling and freezing, stocking, shipment, sanitary (governmental) rules, quarantine problems, insemination surgical versus TCI and the results we had with the latter in our repro clinic.
Maarten Kappen is a doctor in veterinary medicine, graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of Utrecht (Netherland) in 1984. He studied veterinary surgery at University of Florida and laws at the University of Tilburg. After running a private veterinary practice in the Netherlands till 1995, he now works with Cryolab Eersel, the number 1 dutch company regarding semenbanking, dedicated research and distribution.
True or false? Differentiating negative responses in trained detection dogs – Presented by Astrid Concha
The absence of the trained alert response performed by a detection dogs may not necessarily mean that the target odour is absent (false negative). To address this we examined whether the sniffing duration of trained detection dogs during a single scent detection task differs in response to true positives, true negatives, false positives and false negatives. A total of 200 videos of 10 detection dogs were selected and analysed frame by frame to quantify sniffing duration and the number of sniffing episodes recorded before a choice was made. The results showed that sniffing duration of true negatives was significantly shorter than true positives, false negatives and positives (p<0.001). Additionally dogs only performed one sniffing episode towards true negatives, but two sniffing episodes occurred in the other responses. This study provides evidence that sniffing duration can be used to assess odour alert performance in detection dogs beyond the trained alert response.
Co-authors: Daniel Mills, Alexandre Feugier, Helen Zulch, Claire Guest, Rob Harris, Tom Pike ; School of Life Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
Astrid Concha is currently in her final year of a PhD at the University of Lincoln focusing on the olfactory alert performance in dogs. She is a veterinarian specialized in neuroelectrophysiology and holds a Master degree in small animal behaviour of the Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona. Since 2003, she has lectured in Chile and worked in private practice in clinical animal behaviour, training dogs for people with disabilities, and also supervised welfare and training programmes in police/military working dogs. Her current research and work interests are focused on the behavioural aspects of the olfactory detection and alert performance in detection dogs.
States of arousal are related to successfully working as guide dogs – Presented by Jane Russenberger
Using a scoring instrument called the Behavior Checklist (BCL), behavior scores and longitudinal video were collected on over 1,500 puppies and 1,200 young adult Labrador Retrievers. The BCL is a standardized instrument for characterizing aspects of a dog’s behavior thought to be related to the dog’s suitability for work as a guide. Estimates of heritability of each BCL item ranged from 0 to 0.36 and tended to be highest when measured at age 2 months and lower when measured upon entering training and during training. Analyses of BCL data suggest that genetic influences on BCL items related to success as guide dogs can be detected at various age points with estimates of heritability being sufficiently high to use for genetic improvement. Longitudinal video suggest that dogs were more successful as guide dogs when raised by handlers who helped them remain or return to a productive state of arousal.
Over the past 27 years, Jane has been the Director of Genetics and Breeding at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, New York. Using various scoring systems in collaboration with multiple specialists, Jane has studied and scored aspects of behavior on thousands of potential guide dogs. The knowledge gained has been incorporated into improving the genetic as well as environmental influences on behavior of 165 guide dogs and 10 autism support dogs annually produced by Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Day 2 (24 Mar 2015) - Working technical advances and progress in working dogs
Canine performance science (CPS) program at Auburn University – Presented by James Floyd
The CPS mission: Through research, teaching and outreach, the Auburn University CANINE PERFORMANCE SCIENCES program continually improves animal detection science and technology to serve and defend the nation and society. CPS has four sub-components: (1) Canine Detection Research Institute; (2) Veterinary Sports Medicine; (3) ECO Dog; and (4) Detector Dog Breeding. CPS research investigates factors affecting operational performance in detector canines, including both human and canine elements: handler knowledge, skills, abilities, and canine compatibilities; canine environmental acclimatization, nutrition, physical conditioning, auditory & visual distractors, olfaction target variables, and health. Auburn has patented Vapor Wake® technology for the development and training of specialized bomb detector canines. The CPS breeding program is expanding from six breeding females to 20 with a selected cadre of ten males. The breeding program progeny tests all pups under a standard protocol developing estimated breeding values alongside molecular genomics in collaboration with the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.
Co-authors: Paul Waggoner, Thomas Angle, Terrence Fischer, Bart Rogers, Jeanne Brock, Pamela Haney, Holli Thompson, Karen Galik; College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, USA
After five years’ service in the U.S. Army, Dr. Floyd graduated from veterinary school and entered private veterinary practice, f irst as an associate and then as a practice owner. Following an internship and residency in Theriogenology at the University of Illinois he served as Extension Veterinarian and Professor in the Dept. of Animal and Dairy Sciences at Auburn University and then as Dept. Chairman. He was named Professor and Head of the Dept. of Farm Animal Health & Resource Management at North Carolina State University. He retired in 2011 and returned to Auburn, Alabama where in 2012 he was named Interim Director of the Auburn University Canine Performance Sciences program. As a U. S. Army Veterinary Corps officer he deployed in Operations Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom (Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and U. S. Forces, Afghanistan).
The neonatal period: also a challenge in working dog breeding centers – Presented by Emmanuel Fontaine
As working dog breeding programs become more and more popular, defining breeding management best practices appears as something key. Among all situations that can occur, neonatal mortality is clearly a challenging – and often frustrating- one. Any breeding program manager now needs to be aware of 1) main causes of neonatal mortality in canines and 2) what can be done in terms of prevention. Studies showed that what happens at the time of parturition clearly influences neonatal survival. Fortunately today, it is possible to detect at-risk bitches prior they give birth, and accordingly, schedule a C-section. Proper neonatal resuscitation management is also critical: many techniques “of the past” have a detrimental effect and must be banished. Proper husbandry measures need to be defined: neonates are prone to hypothermiahypoglycaemia-dehydration, which can be prevented as well with appropriate procedures.
Emmanuel Fontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004, and continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) as trainee Vet in the domestic carnivore unit of the Reproduction Department. From 2005 to 2011, he worked at the Centre d’Etude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and recently completed his PhD. He joined Royal Canin Canada ‘s PRO team in September 2011.
The importance of microbial exposure early in life – Presented by Asa Vilson
The gastrointestinal tract is the largest immunologic organ in the body and gut mucosa represent the first contact between pathogens and the immune response. The prevalence of allergic disease has increased the past decades in humans1 as well as in dogs. This is most likely associated with changes in environmental factors. Strachan proposed the so called hygiene hypothesis in 1989, explaining that decreased microbial exposure as a result of hygienic conditions in early life may have an impact on the balance of the immune system, resulting in development of allergic diseases. The importance of microbial exposure early in life is illustrated by findings that delivery mode may have effects on the immunological function in infants. Under normal conditions of delivery there is transfer of faecal bacteria from the mother to the baby. Children born through sterile caesarean section have a different gut microbiota compared to vaginally born children2,3 , and may have increased risk of allergy4. Despite their simple gut, the canine gut microbiome is highly diverse5,6. The sterile gastrointestinal tract of neonates is rapidly colonized by bacteria in the birth canal and surrounding environment. Already 24 hours after birth, the numbers of bacteria in the GI-tract were comparable to those in adult dogs7. Exposure to a host of potentially immune regulatory bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract early in life may have life-long consequences. In this respect probiotic bacteria are of particular interest. Probiotics are live microorganisms with documented beneficial effects on health. As they are safe to use, probiotics are of interest as potential modulators of immunity and, as a consequence, in prevention and treatment of immune mediated diseases, such as allergies. Exposure of puppies to probiotics during a critical time period is proposed to modulate immune function into their adult life8. In children, immune imprinting with maternal probiotic supplementation has been shown to modulate immune function and enhance gut integrity, thereby decreasing the incidence of immune mediated diseases. The first study9 aiming to prevent allergies by probiotics, showed a 50% reduction of atopy in infants treated with probiotics. In a study10 based on Swedish insurance data, we described a breed-specific pattern of diseases in 32,482 German shepherd dogs (GSD). We confirmed that this popular working dog breed is prone to immune mediated disorders. It was 2.7 times more common that a GSD searched veterinary care for immunological disorders, compared to all other breeds. This predisposition for immune mediated conditions is in agreement with other epidemiological and case studies and may be a result of inherited defects in the immune system11-14. We are now studying specific immune parameters in the growing GSD, but also the impact of early probiotic supplementation upon the immune response.
Åsa Vilson graduated from Copenhagen vet school in 2008. Since then, she has been working as a small animal veterinarian in Skara, Sundsvall and Östersund (Sweden). In 2010 she started her Phd-studies at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. She studies possibilities of immune stimulation early in life in German Shepherd Dogs bred at the Swedish Armed Forces kennel. Åsa lives outside Östersund in the north of Sweden. She is a dedicated bird hunter and she owns and breeds English setters used for hunting and field trials.
Training puppies and young dogs to become a detection dog for explosive by using a technical training aid – Presented by Esther Schalke
This talk is about training puppies and young dogs to become a detection dog for explosive by using a technical training aid. Especially in detection work it is essential to get a positive emotional association with the scent. This training way using a technical training aid ensures on one hand a good timing to get a strong positive association; on the other hand it is independent on man power. It is an easy way to train young dogs during a raising program to search for and indicate a certain scent without depending on peoples ability for perfect timing. It is a possibility to save time an man power and getting a good detection dog.
Co-authors: Hans Ebbers ; Luologic GmbH, Duesseldorf, Germany
Esther Schalke is a Doctor in veterinary medicine, graduated from the University of Hanover (Germany) in 1996. She got her PhD in 2000, is a board certified specialist in animal behavior (ECVBM-CA), and works as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute of Animal Behavior and Welfare, University of veterinary medicine Hanover. In 2009 she founded the Lupologic GmbH: center of applied ethology and veterinary behavior medicine, and published numerous publications in collaboration with the police dogs school of the LAFP North Rhine Westphalia.
Welfare of working dogs and its impact on ability – Presented by Nicola Rooney
Research shows us that an individual animal’s ability to cope with their environment affects not only their wellbeing but also their working ability. This is relevant to all types of working dogs for example our own studies of explosives search dogs illustrate a link between the stress levels that dogs experience upon entering training kennels and their subsequent performance twelve weeks later. It is therefore important that we strive to design optimal housing, husbandry and training regimes to mitigate potential distress, as well as selecting individual dogs that are better able to cope with the lifestyle (e.g. kennelling) of a working dog. I will describe a range of research studies aimed at elucidating the best ways to improve kennelled dog welfare, prioritising those factors which are most important to the dogs. I will describe the importance of handler selection based on attitude and behaviour, and how training can improve handlers’ ability to detect the early signs of fear; and hence avoid many potential welfare problems. Finally, I describe our recent, and on-going, research into greyhound welfare, where we aim to prioritise and address.
Dr Nicola Rooney (BSc PGCE PhD) is a Research Fellow in the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group at the University of Bristol. She has a PhD in dog behaviour and for the past fourteen years has headed a team conducting research on working dogs, working collaboratively with many agencies worldwide. Her research has included:
• examining working dog selection criteria and breed differences in ability,
• investigating the effects of rearing environments on search dog ability,
• developing ways to measuring working ability,
• determining optimal handler selection;
• developing training resources for military handlers to recognise and quantify dog behavior;
• assessing and examining ways of improving the welfare of kenneled dogs;
• exploring the value of hypogylcaemia alert dogs.
She also works as an independent consultant to the RSPCA and has helped produce Codes of Practice for the care of both dogs and cats, the RSPCA Performing Animals Guidelines, and coordinated and co-authored the influential Independent Report entitled “Pedigree dog breeding in the UK: a major welfare concern?”.She has recently started a new large scale project on racing greyhound welfare.
Variability of the detection response of explosive detection dogs (EDD) faced with varying quantities of RDX-type explosives – Presented by Ann Jacob
Canine olfaction and explosive detection can be influenced by many factors. These factors, which were determined by a retrospective literature study, can be classified as internal or external to the EDD team (handler and dog). Internal factors include anatomical variation, age, iatrogenic influence and cognitive ability. External factors include many factors that can be classified into three sub-categories following their time of occurrence: during initial training, during maintenance and in operational conditions. Amongst these external factors, the effect on detection of the variation of the quantity of explosive was further 11:00 – 11:20 am explored because of its possible impact during military operations. The study was performed on Belgian Military EDD to determine whether varying the quantities of explosives (RDX type in this case) had an influence not only on the detection capability but also on the behavior displayed by the dogs. Three quantities of RDX-type explosive were used in a hand luggage line-up situation. The result demonstrated that the use of larger quantities showed no detection variation. However, three significant behavior traits appeared during the detection of the largest quantity of explosive.
Real time detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus using detection dogs – Presented by Thomas Angle
Military and police working dogs are often exposed to stressful or threatening events, and an improper response i.e. fear may implicate both reduced working efficiency and welfare. Therefore finding individuals that display a favourable response to potentially threatening situations is of great interest. In this on-going study we investigate the dogs responses in the standardised temperament test used to select prospective military working dogs for the Swedish Armed Forces, trying to discriminate behaviours seen in dogs rated as suitable from those rated as non-suitable, using both behavioural rating and behaviour coding. To further improve the interpretation of the recorded behaviour in regard to stress, we will also measure cortisol. Behavioural coding and behavioural rating were equally good at judging the dogs’ suitability even though they were not measuring the same characteristics of the displayed behaviour. Some differences in behaviour could be seen between approved and non-approved dogs. Results from the saliva cortisol levels are yet to be analysed.
