Date of Award

Spring 2005

Document Type

Legacy Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Biology

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Robert F. Young

Abstract/Description

Canine behavior has been studied using several different techniques and environments. Many variables have been found to affect different behaviors including the breed of the dog, the sex, or the living environment. This experiment looks at canine behavior in the veterinary setting and uses an observer instead of sending out a survey, which is how many behavior studies have been tested in the past. In using 8 commonly seen traits to suggest both positive and negative behaviors, this experiment tested whether the owner history of the dogs affect whether their behaviors are more positive or negative. After creating a PN Behavior Index using the number of traits observed for each dog, statistical analysis found that dogs that were obtained from the pound/shelter have more positive behaviors towards a new person in the veterinary setting. The ages of the dogs were also compared and a weak correlation shows that the older a dog gets the more negative his or her behaviors become.

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