Elderly people are at high risk for conditions associated with inactivity, and lack of motivation is an important factor contributing to this inactivity. It is believed that a dog can provide the necessary motivation to get a senior citizen up and moving because it needs attention as well as someone to feed it and take it for walks. The objective of this five-week prospective cohort study was to determine if registered therapy dogs made available for informal visits to a cohort of retirement community elderly would motivate the subjects to increase their activity levels by comparing the number of steps taken in the presence of the exposure (opportunity to visit with dog) versus steps taken when unexposed (no opportunity to visit with dog). A secondary objective was to measure possible improvements in mental and physical health scores over the course of the study. The steps were measured each week with a pedometer and the happiness and depression scores were obtained through a questionnaire given at the beginning and at the end of the study. Twenty subjects agreed to participate, and there was an increasing trend in the number of steps over calendar weeks, but not an increase with exposure level (number of dog-visits). Happiness (p = .53) and depression (p = .083) scores did not significantly change during the study. Increased step counts each week may have been associated with other motivating factors such as competition among residents and individual desire to achieve higher counts each week.

With a particular interest in birdwatchers and dog walkers, this case study explored place meanings of users at Westmount Summit Woods, a multiple-use urban forest located just west of downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada. A document analysis was conducted on the research site, followed by data collected through online questionnaire. A total of 120 users participated in the online questionnaire, of which included birdwatchers (n=44), dog walkers (n=61), and the broader community (n=15). Three themes relating to place meaning were interpreted: (1) Attachment to and Preference for; (2) (Re)connection with Self and Others; and (3) Conflict Between and Within. Findings suggest encounters played key roles in the formation of social identity, capital, and conflict. Questions regarding access to and use of public space, how humans and animals are placed vis-à-vis one another, and ways to build civic culture out of difference were addressed. Following on from these findings, recommendations for outdoor recreation management and future research were offered.

Genom tiderna har det funnits ett särskilt band mellan människan och sällskapsdjuret. Forskning tyder på att denna relation bär med sig åtskilliga fördelar för människan. I den här studien undersöks vad hästen och hunden upplevs ha för inverkan på människan. I studien intervjuades 15 kvinnor som har djurrelaterade yrken. Nio beskrev hundens inverkan och sex beskrev hästens. Materialet komprimerades tills fem typer av inverkan framträdde: att människan (1) får en nära vän, (2) får välbefinnande, (3) får kraft, (4) utvecklar empati och (5) utvecklar ansvar. Skillnader som förekom var att hästberättelser fokuserade på gemenskap med andra människor i stallet och hundberättelser på sällskap från hunden. I berättelserna framkom även negativa teman som författarna har valt att bortse från och istället fokuserat på det positiva. Studien kan indikera att hundar och hästar kan komplettera varandra då de har olika syften i människans liv.

With a particular interest in birdwatchers and dog walkers, this case study explored place meanings of users at Westmount Summit Woods, a multiple-use urban forest located just west of downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada. A document analysis was conducted on the research site, followed by data collected through online questionnaire. A total of 120 users participated in the online questionnaire, of which included birdwatchers (n=44), dog walkers (n=61), and the broader community (n=15). Three themes relating to place meaning were interpreted: (1) Attachment to and Preference for; (2) (Re)connection with Self and Others; and (3) Conflict Between and Within. Findings suggest encounters played key roles in the formation of social identity, capital, and conflict. Questions regarding access to and use of public space, how humans and animals are placed vis-à-vis one another, and ways to build civic culture out of difference were addressed. Following on from these findings, recommendations for outdoor recreation management and future research were offered.

