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Karen E. Dematteo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Back to the basics with conservation Detection Dogs: fundamentals for success
Wildlife Biology, 2019Co-Authors: Karen E. Dematteo, Barbara Davenport, Louise E. WilsonAbstract:The use of Detection Dogs in conservation studies has expanded across species, conditions and habitats. However, it is incorrect to assume the potential associated with these surveys is automatically linked to the Dog's sense of smell. Instead, an accurate Detection Dog rate is directly linked to many caveats in Dog–handler training. Selecting a Detection Dog is directly linked to a clearly defined study design and must balance various factors, including: olfactory ability, physical structure, energy level, personality and social traits. Selection of training samples should ensure sufficient variation in target and nontarget species, independent of whether the goal is to locate evidence of the animal (e.g. scat, feather) or the physical animal. Just as not all Dogs are appropriate, not all persons are suitable for this type of work, as the handler must be consistent and attentive to details with an incredible physical and mental endurance to sustain the time in the field. Testing in controlled and field situations can determine if the personalities of the Dog and handler balance, with time needed for each to gain the ability to ‘read’ the other. Proper training for the Dog and handler is essential, with special attention paid to the innate reactions of the latter. After training of the team is complete, testing trials should mimic field conditions. While there is no single model to becoming a handler in wildlife Detection Dog studies, incorporating these fundamental concepts with professional training can help optimize sample Detection rate, minimize handler and Dog frustration, and maximize overall success with this technique.
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ABSENCE OF PARVOVIRUS SHEDDING IN FECES OF THREATENED CARNIVORES FROM MISIONES, ARGENTINA.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Maria Marcela Orozco, Karen E. Dematteo, Miguel A. Rinas, Carina Francisca Argüelles, Danilo Bucafusco, Hernán Dario Argibay, Ana Bratanich, Ricardo E. GürtlerAbstract:Abstract Since its emergence in the 1970s, canine parvovirus (CPV) has spread worldwide and infects a wide variety of mammalian hosts, including domestic and nondomestic carnivores. Today it is one of the most important pathogenic viruses associated with high morbidity and mortality in domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris). In South America, the range of wild hosts has been scarcely studied and the epidemiology of CPV in wildlife is still unclear. In 2011, feces from five wild carnivores (bush Dog [Speothos venaticus], jaguar [Panthera onca], puma [Puma concolor], oncilla [Leopardus guttulus], and ocelot [Leopardus pardalis]) were collected in Misiones, Argentina, using a Detection Dog. Of the 289 feces collected, 209 (72.3%) had sufficient sample remaining to be used in this study and the majority of these were genetically confirmed to individual (81.3%) and sex (78.4%) level. In fact, these samples represent a minimum of 115 individuals (10 jaguars, 13 pumas, 33 ocelots, 38 oncillas, and 21 bush Dogs). Throu...
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How Behavior of Nontarget Species Affects Perceived Accuracy of Scat Detection Dog Surveys
Scientific Reports, 2018Co-Authors: Karen E. Dematteo, Linsey W. Blake, Julie K. Young, Barbara DavenportAbstract:Detection Dogs, specially trained domestic Dogs ( Canis familiaris ), have become a valuable, noninvasive, conservation tool because they remove the dependence of attracting species to a particular location. Further, Detection Dogs locate samples independent of appearance, composition, or visibility allowing researchers to collect large sets of unbiased samples that can be used in complex ecological queries. One question not fully addressed is why samples from nontarget species are inadvertently collected during Detection Dog surveys. While a common explanation has been incomplete handler or Dog training, our study aimed to explore alternative explanations. Our trials demonstrate that a scat’s genetic profile can be altered by interactions of nontarget species with target scat via urine-marking, coprophagy, and moving scats with their mouths, all pathways to contamination by nontarget species’ DNA. Because Detection Dogs are trained to locate odor independent of masking, the collection of samples with a mixed olfactory profile (target and nontarget) is possible. These scats will likely have characteristics of target species’ scats and are therefore only discovered faulty once genetic results indicate a nontarget species. While the collection of nontarget scats will not impact research conclusions so long as samples are DNA tested, we suggest ways to minimize their collection and associated costs.
