Speakers Dog Symposium 2019:
Martin Fischer, Germany
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Martin S. Fischer is full professor and director of the Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research at the university in Jena since 1993. He received his Diploma in Biology and his Ph.D., Zoology from the University of Tübingen, Germany; was a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Human Anatomy at the university of Frankfurt am Main and assistant professor in Tübingen. He has a deep interest in functional morphology, and he integrates experimental approaches using a broad array of setups with classics such as comparative anatomy. One of his key concerns is to understand the evolution of motion systems. He integrates computer modelling, biomechanics and even robotics into his research. He has developed high-speed fluoroscopy to a new level and has applied it together with many coworkers to a large variety of tetrapods. Besides this, he is Museum director and initiates and participates on the national level on projects for the future of scientific collections. He has been dean of his faculty and senator of the university for many years. His cynological work concentrates on the motion system of dogs and studies on their mastication. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Kennel Club (VDH) and collaborates with different partners in veterinary sciences. The Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Gießen (Germany) has confered him an Honorary Doctor for his achievement in his field.
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Among all mammals, wolves are the runners with the highest endurance. But, who is covering great distances, wants to spend as little as possible energy, and, hence, we have access to the understanding of locomotion in dogs. Almost all aspects of their locomotion are related to saving energy.
The domestication of wolves has led to a high diversity of dog breeds be it in size, weight, build or general appearance. Reasons for this highest diversity among all domestic animals are to be sought in the intrinsic variability of wolf populations and individuals and the ten thousands of years of selection. The locomotor apparatus was in the focus of selection, too.
First, we studied 327 dogs from 32 different breeds among them Appenzeller, Bernese and Entlebucher mountain dogs in the world’s largest study so far in order to find the effect of selection onto the motion of different breeds. We expected strong differences especially knowing the fortyfold difference in weight between a Chihuahua or a Dachshound and a Great Dane – or do show all breeds despite all differences more or less the same locomotion?
The results was surprising because the difference between ten dogs of one breed were almost always larger than the mean values differ between breeds. In contrast to our expectations dog’s motion has remained rather unchanged despite the long history of domestication. Especially the proportions of the limb elements like thigh or lower leg are pretty much the same, and especially the length of the upper arm in relation to the other forelimb elements (shoulder blade, lower arm, mid-carpals) varies between the different breeds to less than one percent. It is obvious that kinematics are the same when proportions and morphology are the same. In reality slight or putative difference have been overstated while all breed have a great deal in common.
The impact of scapular rotation and translation on progression has been overlooked for long time. Thanks to high-speed X-ray movies we could show that scapula rotation accounts for about two-thirds of forelimb step length in all dog breeds. Again, the basic pattern is highly similar in all dogs.
In a second approach, we are now studying 3D-kinematics and so-called inverse dynamics of four different breeds. And, now we find differences especially between French bulldogs and the three others (Beagle, Malinois, Whippet). The 3D-motion of the fore- and hindlimbs of French bulldogs is a mixture of abduction and long-axis rotation leading to a significant medial pelvic displacement. Surprisingly enough, there are argument which can be related to the change not only of body form and posture but perhaps also to skull shape.
The talk will present the basics of dog locomotion explaining them with movies and animations. The whole study has been published in English and German in our book (“Dogs in motion”, “Hunde in Bewegung”), in which we also present extensively and at best the current knowledge on this topic. The reader will find all information on bones, muscles, joints, kinematics as well as the dynamical aspects of locomotion. As we have included a DVD with more than 300 films (high-speed movies, high-speed X-ray movies, 3D-animations) we hope to open a door to a new and better understanding of dogs in motion. The new results which have so far been published only in scientific journals will be presented in hopefully understandable way also with the help of new animations.
The domestication of wolves has led to a high diversity of dog breeds be it in size, weight, build or general appearance. Reasons for this highest diversity among all domestic animals are to be sought in the intrinsic variability of wolf populations and individuals and the ten thousands of years of selection. The locomotor apparatus was in the focus of selection, too.
First, we studied 327 dogs from 32 different breeds among them Appenzeller, Bernese and Entlebucher mountain dogs in the world’s largest study so far in order to find the effect of selection onto the motion of different breeds. We expected strong differences especially knowing the fortyfold difference in weight between a Chihuahua or a Dachshound and a Great Dane – or do show all breeds despite all differences more or less the same locomotion?
The results was surprising because the difference between ten dogs of one breed were almost always larger than the mean values differ between breeds. In contrast to our expectations dog’s motion has remained rather unchanged despite the long history of domestication. Especially the proportions of the limb elements like thigh or lower leg are pretty much the same, and especially the length of the upper arm in relation to the other forelimb elements (shoulder blade, lower arm, mid-carpals) varies between the different breeds to less than one percent. It is obvious that kinematics are the same when proportions and morphology are the same. In reality slight or putative difference have been overstated while all breed have a great deal in common.