Increasing evidence illustrates an involvement of stress in a large variety of physical and mental illness. Together with the evolutionary development of the social behavior in humans, the traditional interpretations of the attachment theory and the social support theory underscores the importance of affection, belonging and appreciation for human well-being. Not only can an imbalanced stress system be the cause of severe pathological consequences, insufficient social contact can also hamper recovery. Frequent usage of animals in various settings steadily illustrates both physiological and psychological benefits on both the young and the old, the healthy and the ill. Through the study of neurobiological factors, with oxytocin as a central mediator of social behavior and its  impact in turn on the stress- and cortisol system, this paper examines the possibility of animals to function as social support. The potential of animals to reduce the suffering in patients with stress related psychiatric disorders, such as the highly frequent exhaustion disorder, human-animal interactions might offer a non-invasive complementary tool to current treatment methods.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work / Gerad Middendorf / Academics, victims, and advocates have increasingly brought attention to the need for programs and policies to protect and shelter nonhuman victims of domestic violence. Research focused on the “Link” between human-based violence and violence against animals has played a significant role in the creation of these programs, and has prompted a more holistic approach to providing services to all victimized family members. In this dissertation, I focus on the unique origin points of several animal-friendly domestic violence organizations and the models used to serve both human and nonhuman victims, as well as on the individual advocacy and activism of animal-friendly domestic violence organization workers. Data collection from semi-structured interviews with thirty domestic violence workers and advocates provides the foundation for my investigation of the importance of community networks and individual identity as a source of professional navigation of the connected spheres of domestic violence and animal abuse. This study extends the ever-growing collection of research on the “Link” and on the broader discipline of human-animal studies. Finally, this research provides an additional perspective on the use of personal and collective identity to engage in advocacy on behalf of nonhuman victims of domestic violence.

<p>  </p> <p>A large portion of the demand for purebred dogs in the United States is met by commercial breeding (CB). CB is a contentious issue, and concern exists surrounding the quality and quantity of human-animal interactions in CB kennels. Quality of caretaker interactions has been demonstrated to affect welfare in livestock and laboratory animals, yet is widely understudied in kenneled dogs, especially those kept for CB. It therefore warrants investigation. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of a short, regular, positive caretaker interaction on physiological and behavioral metrics of dog welfare in CB kennels. Adult bitches (n = 47) from two CB kennels received a daily interaction with a familiar caretaker for two weeks. Half of the dogs (n = 24) received a 2-minute caretaker interaction with treats (CI), and the other half (n = 23) received treats only (TO). All other human interactions were limited to routine husbandry. Fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and behavior in response to human approach were measured at baseline (Day 0), after two weeks of treatment (Day 14), and two weeks after treatment ended (Day 28). Behavior during treatment delivery was scored from video on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 13, and 14. General linear mixed models were used with treatment type and timepoint as fixed effects, dog nested within pen as random effects, and welfare metrics as dependent variables. Data from both facilities were analyzed and presented separately. In Facility 1 (n = 25), treatment type did not affect hair cortisol concentration (HCC) or fecal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). However, HCC increased significantly from Day 0 to Day 28 (X2 = 5.83, <em>p </em>= 0.016) and fecal sIgA decreased significantly (X2 = 21.52, <em>p </em>< 0.001) over all three timepoints. Affiliative behavior in response to human approach increased over time with no significant effect of treatment type or tester (X2=10.549, <em>p</em>=0.001). Additionally, time spent in proximity to the caretaker significantly increased in both treatment groups during the daily interaction (CI: X2=14.047, <em>p</em><0.001, and TO: X2=5.121, <em>p</em>=0.024). In Facility 2 (n = 22), there was no effect of treatment type on physiological metrics, however, HCC decreased in time (X2 = 6.66, <em>p </em>= 0.009) in both treatment groups combined. Affiliative response to human approach increased over time in Facility 2 (X2=13.5782, <em>p</em>=0.001). During daily interactions, dogs from the TO group displayed increased affiliative (X2 = 8.58, <em>p </em>= 0.003) and decreased ambivalent (X2 = 10.42, <em>p </em>= 0.001) behaviors over time, while dogs from the CI group showed increasing latency to approach the caretaker (X2 = 4.38, <em>p </em>= 0.033). Changes in physiological and behavioral metrics differed by facility and treatment group. Factors such as variation in treatment quality and prior caretaker-animal relationship may play a role in dogs’ responses to the treatment. These results suggest that a caretaker interaction has the potential to improve welfare in dogs residing in CB kennels. However, careful consideration must be taken when implementing new protocols to avoid unintended increases in stress. For some adult dogs unaccustomed to extended, structured interactions with their caretakers, a 2-minute session may have resulted in increased physiological and behavioral stress, suggesting that a longer interaction might have jeopardized rather than improved their welfare. For these dogs, a more gradual introduction to human interactions may be more beneficial. This study offers new insight on the implementation of socialization, counterconditioning, and caretaker-dog interaction practices to maximize positive welfare in CB kennels. Future research is needed to further validate and expand upon these findings.</p>