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Neotropical Zoonotic Parasites in Bush Dogs (Speothos venaticus) from Upper Paraná Atlantic Forests in Misiones, Argentina
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Katherina A. Vizcaychipi, Miguel A. Rinas, Lucia Irazu, Adriana Miyagi, Carina F. Argüelles, Karen E. DematteoAbstract:Abstract Wildlife remains an important source of zoonotic diseases for the most vulnerable groups of humans, primarily those living in rural areas or coexisting with forest. The Upper Parana Atlantic forest of Misiones, Argentina is facing ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes, which affect the local biodiversity, including the bush Dog (Speothos venaticus), a small canid considered Near Threatened globally and Endangered locally. This project aimed to expand the knowledge of zoonotic parasites present in the bush Dog and the potential implications for human health and conservation medicine. From May to August 2011, a Detection Dog located 34 scats that were genetically confirmed as bush Dog and georeferenced to northern Misiones. Of these 34 scats, 27 had sufficient quantity that allowed processing for zoonotic parasites using morphological (sedimentation and flotation) and antigen (coproantigen technique) analyses. Within these 27 scats, we determined that the parasitic prevalence was 63.0% (n...
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using Detection Dogs and genetic analyses of scat to expand knowledge and assist felid conservation in misiones argentina
Integrative Zoology, 2014Co-Authors: Karen E. Dematteo, Barbara Davenport, Miguel A. Rinas, Patricia G. Parker, Carina F. Argüelles, Bernardo E Holman, Mario S Di Bitetti, Lori S EggertAbstract:Many carnivores require large ranges to meet their ecological and energetic needs; however, anthropogenic changes threaten species and their habitats. Camera traps have been used to effectively collect data on carnivores in a variety of habitat types; however, a single survey effort is typically limited to species that have similar body size, habitat use and movement patterns, and individual identification of animals is not always pos sible. We evaluated whether scat Detection Dogs could effectively survey for 4 wide-ranging felids that vary in these characteristics: jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus). From June to October 2009 and May to August 2011, a Detection Dog-handler team detected 588 scats, from which 176 unique genotypes were detected. We assigned sex to 84.7% of the genotyped scats and identified 55 individuals multiple times. The effectiveness of these noninvasive techniques (Detection Dogs and genetic analyses of scat) not only opens the door for additional studies in areas that were previously difficult or impossible with standard survey techniques, but also provides conservationists with a set of tools that overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of camera traps alone.
Jeffrey S. Katz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The development of problem-solving abilities in a population of candidate Detection Dogs (Canis familiaris)
Animal Cognition, 2020Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, Sarah Krichbaum, L. Paul Waggoner, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Both ontogenetic and phylogenetic factors have shaped Dogs’ cognitive capabilities, resulting in a heightened social sensitivity at the apparent cost of non-social problem-solving abilities. Research has suggested that training history and life experience can influence problem-solving abilities in Dogs. However, the ontogenetic development of problem-solving abilities in Dogs has been less explored. We tested a population of candidate Detection Dogs of various ages across the first year of development on four well-established problem-solving tasks targeting different cognitive domains (i.e., cylinder, A-not-B barrier, delayed search, and spatial transposition tasks). We examined developmental effects by comparing cognitive task performance across three age groups. Age-related improvements for all four cognitive measures indicate developmental increases in processes related to inhibitory control, attention, and spatial cognition between 3 and 12 months of age. Additionally, we found some relationships between cognitive measures and Detection Dog performance measures, though effects were not as robust. We discuss the results in the context of canine cognitive development and corresponding effects of phylogeny and ontogeny, as well as potential applications to working Dog training and selection.
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The development of problem-solving abilities in a population of candidate Detection Dogs (Canis familiaris)
Animal Cognition, 2020Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, Sarah Krichbaum, L. Paul Waggoner, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Both ontogenetic and phylogenetic factors have shaped Dogs’ cognitive capabilities, resulting in a heightened social sensitivity at the apparent cost of non-social problem-solving abilities. Research has suggested that training history and life experience can influence problem-solving abilities in Dogs. However, the ontogenetic development of problem-solving abilities in Dogs has not been explored. We tested a population of candidate Detection Dogs of various ages across the first year of development on four well-established problem-solving tasks targeting different cognitive domains (i.e., cylinder, A-not-B barrier, delayed search, and spatial transposition tasks). We examined developmental effects by comparing cognitive task performance across three age groups. Age-related improvements for all four cognitive measures indicate developmental increases in processes related to inhibitory control, attention, and spatial cognition between 3 and 12 months of age. Additionally, we found some relationships between cognitive measures and Detection Dog performance measures, though effects were not as robust. We discuss the results in the context of canine cognitive development and corresponding effects of phylogeny and ontogeny, as well as potential applications to working Dog training and selection.
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Persistence and human-directed behavior in Detection Dogs: Ontogenetic development and relationships to working Dog success
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2019Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, L. Paul Waggoner, Lily R. Strassberg, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Abstract Dogs are increasingly utilized for specialized scent Detection tasks. Methods for accurately identifying suitable candidates are lacking, as evidenced by the high rate of Dogs failing to be placed in service. Given that behavioral factors have the greatest influence on working Dog success, developing better methods for their identification is critical. The aim of this study was to use the ‘Unsolvable Task’ to measure persistence and social behavior in a population of candidate Detection Dogs (n = 81) to determine ontogenetic effects and potential relationships to Detection Dog success. Both human- and task-oriented behaviors were assessed in candidates of 3, 6, and 11 months of age. We found that human-directed gazing during the Unsolvable Task was nearly absent in puppies 6 months or younger and increased significantly at 11 months (p
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When the nose knows: ontogenetic changes in Detection Dogs' (Canis familiaris) responsiveness to social and olfactory cues
Animal Behaviour, 2019Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, L. Paul Waggoner, Bart Rogers, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Domestic Dogs, Canis familiaris, are highly responsive to human communicative cues and can utilize gestures, such as pointing, to locate hidden rewards. This ability is thought to be the product of both genetic and behavioural selection, allowing Dogs to adapt to life with humans. Dogs' responsiveness to human gestures can also lead to suboptimal choices when Dogs readily follow misleading cues despite directly contradicting perceptual information such as odour cues. However, this bias likely reflects pet Dogs' enculturation with humans and thus may not be representative of other populations of Dogs. We investigated the ability of young Dogs in training for explosives Detection (N = 77) to locate a hidden reward using olfactory cues when presented in conflict with a deceptive communicative gesture in an object-choice task. We assessed performance at 3, 6 and 11 months of age using both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. We found that, contrary to previous findings with pet Dogs, responsiveness to human pointing decreased with age, whereas the ability to locate the reward by scent increased. Furthermore, a lack of susceptibility to deceptive social cues was predictive of future success as a Detection Dog. These findings further indicate the influence of ontogenetic effects on canine social cognition and demonstrate potential applications for the identification of suitable Detection Dogs.
