Animal Handling Midterm

6 conditions of domestication

Diet, Growth rate, captive breeding, nasty disposition, temperament/tendency to panic, social structure

Desensitization

Behavior modification technique in which an animal is gradually and systematically exposed to a trigger stimulus until the stimulus no longer triggers an emotional response

Sensitization

Animal develops a stronger response over time to the same stimulus

Habituation

Animal gets used to the same stimulus over time through exposure

Counterconditioning 

Behavior modification technique in which a stimulus that creates a negative emotional response is paired with something known to create a positive emotional response in the animal

Response substitution

a behavior modification technique in which a pet that exhibits an undesirable behavior is taught to exhibit an alternative behavior

Classical conditioning

Associates an involuntary response and a stimulus

Operant conditioning (instrumental conditioning)

Associates an voluntary behavior with a consequence

Positive reinforcement

Give something good as a way to encourage a behavior

Negative Punishment

Take away something good to discourage a behavior

Positive punishment

Give something bad to discourage a behavior 

Negative reinforcement

Take away something bad to encourage a behavior

Socialization period

Time of mental flexibility where animals learn social interactions, fellow animals, what is pleasurable or dangerous, and how to respond to potential threats

Kitten socialization period

2-7 weeks

Puppy socialization period

3-16 weeks

When will cats begin the emo teen phase?

8-10 weeks

What kind of dog sexually matures faster?

Smaller dogs sexually mature faster than larger ones

Weanlings

Horses below a year old

Yearlings

Horses over the age of year

Entropion

A condition where eyelids roll inward

When do most dogs reach social maturity?

2-3 years

When does the first socialization period start for puppies and kittens?

Once they open their eyes and ears

Which occurs first in dogs, sexual or social maturity?

sexual maturity

When do most dogs reach sexual maturity?

5 to 18 months

What is the primary reason that owners surrender their cats and dogs?

Unwanted elimination

What is the most common cause of conflicts between humans and their pets?

Mismatched expectations

Research has shown that the majority of cats prefer what type of litter?

Unscented, clumping litter

To help prevent unwanted aggression, what objects should NOT be used when playing with puppies and kittens?

Hands

Pheromone products used in the home may help decrease what?

Anxiety-related behaviors

Puppies are not considered fully housetrained until they have gone approximately how long without eliminating in unwanted locations?

12 weeks

Which approach is MOST appropriate to prevent unwanted scratching behavior in cats? 

Provide an appropriate scratching post and reinforce its use

Which of the following is an example of a repetitive behavior seen in horses?

Cribbing

Why do cats and dogs urine mark?

Normal communication behavior that may be influenced by stress or social factors

What are sedative primarily used for?

Helps to manage anxiety in selected situations when prescribed appropriately

Standing between a dog and its owner should be avoided at first because

the dog may try to protect or guard its owner

A goat that is rearing up for a head butt at a sideways angle, is engaging in which type of behavior?

play

If a cat is sitting curled up in a cage, with all 4 feet tucked under them, with a fluffed up hair coat, what would be your pain assessment for them?

3

What is the primary method small animals use to communicate with us?

Body language

If dogs are panting mildly with lips pulled, but still readily accepting treats, this shows what level of stress?

Moderate

A dog that growls or shows its teeth while crouching with its elbows touching the floor, rump in the air, and a high softly wagging tail is most likely demonstrating what?

Invitation to play

A dog is exhibiting furrowed brow; dilated pupils; ears held tightly back or down; panting; tense muscles; and very slow or very frantic movements is experiencing what level of stress?

Severe

A dog that is avoiding eye contact, and lifting their paw, but is still interested in treats from the technician is demonstrating what level of stress?

Mild

In a clinic, most aggressive behaviors in dogs and cats can be classified as what?

Fear aggression

A horse squeal indicates what?

Defense/Avoidance of pain

A horse has how many blind spots?

2

Where are the blind spots in cattle?

Behind each hip

A dog is stretched out and sleeping in their cage 12 hours post-op.  What would be your assessment of their pain level?

0

What can improve a situation when a fearful pet shows warnings?

Backing up and reducing the pet’s perceived threat level

A horse is heavily muscled, compact, and commonly used for ranch work and sprint racing. Which breed best fits this description?

Quarter horse

Which breed is considered brachycephalic and has an increased risk of dystocia requiring cesarean section?

Pug

What is a vet tech’s role in behavioral cases?

Veterinary technicians collect behavioral information and assist with patient care and client education

What do you call stimuli that precedes unwanted behavior

antecedents

What kind of learning occurs when an animal forms a learned association between two features or events?

Associative

What does FAS stand for?

Fear, anxiety, stress

A patient's touch gradient refers to what?

Order and intensity of physical contact a patient can tolerate

A dog becomes fearful during an examination. The technician offers treats to create a positive association. Which statement BEST explains this approach?

The technician is helping change the patient's emotional response

Increased FAS can affect a patient by causing changes in what?

Physiologic functions such as vital signs, glucose, and gastrointestinal function

What is the primary goal of a Fear Free fun visit?

Help the patient form positive associations with the veterinary clinic

What is the goal of low-stress handling?

The goal is to safely complete needed procedures while minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress