Abnormal Canine Behaviors and Behavioral Pathologies Involving Aggression

These flashcards cover essential terminology and definitions related to canine behavior and behavioral pathologies, preparing for examinations on the topic.

Redirected aggression

Aggression towards a different target due to frustration or thwarting of a desire.

Food-related aggression

Aggressive behavior, such as growling or biting, when food is perceived as threatened.

Possessive aggression

Refusal to relinquish objects, toys, or food; often includes growling or guarding behavior.

Predatory aggression

Silent stalking and attacking behavior towards smaller animals or infants.

Impulse-control aggression

Aggression seen mainly in male dogs, often worsening with punishment, typically appears during social maturity.

Idiopathic aggression

Aggression without identifiable context or cause; often misdiagnosed as impulse-control aggression.

Separation anxiety

Behavioral condition characterized by distress when a dog is separated from their owner.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Consistent exhibition of heightened arousal and vigilance, interfering with normal social interaction.

Neophobia

Extreme response to novel stimuli, leading to intense avoidance behavior.

Cognitive Dysfunction (CD)

Age-related changes in behavior indicative of a decline in cognitive function.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Repetitive, excessive behaviors that interfere with normal functioning.

Panic Disorder (PD)

Sudden, intense fearful responses occurring without a clear, identifiable stimulus.

Animal-assisted therapy

Use of animals to assist humans in recovery from emotional or psychological distress.

Behavior modification techniques

Strategies used to change undesired behaviors in dogs through conditioning.

Desensitization and counter-conditioning

Behavior modification techniques aimed at reducing sensitivity to stimuli causing anxiety.