Barbara Davenport - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Back to the basics with conservation Detection Dogs: fundamentals for success
Wildlife Biology, 2019Co-Authors: Karen E. Dematteo, Barbara Davenport, Louise E. WilsonAbstract:The use of Detection Dogs in conservation studies has expanded across species, conditions and habitats. However, it is incorrect to assume the potential associated with these surveys is automatically linked to the Dog's sense of smell. Instead, an accurate Detection Dog rate is directly linked to many caveats in Dog–handler training. Selecting a Detection Dog is directly linked to a clearly defined study design and must balance various factors, including: olfactory ability, physical structure, energy level, personality and social traits. Selection of training samples should ensure sufficient variation in target and nontarget species, independent of whether the goal is to locate evidence of the animal (e.g. scat, feather) or the physical animal. Just as not all Dogs are appropriate, not all persons are suitable for this type of work, as the handler must be consistent and attentive to details with an incredible physical and mental endurance to sustain the time in the field. Testing in controlled and field situations can determine if the personalities of the Dog and handler balance, with time needed for each to gain the ability to ‘read’ the other. Proper training for the Dog and handler is essential, with special attention paid to the innate reactions of the latter. After training of the team is complete, testing trials should mimic field conditions. While there is no single model to becoming a handler in wildlife Detection Dog studies, incorporating these fundamental concepts with professional training can help optimize sample Detection rate, minimize handler and Dog frustration, and maximize overall success with this technique.
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How Behavior of Nontarget Species Affects Perceived Accuracy of Scat Detection Dog Surveys
Scientific Reports, 2018Co-Authors: Karen E. Dematteo, Linsey W. Blake, Julie K. Young, Barbara DavenportAbstract:Detection Dogs, specially trained domestic Dogs ( Canis familiaris ), have become a valuable, noninvasive, conservation tool because they remove the dependence of attracting species to a particular location. Further, Detection Dogs locate samples independent of appearance, composition, or visibility allowing researchers to collect large sets of unbiased samples that can be used in complex ecological queries. One question not fully addressed is why samples from nontarget species are inadvertently collected during Detection Dog surveys. While a common explanation has been incomplete handler or Dog training, our study aimed to explore alternative explanations. Our trials demonstrate that a scat’s genetic profile can be altered by interactions of nontarget species with target scat via urine-marking, coprophagy, and moving scats with their mouths, all pathways to contamination by nontarget species’ DNA. Because Detection Dogs are trained to locate odor independent of masking, the collection of samples with a mixed olfactory profile (target and nontarget) is possible. These scats will likely have characteristics of target species’ scats and are therefore only discovered faulty once genetic results indicate a nontarget species. While the collection of nontarget scats will not impact research conclusions so long as samples are DNA tested, we suggest ways to minimize their collection and associated costs.
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Efficacy of scent‐Detection Dogs for locating bat roosts in trees and snags
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2015Co-Authors: Carol L. Chambers, Christina D. Vojta, Elisabeth D. Mering, Barbara DavenportAbstract:Conservation efforts for tree- and snag-roosting bats are challenging because roost sites are difficult and costly to locate. We assessed the ability of scent Detection Dogs to locate bat roosts using controlled field experiments conducted at 2 sites in northern Arizona, USA, during July and August of 2007, with small bags of bat guano and known bat roosts. Scent Detection Dogs correctly detected 79% of guano bags and 29% of known bat roosts; but, when searching during shorter time periods for roosts only, Dogs correctly detected 77% of known roosts. Factors affecting Detection of guano bags included bag height and mass. Factors affecting Detection of roosts included height, size of the bat colony, and air temperature. Rest breaks and competition between Dogs apparently increased their success rate in finding roosts. Using a scent Detection Dog to locate roosts was similar in cost to radiotelemetry; however, the use of a scent Detection Dog was less invasive because the use of Dogs precluded the need to capture and radiotag bats. Important considerations influencing the efficacy of using scent Detection Dogs include training and transportation costs, and skill level of Dog handlers. Although some factors limit the ability of scent Detection Dogs to accurately locate roosts, Dogs in our study approximated the roost location to within a 30-m radius, which may be sufficient to protect these areas during management activities. If managers have the ability within an area to retain all large-diameter snags that have bat roost characteristics, then scent Detection Dogs will likely not provide adequate added value to warrant their survey costs. However, scent Dogs could be important for locating roosts of species that are imperiled or of conservation concern. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