Co-authors: Thomas Passler, Paul Waggoner ; Canine performance sciences center, Auburn University, USA
Dr. Angle received his Masters degrees in biomechanics and exercise physiology and his PhD in biomechanics. He is also holds dual board certifications in human athletic training and strength and conditioning. Dr. Angle is currently the Associate Director of the Canine Performance Sciences Program at Auburn University. Dr. Angle is the author or coauthor on several refereed scientific publications and has 2 patents. He has also been co-investigator on more than 11.8 million dollars in research funding. The majority of Dr. Angle’s funding has been from US and foreign governments focused on performance evaluation and enhancement of detection dogs. Dr. Angle’s general research interests are to develop new dog team operational capabilities to counter present and future threats; innovate new technologies to increase safety, efficiency, and mission success; increase the physical, physiological, and psychological function of our K9 partners; and problem solve mission critical issues.
Behaviour and cortisol responses in a standardised test for military working dogs – Presented by Pernilla Foyer
Military and police working dogs are often exposed to stressful or threatening events, and an improper response i.e. fear may implicate both reduced working efficiency and welfare. Therefore finding individuals that display a favourable response to potentially threatening situations is of great interest. In this on11:40 – 12:30 pm going study we investigate the dogs responses in the standardised temperament test used to select prospective military working dogs for the Swedish Armed Forces, trying to discriminate behaviours seen in dogs rated as suitable from those rated as nonsuitable, using both behavioural rating and behaviour coding. To further improve the interpretation of the recorded behaviour in regard to stress, we will also measure cortisol. Behavioural coding and behavioural rating were equally good at judging the dogs’ suitability even though they were not measuring the same characteristics of the displayed behaviour. Some differences in behaviour could be seen between approved and non-approved dogs. Results from the saliva cortisol levels are yet to be analysed.
Co-authors: Anna-Maria Svedberg, Emma Nilsson, Erik Wilsson, Åshild Olsen-Faresjö, Per Jensen ; Swedish Defense University, Stockholm, Sweden
Pernilla Foyer was born in Växjö, Sweden in 1971. She graduated from the Swedish Armed Forces Academy in 1994 and has worked as an officer in the Swedish Armed Forces till 2010. She holds an MSc in Biology/ethology since 2005. In 2010 she started her current employment as a Doctoral Candidate at the Swedish Defence University in Stockholm and Linköping University. Her PhD project is a co-operation project with the Swedish Armed Forces K9 Centre and focuses on early experiences in dogs, and how the mother-offspring interaction relates to the offspring’s later temperament profile and suitability to become an MWD.
Handler-dog interface : the effects of handler’s controllability on the performance of canine in an explosive detection task – Presented by Avi Avital
The handler-dog interaction is significantly important for the canine performance. The handler error may mislead the dog into false identification, and the probability to commit such an error is altered often by the handlers’ ability to control the canine. Objectively evaluating the canine detection performance, we first have examined on- or off-leash operation mode. Secondly, translated from a rat-model study, we examined the effects of the handler’s stress characteristics (relevant or/and irrelevant to the detection task). In the first experiment, the dogs were videotaped during explosive detection task in two conditions: on- or off-leash. The latency of detection as well as activity and velocity were measured using a custommade computerized algorithm. Wind velocity, temperature and humidity were monitored during the two conditions. In the second experiment, the handlers evaluated their dogs’ behavior using a modified C-BARQ questionnaire. For baseline evaluation, the handlers were tested for attention performance and anxiety level utilizing pre-pulse inhibition and startle response tests, respectively. Following this, the handlers were randomly assigned into 3 stress conditions (relevant or/and irrelevant to the detection task) and to a control condition. The dogs performance was evaluated as aforementioned. Finally, post detection task, the handlers were re-tested for attention performance and anxiety level. Our results revealed that the performance in an explosive detection task was better in the off- versus the on-leash condition. We also found that all stress conditions decreased the handlers’ attention and elevated their anxiety level. However, stress improved the canines’ latency to detect the explosive, and likewise, increased the canines’ locomotor activity. Specifically, when exposing the handlers to stress that is irrelevant to the detection task, the dogs showed a superior performance, across all measures. Focusing on the handler-dog interface, we found that when the handlers’ anxiety level is elevated, the dog performance is improved. We postulate that since the handlers’ exposure to stress elevated anxiety level and impaired their attention, it may have led to less control over the dog. Consequently, it allowed the dogs to ‘take control’ and manifest their training outcomes. This alleged locus of control transfer, shown in the two experiments, may explain the improved performance of the canines, and further emphasizes the importance of the handler-dog interface.
Avraham Avital is actually Head of the Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory at the Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine in Technion (Israel). He got a PhD in Psychobiology and is a board member of the Israeli Society for Biological Psychiatry, and a member of the european college of Neuropsychopharmacology education committee. Avi’s research interest are related to animal behavior (rodents models for attention and social cooperation), working dogs (long term effects of life circumstances), neural plasticity and animal-human and animal-machine interfaces.
Functional MRI of conscious dogs: relationship between brain activity and measures of working dog performance – Presented by Paul Waggoner
Relationships between brain activity during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of awake dogs and measures of detector dog performance were investigated. Differences were found in neural response to discriminative and non-discriminative odors and evidence of “top-down” regulation of olfactory bulb activity. Neural activation in response to odors and during resting state appears to be positively correlated with rankings in typical detector dog evaluations (e.g., reward focus, retrieve, hunt, environmental soundness etc.) and with ease of acquisition of the imaging task. Higher evaluation scores and ease of learning the imaging task was associated with higher neural activation to discriminative odors and connectivity between areas of the brain important in learning, memory, and decision making. Results suggest that fMRI has promise for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying odor recognition and cognitive characteristics of dogs that may that may allow for enhancements to breeding, selection and training of dogs for particular working tasks.
Co-authors: Gopikrishna Deshpande, Thomas Denney, Ronald Beyers, Hao Jia, Oleg Pustovyy, Vitaly Vodyanoy, Edward Morrison ; Canine Performance Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, USA
Paul Waggoner, Ph.D., is an experimental psychologist / behavior analyst. He serves as Senior Scientist and Assistant Director at Auburn University’s Canine Detection Research Institute within the Canine Performance Sciences Program of the College of Veterinary Medicine. His research and development is focused on the use of dogs for detection of hazardous substances. Dr. Waggoner has over 20 years of experience at Auburn performing laboratory studies of canine olfaction and field research of applied canine detection issues such as canine training, handler training, and operational deployment of canine detection teams. Current R&D topics include: Use of fMRI to investigate olfaction and other cognitive characteristics of dogs; odor detection signatures and response generalization; automated training and command of detector dogs; canine handler instruction; breeding and raising of dogs for specific working functions, and; the operational performance of detector dogs in detecting person-borne IEDs (PBIED).
