Animal Behavior and Welfare Overview (copy)

Animal Behavior

The scientific study of what animals do and how they interact with each other and their environment.

Categories of Behavior

Feeding, social behavior, maternal behavior, developmental behavior, sexual behavior, abnormal behavior, and eliminative behavior.

Motor Level

The level that describes the actions an animal is performing, such as running or chewing.

Functional Level

The purpose of an action pattern, such as aggression involving teeth bearing and biting.

Abstract Level

Describes a mental state that is not objectively defined, like fearfulness or weariness.

Internal Stimuli

Factors such as genetics, experience, development, anatomy, and physiology that affect behavior.

External Stimuli

Social, environmental factors, and sense inputs that can impact behavior.

Domestication

The process where a population of animals adapts to humans and captive environments through genetic and environmental changes.

Natural Selection

A process where wild and domesticated species select advantageous traits for survival and fitness.

Artificial Selection

Selective breeding for specific traits controlled by humans, affecting the behavior, economy, or appearance of a species.

Common Dog Behavior

Behaviors exhibited by dogs including social interaction, exploratory behavior, feeding, reproductive behavior, and maternal behavior.

Social Behavior in Dogs

The active association between dogs, often living in packs, involving communication through gestures, sounds, and physical contact.

Exploratory Behavior

A behavior crucial for dogs to gather sensory input, involving movement and searching in search of food and environments.

Feeding Behavior

The manner in which dogs search for, select, and consume food, often influenced by their natural hunting instincts.

Reproductive Behavior

The behaviors associated with mating, courtship, and the drive to produce offspring.

Maternal Behavior

Behavioral changes in mothers during pregnancy involving nesting, care for pups, and protective instincts.

Development and Learning Behavior

The process involving the stages of behavioral development in dogs, significantly influenced by early experiences and socialization.

Behavioral Issues

Problems such as separation anxiety, noise anxiety, and abnormal behaviors that deviate from normal behavior patterns.

Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare

Freedom from hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain/injury/disease, to express normal behaviors, and from fear/distress.

Basic Health and Functioning

Basic needs of animals including food, water, shelter, and nutrition, essential for animal welfare.

Natural Living

The ability of animals to perform natural behaviors in their environment, important for their welfare.

Environmental Enrichment

Activities and amenities that allow for the expression of highly motivated natural behaviors in animals.

Effective States

Subjective states indicating the welfare of animals, focusing on the freedom from negative emotions and the expression of positive emotions.