While the popularity of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) continues to increase, the empirical support to justify its use is still debatable. What is also largely absent from the extant literature are large-scale examinations of clinician populations that may incorporate AAI in their practices. This survey study was conducted to examine the use, perceptions, and knowledge of animal incorporation practices incorporated into ABA services by ABA clinicians that serve children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 544 ABA clinicians within the United States completed the web-based survey instrument. Data confirmed that respondents have not only considered the incorporation of animals into ABA services, but a meaningful number have also engaged in animal incorporation practices. Dogs were the most frequently incorporated animal with intervention and animal characteristics variable across respondents. Respondents reported animal incorporation as desirable and feasible, but had generally low levels of knowledge about animal-assisted interventions. Perceptions of the effects of human-animal interactions on children and youth with ASD were overall positive. Results of this study uncovered a number of concerns related to professional implications and animal welfare.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第24468号 / 理博第4967号 / 新制||理||1709(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科生物科学専攻 / (主査)准教授 Huffman Michael Alan, 教授 古市 剛史, 教授 今井 啓雄 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

There is a recognized need for additional research that produces empirical data on positive youth development (PYD) frameworks, as well as PYD impacts and roles amongst human-animal interactions (HAI) and youth. This study used inputs and outcomes from the 4-H Formula for Success to identify and describe components of the 4-H dog program within one state as case studies. Inputs included skill-building, meaningful leadership, and long-term relationships with caring adults. Outcomes included the 5 C's: caring, character, confidence, connection and competence. Three counties (cases) were identified, and participants were interviewed about their 4-H dog program experiences. 4-H youth, parents, volunteers and agents were included. A total of 19 interviews were transcribed and coded for themes that fit within the 4-H Formula for Success within the context of each case. Findings indicate a strong presence of inputs that are specific to dog programming, as well as some outcomes and emergent themes, including accessibility, motivation to join and COVID implications. Dog industry professionals greatly contributed to the skill-building and meaningful leadership opportunities for 4-H youth. Connection and Competence were the most frequently coded outcomes across the cases. Participants described the 4-H dog program as accessible due to cost, small size and simple housing requirements, compared to livestock or equine projects. A shared interest in dogs was the primary motivation to join 4-H dog clubs and led to strong connections or bonds between members. Limitations of this study are related to a low participant pool in one case, and recall accuracy and cognitive ability of 4-H youth to recognize and name their perceived outcomes. Recommendations for practice are included for 4-H agents and 4-H volunteers to start, promote or strengthen 4-H dog programs in any location by being intentional when recruiting 4-H volunteers, and planning educational programming. This program can be promoted as more accessible compared to large animal science 4-H programs such as livestock or equine based on data provided by participants in all three cases within diverse contexts. There are several recommendations for further research beyond this study including a longitudinal continuation of this model, replicating this study in other states to examine other 4-H dog programs, or replicating this study for other 4-H program areas. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / The 4-H dog project is one of many animal science projects available to youth enrolled in 4-H across the nation. Unfortunately, it is not nearly as recognizable or flashy as market livestock or equine and is often overlooked by families and agents alike. This study is a case study of three county 4-H dog programs, looking at what positive youth development inputs exist to promote positive youth development outcomes in the youth enrolled. 4-H members, parents, volunteers and agents were interviewed from three counties that had existing 4-H dog programs in each county as well as state 4-H dog opportunities. Each case presented opportunities for skill-building and meaningful leadership for 4-H members, as well as relationships with caring adults that led to the development of 4-H PYD outcomes including caring, connection, character, competence and confidence. Dog industry professionals were found to be a very valuable asset within each 4-H dog program. The 4-H dog program facets of each case are described in detail as well as how they contribute to outcome development. Limitations and recommendations for practice and future research are included to assist 4-H agents and volunteers in starting, strengthening or promoting 4-H dog programs in any location. A model created by the researcher based on findings is presented to assist 4-H agents and volunteers for future research or practice.