Meaningful temperament assessment for aggression in dogs - can it be done?
Judith Blackshaw
Abstract
Aggression is the most common problem encountered in behavioural practice (Blackshaw, 1988). In dogs it may be directed towards people, other dogs or some other species.
Worldwide, dog attacks are a serious problem which can lead to infection, permanent scarring and even death. Court cases involving claims for compensation can be traumatic for the victims and the dog owners. It would be useful if there were a reliable way to temperament test puppies or older dogs to predict the likelihood of the dog biting a child or adult. Unfortunately it is impossible to devise a testing procedure that will predict if a certain dog will bite. It is important to consider the factors that contribute to answering the question 'why do dogs bite?' (Podberscek and Blackshaw, 1990).
About the author
Dr Judith K Blackshaw, BSc, MAEd, PhD, DAgrSc.
Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the School of Veterinary Science and Animal Production
The University of Queensland Qld 4072
Ph. 07 3365 3311 Fx. 07 3365 1288
Email. j.blackshaw@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Judith teaches Animal Behaviour and Pig Production to Veterinary and Agriculture students and Animal Behaviour to Gatton degree students. Publications include husbandry systems and behaviour of agricultural animals, papers on behavioural problems of cats and dogs and many aspects of human-animal interactions. Judith has also been involved with many court cases on dog bites and problems with horses, cattle and sheep
Back to Urban Animal Management Conference Index
Back to Petnet