STUDIES ON THE REHABILITATION OF DOGS

Dogs are often kept isolated whilst in commercial kennels in order to minimise cross infection and because of space limitations. This can result in an inadequate space for such a social species. A system was therefore developed to facilitate the full behavioural activities of dogs kept in kennels which was tested using 124 stray dogs at the end of a period of isolation of 70 days. Monitoring the health and behaviour of the dogs indicated that the environment was sub-optimal. Examples of abnormal behaviour included exaggerated activity, 70 dogs were observed to unusual jumping, anxious-aggressive behaviour by 23 dogs with inhibited contact, panic, fear reactions in 10 days and stereotypic behaviour in 10 dogs. Housing conditions were changed to suit the needs of the dogs and they were moved to larger kennels and housed in groups of two or more dogs to improve the opportunity of social contacts. The identification of animals with problematical behaviour and the application of remedial measures assisted in the preparation of dogs for release as family pets. In order to allocate individual dogs to the correct owners it is important to characterise the dogs fully as well as obtaining detailed information from potential owners by means of interview. By this means, a high success rate was achieved with 82% of new owners describing a strong attachment with their newly acquired pet after only a few weeks.