Quantitative analysis of the relationship between restfullness and dog training
outcomes. – Presented by Joelle Alcaidinho
We propose a new approach for the assessment and potential outcome prediction of working dogs in advanced training through the use of continuouslyrecording technology that does not rely on constant human observation. To explore the use of such technology, specifically collar mounted accelerometers, a pilot study was conducted with Canine Companions for Independence and Whistle Labs. For this study, a total of 45 dogs at two different CCI training centers were outfitted with Whistle Activity Monitors and monitored through a portion of advanced training. The results from this study emphasize the possible correlation of working dogs’ performance with restfulness at night, when the dogs are away from trainers and otherwise unobserved. This study suggests that quantitative information from wearable devices like the Whistle Activity Monitor may be useful in tailoring the training environment and demonstrates the possibilities of utilizing quantitative measurements to assist in the training of working dogs.
Co-authors: Nate Yoder, Stephanie Tai, Kerinne Levy, Paul Mundell, Melody Jackson
Joelle Alcaidinho is a graduate student and a founding member of the Animal-Computer Interaction Lab at Georgia Institute of Technology and a research scientist at Whistle Labs. Her research is focused on the early prediction of working dog outcomes through quantimetric data by integrating approaches from the fields of animal behavior and computer science.
Evaluation of the use of pheromone collars during transition from foster homes to the JBSA-Lackland training kennel to decrease stress in young military working dogs – Presented by Desiree Broach
The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a pheromone collar in reducing the stress of transitioning young Military Working Dogs from foster homes to a kennel environment. The stressors present throughout a Military Working Dog’s (MWD) lifecycle are more intensive than those of a typical companion canine. MWDs are exposed to environmental stressors, rigorous training, and combat-related events. Although breeding selection, training, and performance evaluations aim to produce a robust and resilient working dog, reduction or mitigation of potentially controllable stressors serves to increase the welfare of the canines as well as to reduce the potential for detrimental sequelae due to chronic stress. The MWD Breeding Program at JBSALackland is fortunate to provide rearing of purposebred Belgian Malinois puppies through a Home Foster Program. The puppies are placed in foster at 6 weeks of age and cared for in private homes until 7 months of age. When the puppies are turned-in to prepare for training, they are entering into a new living situation, and the transition from a home to a kennel may be quite stressful. The use of pheromone therapy is becoming 3:00 – 3:40 pm more and more prevalent in the U.S. and veterinary behavior treatment plans, with the indications for utilization including the adoption period in stray dogs, during puppy socialization, for separation issues, during fireworks or storms, lifestyle transitions, etc. I propose that the use of a pheromone collar that is embedded with the intermammary “appeasing” pheromone for 4 weeks from the time of MWD turn-in will ease the stress of the transition from a foster home environment. Reduced stress can have beneficial effects on learning and memory, as well as overall health and behavior. I hypothesize that young MWDs that enter the kennel wearing a pheromoneembedded collar will have better performance scores and less undesirable behaviors than those who wear a placebo collar. Also, they will show more favorable behaviors characterized by less distress-related signs, aggression, distractibility, and over-activity as compared to the subjects with placebo collars. Behavior assessments will be performed at turn-in (Time: Week 1), during the performance evaluation (Week 3), and 1 week after the collars have been removed (Week 5).
Desirée Broach is a DVM, Major of the US Army Veterinary Corps, graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Georgia (USA). She served as section chief of Moody Air Force Base (Georgia) from 2008 to 2010, became Deputy Branch Chief of the Department of veterinary services at Fort Sam Houston (Texas) from 2010 to 2012, and is currently assigned to long term health education training at Fort Sam Houston.
Incorporation of the « fit to work » fitness program into a canine detection training program – Presented by Cynthia Otto
Professional athletes require more than skill specific training. Incorporation of exercises to improve balance, core strength, body awareness (proprioception), flexibility and stamina are incorporated to enhance performance and minimize injuries. Most canine training programs focus on skill specific training and assume that dogs are natural athletes. At the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, we have developed a “Fit to Work” curriculum for all dogs. This program incorporates balance, core strength, body awareness (proprioception), flexibility and stamina into the training program for all detection dogs regardless of their career. Benefits of a fitness program include increased agility, confidence and a potential reduction in injuries. In addition, incorporation of warm-up exercises prior to work and cool down after work has the potential to enhance working safety.
Co-authors: Tracy Darling, Annemarie DeAngelo, Patricia Kaynaroglu, Victoria Berkowitz ; Penn Vet Working Dog Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Dr. Otto is a tenured associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. She is board certified in Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care (DACVECC) and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (DACVMR-canine) has been an attending clinician in the Emergency Service for over 20 years and the director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center since it opened in 2012. She received a Bachelor’s of Animal Science and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University and her PhD in veterinary physiology from the University of Georgia. She has published over 60 peer reviewed articles. Her research, funded by NIH, AHA, AKC-CHF and other foundations, has included studies in sepsis, inflammation, acute lung injury, trauma, and disaster medicine. She has been monitoring the health and behavior of Urban Search and Rescue canines since October of 2001, through an AKC-CHF funded grant (now in its third renewal). She has established the AKC-Reunite Detection Dog DNA bank. She has conducted funded studies of prehydration in working dogs and the use of detection dogs in ovarian cancer detection and diabetes alert. She is an internationally recognized speaker in both emergency medicine and working dog medicine. Dr. Otto has also been involved with search and rescue dogs and disaster response as a member of the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 between 1994 and 2010 (including deployments to Hurricane Floyd and 9/11), and the Veterinary Medical Assistance Team-2 since 1999 (deploying to Hurricane Katrina). She is the founding director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center (www.PennVetWDC.org). She is active in educating search dog handlers and members of the working dog community in canine first aid and fitness. She was named Pennsylvania’s 2002 “Veterinarian of the Year” and received an Alumni Recognition Award in 2006 and the OSU Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008 from the Ohio State University and a top 20 finalist in AVMF’s America’s Favorite Veterinarian. She has been involved in dog sports (flyball, agility, and tricks), and animal assisted interactions, with her dog, Dolce.
The remote explosive scent tracing for air cargo security – Presented by Alain Sales
Several private companies operate explosive detection dogs in France for civil aviation security. Regarding Cargo, the free running technique under handler supervision is used, and the Remote Explosive Scent Tracing is also used for nearly 10 years. The French civil aviation technical center (STAC) has been studying this concept with the companies involved, then allowed it and now certifies dogs from two companies.
Co-author: Frederic fuso ; General direction for civilian aviation, Technical service of civilian aviation, biscarosse, France
Alain Sales is the actual chief of the test laboratory for the Civilian Aviation Technical Services (French Ministry of Transportation) based in Biscarosse. He is a certified expert in cynotechnics, and has been a member of the french National Gendarmerie till 2002, in charge of the national evaluation of K9 teams. Apart of his french qualifications, he is also certified in K9 drugs search by the hungarian police academy.
Measuring and investigating factors which affect the performance of working
dogs, their handlers and the teams – Presented by Nicola Rooney
The working dog community encompasses practitioners with a great deal of expertise, but also very strong and conflicting opinions as to what constitutes best practice. In order to optimise working dog ability, it is important that we monitor day to day performance and investigate, analytically, those factors which may impact upon it. To do this, we need valid and reliable methods of recording performance, which take into account the numerous different aspects of working ability which are essential to specific working dog roles. I will describe the rigorous scientific process we have employed to derive performance measures for search dogs, both during day to day work tasks and during controlled training and calibration searches. I will describe a range of studies exploring the challenges faced by handlers rating their own dog’s performance and behaviour, such as inherent biases, and how we can overcome these via training. I will then describe how measures can be adapted to measure team, and handler performance, and once we have meaningful data, how we can investigate those factors which most affect performance. I will use examples from our own work on explosives search dogs, and more recently on hypoglycaemia alert dogs.
Dr Nicola Rooney (BSc PGCE PhD) is a Research Fellow in the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group at the University of Bristol. She has a PhD in dog behaviour and for the past fourteen years has headed a team conducting research on working dogs, working collaboratively with many agencies worldwide. Her research has included:
• examining working dog selection criteria and breed differences in ability,
• investigating the effects of rearing environments on search dog ability,
• developing ways to measuring working ability,
• determining optimal handler selection;
• developing training resources for military handlers to recognise and quantify dog behavior;
• assessing and examining ways of improving the welfare of kenneled dogs;
• exploring the value of hypogylcaemia alert dogs.
She also works as an independent consultant to the RSPCA and has helped produce Codes of Practice for the care of both dogs and cats, the RSPCA Performing Animals Guidelines, and coordinated and co-authored the influential Independent Report entitled “Pedigree dog breeding in the UK: a major welfare concern?”.She has recently started a new large scale project on racing greyhound welfare.
Day 3 (26 Mar 2015) - Maintaining physical/mental ability in hostile environments
Working dogs: friend or foe? – Presented by Paul Van Der Merwe
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
Inconsistencies in olfactory training – Presented by Allen Goldblatt
A review of the published research on olfactory detection by dogs of cancer, explosives, and explosive surrogates reveals wildly divergent results. It is the opinion of the author that much of this variability is due to differences in training and testing. It is suggested that there be more standardization across facilities in terms of training methodologies.
Allen Goldblatt received his Ph.D. from the department of Biology at the University of Oregon. His thesis was focused on some effects of early olfactory experience on later behavior in rodents. Since that time he has been involved in research on olfaction. Since moving to Israel in 1974 he has been doing research on olfaction and animal behavior including experiments on variables influencing explosives detection by dogs.
Effects of hydration strategies on vehicle-screening or tracking canines in hot environments – Presented by Cynthia Otto
Dehydration is a major hazard for working dogs. Of several common strategies (water, oral electrolyte solutions or subcutaneous electrolyte pretreatment) to prevent dehydration, none have been tested for safety or efficacy. Seven vehicle-screening dogs and seven tracking dogs from US Border Patrol were randomly assigned to water, chicken-flavored oral electrolyte solution, or subcutaneous fluid pretreatment on each of three working days during July in Texas. Chicken-flavored water was also tested in the tracking dogs. Body weight, core temperature, blood values, and urine specific gravity were collected at the beginning, middle, and the end of each study day. Linear mixed effects models were fitted to the change in outcome. All hydration strategies were safe. The electrolyte solution was highly palatable. No significant differences in peak body temperature or weight loss could be detected in either setting. Hydration method did not have a large effect on objective parameters in these dogs.
Co-authors: Elizabeth Hare, Kathleen Kelsey, Jess Nord, Tracy Darling, Kasey Schmidt, Lesley Brunker; Penn Vet Working Dog Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Dr. Otto is a tenured associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. She is board certified in Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care (DACVECC) and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (DACVMR-canine) has been an attending clinician in the Emergency Service for over 20 years and the director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center since it opened in 2012. She received a Bachelor’s of Animal Science and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University and her PhD in veterinary physiology from the University of Georgia. She has published over 60 peer reviewed articles. Her research, funded by NIH, AHA, AKC-CHF and other foundations, has included studies in sepsis, inflammation, acute lung injury, trauma, and disaster medicine. She has been monitoring the health and behavior of Urban Search and Rescue canines since October of 2001, through an AKC-CHF funded grant (now in its third renewal). She has established the AKC-Reunite Detection Dog DNA bank. She has conducted funded studies of prehydration in working dogs and the use of detection dogs in ovarian cancer detection and diabetes alert. She is an internationally recognized speaker in both emergency medicine and working dog medicine. Dr. Otto has also been involved with search and rescue dogs and disaster response as a member of the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 between 1994 and 2010 (including deployments to Hurricane Floyd and 9/11), and the Veterinary Medical Assistance Team-2 since 1999 (deploying to Hurricane Katrina). She is the founding director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center (www.PennVetWDC.org). She is active in educating search dog handlers and members of the working dog community in canine first aid and fitness. She was named Pennsylvania’s 2002 “Veterinarian of the Year” and received an Alumni Recognition Award in 2006 and the OSU Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008 from the Ohio State University and a top 20 finalist in AVMF’s America’s Favorite Veterinarian. She has been involved in dog sports (flyball, agility, and tricks), and animal assisted interactions, with her dog, Dolce.
The use of search and rescue dog in the context of flash floods: learning and consequences for training – Presented by Sarah Riviere
The South of France enjoys a dry climate for the most of the year, but it can occasionally be the scene of intense rainfalls. Known as Cevenol phenomena, these storms cause major flash flooding of rivers leading to damages to properties, infrastructures and environment. Characterized by large quantities of water poured down in a very short space of time, the suddenness of these events surprises the populations and it is not uncommon that the emergency services are called in to locate victims or missing people: SAR Dogs are valuable components of the rescue teams. Illustrated with events that occurred in the Gard Department last October, this speech will present the diversity of the situations and the difficulties the dogs have to face during such events and the consequences in term of dog selection and training.