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using Detection Dogs and genetic analyses of scat to expand knowledge and assist felid conservation in misiones argentina
Integrative Zoology, 2014Co-Authors: Karen E. Dematteo, Barbara Davenport, Miguel A. Rinas, Patricia G. Parker, Carina F. Argüelles, Bernardo E Holman, Mario S Di Bitetti, Lori S EggertAbstract:Many carnivores require large ranges to meet their ecological and energetic needs; however, anthropogenic changes threaten species and their habitats. Camera traps have been used to effectively collect data on carnivores in a variety of habitat types; however, a single survey effort is typically limited to species that have similar body size, habitat use and movement patterns, and individual identification of animals is not always pos sible. We evaluated whether scat Detection Dogs could effectively survey for 4 wide-ranging felids that vary in these characteristics: jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus). From June to October 2009 and May to August 2011, a Detection Dog-handler team detected 588 scats, from which 176 unique genotypes were detected. We assigned sex to 84.7% of the genotyped scats and identified 55 individuals multiple times. The effectiveness of these noninvasive techniques (Detection Dogs and genetic analyses of scat) not only opens the door for additional studies in areas that were previously difficult or impossible with standard survey techniques, but also provides conservationists with a set of tools that overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of camera traps alone.
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Detection Dogs: An Effective Technique for Bush Dog Surveys
Journal of Wildlife Management, 2009Co-Authors: Karen E. Dematteo, Barbara Davenport, Miguel A. Rinas, Mariano Miguel Sede, Carina Francisca Argüelles, Keith Lovett, Patricia G. ParkerAbstract:Abstract Detailed ecological data on the bush Dog (Speothos venaticus) have been lacking, since standard field techniques, such as camera traps, have had little success recording their presence. This study eliminates dependence on visitation rate and switches the focus to locating evidence (e.g., olfactory) associated with the species' natural behavior and movement patterns. Over a 3-month period, a Detection Dog located multiple (n = 11, 4 confirmed and 7 potential) bush Dog areas in Upper Parana Atlantic Forest of Misiones Argentina. These positive results demonstrate that Detection Dogs can provide species-specific data on the bush Dog despite the rugged terrain and dense forest vegetation they may occupy. The ecological data collected using this technique allow effective conservation strategies to be developed, wildlife corridors and biological crossings to be designed, and species distributions to be examined.
Lucia Lazarowski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Methodological Considerations in Canine Olfactory Detection Research.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2020Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, Sarah Krichbaum, Lauryn E. Degreeff, Alison G. Simon, Melissa Singletary, Craig T. Angle, L. Paul WaggonerAbstract:Dogs are increasingly used in a wide range of Detection tasks including explosives, narcotics, medical, and wildlife Detection. Research on Detection Dog performance is important to understand olfactory capabilities, behavioral characteristics, improve training, expand deployment practices, and advance applied canine technologies. As such, it is important to understand the influence of specific variables on the quantification of Detection Dog performance such as test design, experimental controls, odor characteristics, and statistical analysis. Methods for testing canine scent Detection vary influencing the outcome metrics of performance and the validity of results. Operators, management teams, policy makers, and law enforcement rely on scientific data to make decisions, design policies, and advance canine technologies. A lack of scientific information and standardized protocols in the detector Dog industry adds difficulty and inaccuracies when making informed decisions about capability, vulnerability, and risk analysis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight important methodological issues and expand on considerations for conducting scientifically valid Detection Dog research.
