Dr. James Serpell to Describe the Uses of a Research-Based Tool to Screen and Evaluate Behavior and Temperament in Dogs in a Webinar Through E-Training For Dogs.
Correct assessment of a dog's temperament allows for early and targeted intervention in the case of dogs showing signs of developing behavioral problems, and more accurate selection for placement in homes, as working dogs, or for breeding selection.
WINDSOR, CO, November 30, 2012
E-Training for Dogs, the most extensive online dog training educational site on the Internet and provider of a wide selection of webinars for the dog owner, dog trainer, breeder and canine enthusiast, will hold an online webinar featuring Dr. James Serpell, who will share the rigorous science underlying the development and various uses of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), on (December 5, 2012 at 8 PM, EST, 11 PM GMT).The C-BARQ is the only existing behavioral assessment instrument of its kind to be thoroughly tested for reliability and validity on large samples of dogs of various breeds.
Canine aggression poses serious public health and animal welfare concerns. The ability to accurately determine a dog that may be at risk for either human or dog aggression is of interest to many different groups of people. It is a concern to breeders in choosing animals for breeding. It would help in the homing of rescue and shelter dogs. It is essential in the selection of animals to be used for service or other types of human assistance or working dogs.
There are several methods that are currently in use to assess temperaments in dogs. None have been as thoroughly researched and scientifically validated as the C-BARQ. This process has resulted in the identification of thirteen distinct behavioral factors or traits that are common to the majority of dogs, regardless of breed, age, sex or neuter status. It is also very easy to use, can be completed by anyone who is reasonably familiar with the dog's typical responses to ordinary, day-to-day events and stimuli, and is available free online. In addition, every time someone enters a dog into the online C-BARQ, they are contributing to that with each dog entered. The results show the person entering the data their dogs' scores on the thirteen behaviors, the average for that breed, and the average for all breeds. This ever growing database allows for greater behavioral comparisons between dogs of different breeds, sexes, different populations/organizations, etc. This database may eventually contribute in the identification of specific genetic or environmental influences on behavior (e.g. prey drive, shyness, aggression, etc).
The webinar will feature, Dr. James Serpell describing the theory behind the exciting research (published in the journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science ) of this unique tool designed to provide dog owners and professionals with the ability to measure temperament and behavior in dogs. This unique opportunity will allow for the webinar attendee to ask questions live (online) of the author and scientist responsible for the development and scientific evaluation of the C-BARQ: Dr. James Serpell.
For more information about Dr. James Serpell's online seminar, visit (http://www.e-trainingfordogs.com/2011/03/ethology-and-canine-behaviour-series/) and/or http://e-trainingfordogs.com, call 970-231-9965, or email Cheryl@e-trainingfordogs.com.
About James Serpell, Ph.D.
James Serpell is the Marie A. Moore Professor of Animal Welfare at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, where he also directs the Center for the Interaction of Animals & Society. He received his bachelor's degree in Zoology from University College London in 1974, and his PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of Liverpool in 1980. In 1985 he established the Companion Animal Research Group at the University of Cambridge before moving in 1993 to his current position at the University of Pennsylvania where he lectures on veterinary ethics, applied animal behavior and welfare, and human-animal interactions. His research focuses mainly on the behavior and welfare of dogs and cats, the development of human attitudes to animals, and the history and impact of human-animal relationships. In addition to publishing more than 100 articles and book chapters on these and related topics, he is the author, editor or co-editor of several books including Animals & Human Society: Changing Perspectives (1994), The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior & Interactions with People (1995), In the Company of Animals (1996), and Companion Animals & Us (2000).
E-Training For Dogs is the first online dog training educational site offering a wide selection of webinars for the dog owner, dog trainer, breeder and canine enthusiast. All of the courses offered through E-Training For Dogs are available through the E-Training For Dogs website. For more information visit at http://e-trainingfordogs.com, call 970-231-9965, or Cheryl@e-trainingfordogs.com.