Co-author: Sebastien Rouquette; Fire Department of Gard, France
Dr Sarah Riviere, graduated from the Veterinary School of Lyon (France) in 2000. Then she joined the Breeding and Sport Medicine Unit (UMES) in the Veterinary School of Alfort, in Paris, to develop and manage the physical rehabilitation and physiotherapy centre, the canine sports medicine consultation and some cat & dog breeding management projects. Thanks to her 25 years of personal experience in training dogs for different sporting and working activities, Sarah also conducted studies in the ethology of detection dogs, as well as holding the position of Veterinarian and Captain of the Paris Fire Department. Sarah joined Royal Canin in 2005. As Technical K9 Adviser for the French civilian security, Sarah trains and manages a Search and Rescue Dog Unit for a French Fire Department (Gard).
Diagnostic imaging of canine sports medicine and rehabilitation patients for
program managers and practitioners – Presented by Kelly Mann
In recent years, there have been numerous advances in the scientific disciplines of canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Working Dog Program Managers and their Veterinarians are also faced with an unprecedented number of standard and advanced imaging options along the continuum of care which includes: initial selection/evaluation, disease or injury prevention and diagnosis, surgical and medical therapies, rehabilitation and return to duty. This presentation will use case examples of musculoskeletal injuries to highlight recent therapeutic and rehabilitation advances alongside recommended imaging techniques which support practical decision-making in the management of working dog care.
Co-author: Felix Duerr ; College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
In recent years, there have been numerous advances in the scientific disciplines of canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Working Dog Program Managers and their Veterinarians are also faced with an unprecedented number of standard and advanced imaging options along the continuum of care which includes: initial selection/ evaluation, disease or injury prevention and diagnosis, surgical and medical therapies, rehabilitation and return to duty. This presentation will use case examples of musculoskeletal injuries to highlight recent therapeutic and rehabilitation advances alongside recommended imaging techniques which support practical decision-making in the management of working dog care.
FAST ultrasound techniques – Simple skills can save lives – Presented by Kelly Mann
Access to ultrasound equipment and training in diagnostic ultrasound techniques are becoming commonplace in the practice of veterinary medicine. Portable ultrasound equipment has revolutionized the emergency medical care of humans and animals in the hospital setting and on the battlefield. This short presentation will introduce Program Managers, Working Dog Handlers and their Veterinarians to the basic principles and recent advances in Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) techniques for the emergency medical care of working dog patients.
Co-authors: Mike Lagutchik, Greg Lisciandro ; College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
Dr. Mann received his Bachelor of Science in 1986 from Georgia College and graduated from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. After one year in private practice, Dr. Mann returned to the University of Georgia and completed a Master of Science in Veterinary Parasitology. He joined the US Army Veterinary Corps in 1992 and retired at the rank of Colonel in 2013. During his military career, Dr. Mann was the Director of the LTC Daniel E. Holland Military Working Dog Hospital and served in specialized training and leadership positions focused on military working dog medical care in DoD and allied programs. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. Dr. Mann is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit and recipient of the Army Surgeon General’s «A» Proficiency Designator, the highest recognition for professional excellence in the Army Medical Department. Currently, Dr. Mann is pursuing a PhD in advanced imaging and cancer biology at Colorado State University and serves as the Nuclear Medicine Service Chief for the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Animal Cancer Center.
Prevention of heatstroke in dogs of the Battalion of Military Police Number 1 (Spain): comparison of different models of cooling vests – Presented by Mila Benito
Main objective: The main objective of this research was thermoregulation of the dogs capacities, recognize those dogs with special susceptibility to heat stress, and compare the utility of different cooling vests.
Methodology: We carried out in thirteen dogs coming from the section Cinological of the Military Police Battalion No. 1, a test of basic effort in four consecutive days at an average speed of 10 km/h, 20 minutes with determination of systemic blood pressure and rectal temperature at different times pre and post race. IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software was used for the statistical study.
Main results:
• Since the beginning of the effort test, there was a heterogeneous response in systemic blood pressure and rectal temperature values.
• In three dogs, the recorded highest internal temperature was 43 degrees. This temperature exceeds the limit of hyperthermia and indicates a high risk of heat stroke.
• Between the different kits in study, cooling vest for dogs which uses natural evaporation the cooling is significantly more useful.
Main conclusion: Training, the learning effect, stress control and the use of an optimal refrigerant kit, are the fundamental tools to achieve a better adaptation to high temperatures, especially in those sensitive dogs to the heat stress.
Co-authors: Delphine Cléro, Diego Lozano, Dominique Grandjean ; Facultad de veterinaria, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
Milagros Benito Hernadez is a Professor at the Veterinary College of the University Cardinal Herrera in Valencia (Spain), where she develops canine sport medicine. She graduated as a DVM from University of Extremadura (Spain) in 1995 and gother PhD in 1999. She currently is director of medical service « sport medicine » at Valencia CEU University, and Head of the cardiology department. At the present, the functions of the SPORTS CANINE MEDICINE SERVICE at the University CEU Cardenal Herrera include: Training of students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University CEU Cardenal Herrera Collaboration and participation of canine sporting events with veterinary students at the University. Technical advice veterinarian specializing in sports medicine canine (1.Anthropometry and body composition assessment; 2.-Assessment of health and fitness degree for each practice; 3.-Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries; 4.-Training programs). Field test for assessment of athletic performance Advice undergoing rehabilitation Prescribing exercise in dogs with chronic diseases risk factors, injured and in special situations.
Updates in canine reproduction – Presented by Emmanuel Fontaine
Small animal reproduction is an area of speciality in veterinary medicine which has obviously lots of direct applications for working dogs organizations running genetic selection programs. It is also a very dynamic f ield in terms of clinical research. With their unique ability to both stimulate and shut down the pituitary 3:00 – 3:40 pm secretions that govern the reproductive cycle, GnRH agonist implants now offer alternative in terms of chemical sterilization, as well as estrus induction. Ovarian/uterine ultrasounds help assess the health of the genital tract, as well as increase the precision when it comes to timing of ovulation. Ultrasoundguided aspiration techniques also provide options worth considering when it comes to ovarian cysts treatment. The development of genital endoscopy has also completely changed the way we approach many reproductive disorders. If it is now widely used for intra-uterine inseminations, it is also a great tool for diagnostic and even therapeutic purposes when it comes to vaginal and uterine diseases in the bitch. Today, those techniques can help working dogs breeding centers to face the fertility challenges they may encounter in their everyday activities.