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The development of problem-solving abilities in a population of candidate Detection Dogs (Canis familiaris)
Animal Cognition, 2020Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, Sarah Krichbaum, L. Paul Waggoner, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Both ontogenetic and phylogenetic factors have shaped Dogs’ cognitive capabilities, resulting in a heightened social sensitivity at the apparent cost of non-social problem-solving abilities. Research has suggested that training history and life experience can influence problem-solving abilities in Dogs. However, the ontogenetic development of problem-solving abilities in Dogs has not been explored. We tested a population of candidate Detection Dogs of various ages across the first year of development on four well-established problem-solving tasks targeting different cognitive domains (i.e., cylinder, A-not-B barrier, delayed search, and spatial transposition tasks). We examined developmental effects by comparing cognitive task performance across three age groups. Age-related improvements for all four cognitive measures indicate developmental increases in processes related to inhibitory control, attention, and spatial cognition between 3 and 12 months of age. Additionally, we found some relationships between cognitive measures and Detection Dog performance measures, though effects were not as robust. We discuss the results in the context of canine cognitive development and corresponding effects of phylogeny and ontogeny, as well as potential applications to working Dog training and selection.
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The development of problem-solving abilities in a population of candidate Detection Dogs (Canis familiaris)
Animal Cognition, 2020Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, Sarah Krichbaum, L. Paul Waggoner, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Both ontogenetic and phylogenetic factors have shaped Dogs’ cognitive capabilities, resulting in a heightened social sensitivity at the apparent cost of non-social problem-solving abilities. Research has suggested that training history and life experience can influence problem-solving abilities in Dogs. However, the ontogenetic development of problem-solving abilities in Dogs has been less explored. We tested a population of candidate Detection Dogs of various ages across the first year of development on four well-established problem-solving tasks targeting different cognitive domains (i.e., cylinder, A-not-B barrier, delayed search, and spatial transposition tasks). We examined developmental effects by comparing cognitive task performance across three age groups. Age-related improvements for all four cognitive measures indicate developmental increases in processes related to inhibitory control, attention, and spatial cognition between 3 and 12 months of age. Additionally, we found some relationships between cognitive measures and Detection Dog performance measures, though effects were not as robust. We discuss the results in the context of canine cognitive development and corresponding effects of phylogeny and ontogeny, as well as potential applications to working Dog training and selection.
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Persistence and human-directed behavior in Detection Dogs: Ontogenetic development and relationships to working Dog success
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2019Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, L. Paul Waggoner, Lily R. Strassberg, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Abstract Dogs are increasingly utilized for specialized scent Detection tasks. Methods for accurately identifying suitable candidates are lacking, as evidenced by the high rate of Dogs failing to be placed in service. Given that behavioral factors have the greatest influence on working Dog success, developing better methods for their identification is critical. The aim of this study was to use the ‘Unsolvable Task’ to measure persistence and social behavior in a population of candidate Detection Dogs (n = 81) to determine ontogenetic effects and potential relationships to Detection Dog success. Both human- and task-oriented behaviors were assessed in candidates of 3, 6, and 11 months of age. We found that human-directed gazing during the Unsolvable Task was nearly absent in puppies 6 months or younger and increased significantly at 11 months (p
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When the nose knows: ontogenetic changes in Detection Dogs' (Canis familiaris) responsiveness to social and olfactory cues
Animal Behaviour, 2019Co-Authors: Lucia Lazarowski, L. Paul Waggoner, Bart Rogers, Jeffrey S. KatzAbstract:Domestic Dogs, Canis familiaris, are highly responsive to human communicative cues and can utilize gestures, such as pointing, to locate hidden rewards. This ability is thought to be the product of both genetic and behavioural selection, allowing Dogs to adapt to life with humans. Dogs' responsiveness to human gestures can also lead to suboptimal choices when Dogs readily follow misleading cues despite directly contradicting perceptual information such as odour cues. However, this bias likely reflects pet Dogs' enculturation with humans and thus may not be representative of other populations of Dogs. We investigated the ability of young Dogs in training for explosives Detection (N = 77) to locate a hidden reward using olfactory cues when presented in conflict with a deceptive communicative gesture in an object-choice task. We assessed performance at 3, 6 and 11 months of age using both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. We found that, contrary to previous findings with pet Dogs, responsiveness to human pointing decreased with age, whereas the ability to locate the reward by scent increased. Furthermore, a lack of susceptibility to deceptive social cues was predictive of future success as a Detection Dog. These findings further indicate the influence of ontogenetic effects on canine social cognition and demonstrate potential applications for the identification of suitable Detection Dogs.