The impact of scapular rotation and translation on progression has been overlooked for long time. Thanks to high-speed X-ray movies we could show that scapula rotation accounts for about two-thirds of forelimb step length in all dog breeds. Again, the basic pattern is highly similar in all dogs.
In a second approach, we are now studying 3D-kinematics and so-called inverse dynamics of four different breeds. And, now we find differences especially between French bulldogs and the three others (Beagle, Malinois, Whippet). The 3D-motion of the fore- and hindlimbs of French bulldogs is a mixture of abduction and long-axis rotation leading to a significant medial pelvic displacement. Surprisingly enough, there are argument which can be related to the change not only of body form and posture but perhaps also to skull shape.
The talk will present the basics of dog locomotion explaining them with movies and animations. The whole study has been published in English and German in our book (“Dogs in motion”, “Hunde in Bewegung”), in which we also present extensively and at best the current knowledge on this topic. The reader will find all information on bones, muscles, joints, kinematics as well as the dynamical aspects of locomotion. As we have included a DVD with more than 300 films (high-speed movies, high-speed X-ray movies, 3D-animations) we hope to open a door to a new and better understanding of dogs in motion. The new results which have so far been published only in scientific journals will be presented in hopefully understandable way also with the help of new animations.
Chiara Mariti - Italy
Visual communication, including both postures and facial expressions, is very important to maintain cohesion within the group, e.g. for conflict resolution and reconciliation. The presence of visual signals that increase the distance between individuals and avoid the risk of an overt aggression has been assumed in many species, including dogs. Turid Rugaas (2006) observed that some behaviors displayed by domestic dogs were able to de-escalate or interrupt an aggressive encounter and labeled them ‘calming signals’.
The aim of this study was to scientifically assess if the behaviors called ‘calming signals’ have a communicative and a de-escalating function with respect to the aggressive display in the other dog. The study consisted in rigorous, quantitative observations using sequence analysis within interactions. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that the analysed behaviors may play a specific role in canine communication, namely reducing the aggressive display. Further research is needed to better understand the meaning, relevance and impact of each signal on dog aggressive encounters. |
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Chiara Mariti graduated in Veterinary Medicine in 2003 at the University of Pisa, where she also obtained a Master in Behavioural Medicine and a Ph.D. on horse behaviour. At the moment, she is a researcher at the University of Pisa, where she focuses most of her research on pets’ behaviour and welfare and on anthrozoology. She is a diplomate of the ECAWBM- subspecialty in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law. She is also a board member of ESVCE (European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology) and founder of AVEC (an Italian association of veterinary behaviourists).
Els Vidts, Belgium
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How right exercises influence behaviour
The brain receives a whole lot of information from the body, this information will be integrated and will influence behaviour. So as behaviourist 'using the body' can be an extra very influential tool to influence behaviour. Using the right exercises can make the difference to take behavioural therapy a step further for depressed, aggresssive or anxious dogs or dogs who lack confidence etc. In this talk I will explain how the right physical exercises can have such a big impact on the brain and behaviour. And I will go into specific exercises you can use for developing young dogs or to help dogs achieve behaviour changes. |
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Els Vidts is a trained physiotherapist and osteopath and director of the Belgium based organisation, FreeDogz Education Dog School.
Els is passionate about canine welfare and improving relationships between dogs and their owners. In 2013 Els completed the renowned International Dog Trainer Education Program conducted by Turid Rugaas.
This training, coupled with her training as a physiotherapist and osteopath offered Els an insight into the wide range of physical and behavioural problems that dogs and their owners experience while walking.
Els also developed informational posters describing the anatomy of a dog’s neck to illustrate how important correct equipment and appropriate handling skills are in protecting sensitive neck structures from injury. These posters have been translated into 12 different languages with Portuguese and Korean soon to be added.
Els is passionate about canine welfare and improving relationships between dogs and their owners. In 2013 Els completed the renowned International Dog Trainer Education Program conducted by Turid Rugaas.
This training, coupled with her training as a physiotherapist and osteopath offered Els an insight into the wide range of physical and behavioural problems that dogs and their owners experience while walking.
Els also developed informational posters describing the anatomy of a dog’s neck to illustrate how important correct equipment and appropriate handling skills are in protecting sensitive neck structures from injury. These posters have been translated into 12 different languages with Portuguese and Korean soon to be added.