Emmanuel Fontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004, and continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) as trainee Vet in the domestic carnivore unit of the Reproduction Department. From 2005 to 2011, he worked at the Centre d’Etude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and recently completed his PhD. He joined Royal Canin Canada ‘s PRO team in September 2011
Effect of a core conditioning program on lumbar pain, function and paraspinal muscle area in military working dogs – Presented by Andrea Henderson
This study investigated whether Military Working Dogs with mild lumbosacral pain have decreased lumbar paraspinal muscle area, symmetry, and density, as 4:00 – 4:20 pm well as increased pain and dysfunction compared to control dogs. Additionally, response of pain and dysfunction to an exercise program was assessed. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for lumbosacral pain, functional questionnaire scores for search and detection tasks, and mean cross-sectional area (CSA)-to-vertebral ratio, asymmetry and density were determined for five lumbar paraspinal muscles in 8 working dogs with and 8 dogs without lumbosacral pain. Subsequently, four dogs with lumbosacral pain rested and four dogs completed an eight-week core stabilizing exercise program, then all initially evaluated parameters were repeated. Military Working Dogs with mild lumbosacral pain and dysfunction had significantly smaller area, symmetry and density for the lumbar multifidus muscle. An 8-week core strengthening program was associated with significantly improved multifidus area and working dog performance at evaluated tasks.
This study investigated whether Military Working Dogs with mild lumbosacral pain have decreased lumbar paraspinal muscle area, symmetry, and density, as 4:00 – 4:20 pm well as increased pain and dysfunction compared to control dogs. Additionally, response of pain and dysfunction to an exercise program was assessed. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for lumbosacral pain, functional questionnaire scores for search and detection tasks, and mean cross-sectional area (CSA)-to-vertebral ratio, asymmetry and density were determined for five lumbar paraspinal muscles in 8 working dogs with and 8 dogs without lumbosacral pain. Subsequently, four dogs with lumbosacral pain rested and four dogs completed an eight-week core stabilizing exercise program, then all initially evaluated parameters were repeated. Military Working Dogs with mild lumbosacral pain and dysfunction had significantly smaller area, symmetry and density for the lumbar multifidus muscle. An 8-week core strengthening program was associated with significantly improved multifidus area and working dog performance at evaluated tasks.
Dr. Andrea Henderson grew up in Virginia, and graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology at the University of Virginia in 2000. Dr. Henderson was accepted into veterinary school and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She participated in a Summer Fellowship Program in 2002 in which she conducted a research project involving working dog and handler interactions. Her passion for working dogs led her to join the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps in 2003, swearing in to active duty in May 2005. She has been an active duty officer for 9.5 years and currently holds the rank of Major. Her first assignment was an internship at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Services in San Antonio, Texas. She has since held leadership positions overseeing the Mine Detector Dog program at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and the Kaiserslautern Branch Veterinary Services in Germany. In July 2011, Dr. Henderson began a residency in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and has completed all requirements of her residency in good standing. She also received a Masters of Science with a focus in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee Graduate School in December 2014. In August 2014, she returned to the DoD Military Working Dog Center in San Antonio to oversee and expand the sports medicine and conditioning programs for the military working dogs. MAJ Henderson has specific interests in therapeutic laser applications in healing and nerve regeneration, canine exercise physiology and injury prevention, and conservative management of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in Military Working Dogs. When MAJ Henderson is away from her working dogs, she enjoys kayaking, hiking with her two Cocker Spaniels, and playing the flute and piano.
Prevention failed: Rehabilitation of the CCL Post-op Stifle – Presented by Bess Pierce
In the ideal world of veterinary medicine, we would be able to largely prevent CCL disease and the debilitating consequences of CCL rupture. Unfortunately, a majority of our canine patients will still require surgical intervention for stifle disease. Post-operative physical therapy in human patients has long been the standard of care, resulting in improved function and faster return to athletic function. But the question still remains for veterinarians: how do we best rehabilitate the canine stifle following surgery for CCL disease?
n the ideal world of veterinary medicine, we would be able to largely prevent CCL disease and the debilitating consequences of CCL rupture. Unfortunately, a majority of our canine patients will still require surgical intervention for stifle disease. Post-operative physical therapy in human patients has long been the standard of care, resulting in improved function and faster return to athletic function. But the question still remains for veterinarians: how do we best rehabilitate the canine stifle following surgery for CCL disease?
Dr. Bess J. Pierce is an Associate Professor in the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine (CPCVM) at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM). Dr. Pierce joined the faculty initially in 2007 to develop and lead the Community Practice service in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, leaving active duty service in the United States Army. Since November 2011, she has also served as Director, Center for Animal Human Relationships (CENTAUR) at the VMCVM. Dr. Pierce earned a B.S. in biology from Tulane University in 1986, an M.Z.S. in wildlife biology in 1990 and a DVM from Auburn University in 1992. Serving more than 22 years on active and reserve duty in the US Army Veterinary Corps, Dr. Pierce has been stationed in a variety of assignments including California, two tours in Japan and several years at the Military Working Dog Center in San Antonio, Texas. She is currently a colonel in the US Army Reserve, assigned to the Public Health Command RegionEurope. Dr. Pierce is board certified by the American College.
Effect of masking substances on the performance of explosive sniffer dogs – Presented by Susanne Hartmann
Military Working Dogs contribute significantly to C-IED efforts. Explosive detection dogs can provide capabilitiy against IEDs and explosive ordnance devices, commercial, military and homemade explosives and weapons. In the past masking substances have been placed close to explosive devices in order to disturb the work of explosive detection dogs. The aim of the study « Effect of masking substances on the performance of explosive detection dogs » was to research the effect of masking substances on the exploration capacity of explosive detection dogs. The study was conducted as a double-blind study with standardized test conditions. TNT was placed inside specially designed smell boxes, petroleum and n-decan in two different concentrations were used as masking substances. In the study the olfactory sensitivity of the trained dogs was not affected by the masking substances.
Major Dr. Susanne Hartmann is a Veterinarian graduated in 1995 from the Veterinary School of Hannover (Germany). She works as a veterinarian in the German army and is currently (since 2008) Chief of the veterinarian clinic for military working dogs in Ulmen.
Biochemical shifts induced by exercise and interest of high quality food supplemented in antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acid in working dogs – Presented by Caroline Girardet
Introduction
Numerous studies and clinical investigations have been conducted on the nutrients requirements of working dogs. The omega-3 fatty acids, most notably EPA and DHA, have been found to have important health benefits, including reduction and prevention of the inflammatory response. To date no study has evaluated the effect of these omega-3 fatty acids on systemic inflammation associated with exercise in utility dogs. The first aim of this study was to assess the benefit effects of high quality food (Royal Canin® TRAIL 4300) associated with a regular training on health of working dogs living in hard environmental conditions. The second purpose was to determine the biochemicals shifts with blood markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by a moderate-intensity short-duration activity and the effect of EPA/DHA.