Jesús E. Maldonado - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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relative abundance of endangered san joaquin kit foxes vulpes macrotis mutica based on scat Detection Dog surveys
Southwestern Naturalist, 2006Co-Authors: Deborah A. Smith, Katherine Ralls, Brian L. Cypher, Howard O. Clark, Patrick A. Kelly, Daniel F. Williams, Jesús E. MaldonadoAbstract:Abstract Although the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) has been a federally protected subspecies since 1967, current information on its status throughout much of its historical range is lacking. Since 1983, only 5 surveys have been conducted, and a recent recovery plan emphasized the need for better information on the status of this subspecies. Between 2001 and 2003, we attempted to obtain new information on this kit fox on specific public and private properties in 8 counties in the San Joaquin Valley, California, where knowledge of its current status was limited or poorly understood. We used a trained Detection-Dog to survey for kit fox, red fox (V. vulpes), and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) scats on selected properties, followed by species identification based on genetic analysis of DNA extracted from all scats collected. Despite extensive survey efforts (539 km), kit fox was only detected in Merced County, in the area of Santa Nella, where a small kit fox population was previously doc...
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RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF ENDANGERED SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOXES (VULPES MACROTIS MUTICA) BASED ON SCAT–Detection Dog SURVEYS
The Southwestern Naturalist, 2006Co-Authors: Deborah A. Smith, Katherine Ralls, Brian L. Cypher, Howard O. Clark, Patrick A. Kelly, Daniel F. Williams, Jesús E. MaldonadoAbstract:Abstract Although the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) has been a federally protected subspecies since 1967, current information on its status throughout much of its historical range is lacking. Since 1983, only 5 surveys have been conducted, and a recent recovery plan emphasized the need for better information on the status of this subspecies. Between 2001 and 2003, we attempted to obtain new information on this kit fox on specific public and private properties in 8 counties in the San Joaquin Valley, California, where knowledge of its current status was limited or poorly understood. We used a trained Detection-Dog to survey for kit fox, red fox (V. vulpes), and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) scats on selected properties, followed by species identification based on genetic analysis of DNA extracted from all scats collected. Despite extensive survey efforts (539 km), kit fox was only detected in Merced County, in the area of Santa Nella, where a small kit fox population was previously doc...
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Assessment of scat-Detection Dog surveys to determine kit fox distribution
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2005Co-Authors: Deborah A. Smith, Katherine Ralls, Brian L. Cypher, Jesús E. MaldonadoAbstract:Developing sound conservation strategies for carnivores in fragmented landscapes relies on accurate distribution information. Fecal (scat) surveys can provide an effective survey technique, especially when collection of scats is followed by genetic analysis of DNA extracted from scats. Furthermore, use of specially trained Detection Dogs to locate scats on survey routes may greatly enhance scat recovery. We evaluated utility of scat-Detection Dog surveys as a method to determine current distribution of kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica). We used a trained Dog to locate scats in core and satellite population areas with various densities and different habitat conditions. We compared number of scats found per kilometer on transects along different road and vegetation types. Scat-Detection Dog surveys detected the presence of kit foxes in each population area searched, regardless of relative fox density and vegetation type. We found a greater number of scats on unpaved than paved roads, suggesting unpaved roads are more appropriate for monitoring of foxes. Additionally, we found a greater number of scats in saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa) scrub than in non-native grassland. This result was strongly influenced by latitude, and was probably related to a north-south precipitation gradient. Our results demonstrate that scat-Detection Dog surveys can provide an effective conservation tool to map current kit fox distribution. This survey method has a wide application to other carnivore species, and can be used to survey multiple species simultaneously.