Kirsti Grant, UK
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For the last 10 years I have run a one to one grooming business from my home in Wiltshire . My aim has been to change the standard routines , habits and environment in order to reduce the stress that dogs commonly experience during these visits, then to educate their guardians and other dog professionals about how this can be achieved. I have always had a passionate interest in understanding dogs lives and behaviour, this led me to Turid's IDTE in 2016. In June 2018 I opened a canine enrichment unit in Swindon, an area with one of the highest reported instances of dog bites. . This is a secure indoor space staging an individually tailored collection of novel items for dogs to explore on a one to one basis, as recreation or recovery. My aim is to offer dogs this safe opportunity to develop and enjoy investigating with no demands or commands, and to offer their guardians the opportunity to learn observation skills and expand their understanding.
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Talk 1
'A Knotty Problem - Stress and the groomers'
This presentation will cover information about dogs hair growth, the impact that selective breeding has on this and an overview of what is done during a groomers visit.
The benefits of regular grooming and the implications for welfare, safety and health
Changes to the routine, methods and to the environment that we can suggest to groomers and to guardians to reduce the stress and trauma the dog experiences.
Talk 2
'Enriched Environments'
This presentation will cover the value of enriched environments and how they can be used for recreation, for recovery, education, and as part of a program to desensitise to elements that were a source of stress.
Layouts and set ups, how to create and maintain a safe and inviting space for dogs and humans
Representing and including all sensory elements.
Experiences and case studies
'A Knotty Problem - Stress and the groomers'
This presentation will cover information about dogs hair growth, the impact that selective breeding has on this and an overview of what is done during a groomers visit.
The benefits of regular grooming and the implications for welfare, safety and health
Changes to the routine, methods and to the environment that we can suggest to groomers and to guardians to reduce the stress and trauma the dog experiences.
Talk 2
'Enriched Environments'
This presentation will cover the value of enriched environments and how they can be used for recreation, for recovery, education, and as part of a program to desensitise to elements that were a source of stress.
Layouts and set ups, how to create and maintain a safe and inviting space for dogs and humans
Representing and including all sensory elements.
Experiences and case studies
Stephanie Rousseau, Ireland
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Steph Rousseau is a dog trainer and behaviourist based in Dublin, Ireland. She set up Steph’s Dog Training in 2014, whilst living in London. In the course of her work there, she became aware of the increasing number of dogs that were going to work with their humans. She observed commonalities in the sort of problems these dogs and their people were reporting, and wished to look at the phenomenon of dogs in the workplace in more detail. Much information exists on the benefits to humans of having dogs in the workplace, but there has been less focus on how the experience is for the dogs, the advantages and disadvantages for them, and how the life as a canine colleague can be optimised.
Her book, Office Dogs: The Manual, was published in 2018/19 and offers guidance and practical advice for employers and dog owners alike, whilst prioritising the office dog’s welfare. |
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K9-5: Happier Dogs in the Office
Employers are increasingly looking for effective ways to improve the working environment for staff, and in some cases, to motivate them to spend more time in the office. Millennials, the generation who will increasingly dominate the workforce over the coming years, are committed pet owners. Although they are less likely to be married or living with partners, they are more likely to have pets than any other generation. It’s no surprise then, that bringing dogs to work is growing in popularity, with about 8% of workplaces in the UK and US allow employees to bring their dogs to work.
Studies have illustrated a host of benefits to companies and employees of having dogs in the workplace- everything from reduced stress amongst staff, to increased job satisfaction and employee retention, to the health-boosting effects that come from having pets around.
However, not every workplace that allows dogs is set up in a way that works. If the setup is right, and the dogs are happy and relaxed, the chances of them displaying problematic behaviours are greatly reduced.
During this talk, Steph will discuss:
- some of the practicalities involved with bringing dogs to work;
- considerations for businesses considering becoming dog-friendly;
- ways to reduce stressful experiences for the dog and how to set them up for success;
- real-life stories of office dogs as well as their challenges and successes.
Employers are increasingly looking for effective ways to improve the working environment for staff, and in some cases, to motivate them to spend more time in the office. Millennials, the generation who will increasingly dominate the workforce over the coming years, are committed pet owners. Although they are less likely to be married or living with partners, they are more likely to have pets than any other generation. It’s no surprise then, that bringing dogs to work is growing in popularity, with about 8% of workplaces in the UK and US allow employees to bring their dogs to work.
Studies have illustrated a host of benefits to companies and employees of having dogs in the workplace- everything from reduced stress amongst staff, to increased job satisfaction and employee retention, to the health-boosting effects that come from having pets around.
However, not every workplace that allows dogs is set up in a way that works. If the setup is right, and the dogs are happy and relaxed, the chances of them displaying problematic behaviours are greatly reduced.
During this talk, Steph will discuss:
- some of the practicalities involved with bringing dogs to work;
- considerations for businesses considering becoming dog-friendly;
- ways to reduce stressful experiences for the dog and how to set them up for success;
- real-life stories of office dogs as well as their challenges and successes.