Materials and methods
Forty military working dogs (39 males, 1 female, mean age = 4 years [1-8]) were included in this doubleblind study. Dogs were divided in two homogeneous groups: after one week of food transition, one group fed during two months exclusively with Royal Canin® TRAIL 4300 and the second group fed with the same diet except the 0.4% of EPA/DHA. These dogs were subjected to regular training during the eight weeks, at the end of this period, a standardized effort, bikejoring during thirty minutes at a speed of 16 kilometers per hour was performed. The following parameters were studied: body weight, body condition score (from 1=very thin to 9=obese), fecal score (from 1=liquid to 5=hard and dry feces), body temperature and markers of systemic inflammation (C reactive protein), muscular activity (creatine kinase) and oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase). Stools and blood samples were obtained at the beginning of the study, just before bikejoring and immediately after. Temperature was recorded before and after exercise (immediately after, thirty minutes and one hour post exercise). The others parameters (body weight, body condition and fecal scores) were measured before and after food transition and every two weeks during the study. External temperature was recorded during the two months. Dog behavior during training and exercise was registered by handler’s evaluation. Mean values and range of the different parameters will be presented.
Results
Out of forty dogs, thirty nine finished the study because one of them was sent on mission. Body condition score significantly increased between the beginning and the end of the study (4.1 [1-7] vs 5.4 [28] respectively, p<0.001). Fecal score was significantly higher in the two groups of dogs at the end of the study compare to the beginning of the study (3,2 [2-4] vs 3,7 [3-4]; p<0,001). C reactive protein, creatine kinase and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were significantly higher after exercise than just before (C reactive protein: 5.3 mg/L [2-12] vs 6.1 mg/L [5-12], p=0.005; creatine kinase 212.1 UI/L [103-378] vs 252.4 UI/L [115-405], p<0.001 ; glutathione peroxidase: 425.3 U/g [310-603] vs 478.6 U/g [335-645], p<0.001). Fecal score was not significantly different after effort compare to before effort (3.67 [2.5-4.5] vs 3.66 [2.54.5] respectively; p=0.225). For all the military dog handlers, dog motivation to work was improved with Royal Canin® 4300 TRAIL with better performance and endurance.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that a moderate-intensity, short-duration activity performed by healthy army dogs causes significant increases of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers but within the established normal reference ranges. This low increase of these markers could be explained by an exercise too short to induce an important inflammation or by presence in both diets of specific nutrients with an antioxidative effect (vitamine E, lutein, betacaroten). These 5:00 – 5:20 pm nutrients present in both diets could also explain the lake of differences observed between dogs fed with or without EPA DHA. No effect of exercise on feces quality was observed. This can be explained by the diet given to these dogs (Royal Canin® TRAIL 4300). Indeed this diet contain several components (prebiotics (mannan-oligoasaccharides), sugar beet pulp, psyllium, vitamin E, C, A and lutein) which help to protect the digestive mucosa, to reduce intestinal and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. This study shows that feeding a high quality dietary supplemented in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids helps in preventing digestive problem. Nutrition and physical training association helps to maintain working dogs health and so improves stamina and performance.
Co-authors: Magnan S1, Andréo V1, Trombini G1, Dubois S2, Boehringer CA2, Grellet A2.
Caroline GIRARDET is a veterinary lieutenant colonel of the French Army Health Service. She was awarded his veterinary medical doctor (DVM) in 1996 at Toulouse national School of Veterinary Medicine. She was a private practitioner from 1994 to 1999. She joined the French Army Health Service in 1999 and served in different units:
• Military Health Service practical School in 1999.
• Military veterinary departments :- Bordeaux, 2000 to 2002- Palaiseau, 2002 to 2004- Paris, Régiment de cavalerie, Garde Républicaine, 2004 to 2006- Paris, Ecole militaire, 2004 to 2010
• Veterinary advisor for French Armed Forces in South Area of Indian Ocean, 2010 to 2012.
• Military veterinary department :- Suippes, located at the 132th Cynophilic Bataillon of Infantry, since 2012.
She obtained the certificate of Internal Medicine (CEAV) in 2006. She is the national referent in canine medicine for the defence ministry and a member of the working group on “animal health and care” for the French army health service. Dr Girardet is also responsible for the support of the defense ministry for medical research against human cancer with use of trained detection dogs.
Validation for localizing drowning victims by search and rescue dogs; experience of the Paris Fire Brigade – Presented by Delphine Clero
Accidental drowning represents 7% of death by “trauma” in the world, and in France an average of 500 cases is reported each year. In drowning cases, it is sometimes difficult to find the victim’s body because it can be moved by current or immobilized and hidden to divers at the bottom of the water. Very often, divers and sonar uses are not sufficient enough to find the victim, specifically when the searching zone is wide. The drowned people search dogs are utilized in several countries in order to help the research and make it easier and faster. Up to now, France has been very “shy” in the development of such canine technics, But the Paris Fire Brigade did set up a long term protocole in order to validate the concept and make it operational, as a fast action tool in support of diving teams. The presented studies, developed within the Paris Fire Brigade K9 search and rescue and the divers units, kept all testing conditions as close as possible to reality. A diver with a closed circuit rebreather system always plays the role of the victim. Dogs are tested in several conditions: with or without current, static or moving diver, search from a boat or from the shore,… In all exercises, results show that dogs are capable of detecting the diver’s presence. Dogs’ marking provides to divers a more limited research area where the victim could be, and help gaining time and efforts. Since these studies were made, between 2012 and 2014, search and 5:20 – 5:40 pm rescue dogs have been officially introduced in the drowned bodies search organization for BSPP (Paris Fire Brigade). New studies are still to come in 2015 and 2016.
Co-authors: Margaux COSTE, Laurent SIINO, Sebastien VILLERS, Dominique GRANDJEAN ; Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris, France
Delphine CLERO is aDVM, MSc, assistant professor in the K9 Breeding and Sport Medicine Unit at Alfort National School of Veterinary Medicine (Paris East University), also Captain in the Paris Fire Brigade. Since 2008 she works on sporting and working dogs medicine, which has quickly become her passion. She has been working as head-veterinarian on a sled dog race, “La Grande Odyssee” from 2012 to 2014, and will be in the vet team of the Femundlopet and chief veterinarian for the Lekkarod in 2015. She actually finishes a PhD in working dogs nutrition management. With Dominique Grandjean, she works on the relation between stamina, oxidative stress, inflammation and performance. As fire brigade veterinarian, she has specialized in search and rescue dogs, is graduated in disaster veterinary medecine, and is Technical Cynotechnic Advisor. With her colleges, they try to improve the efficiency of search and rescue teams by the prevention of stamina related pathologies.