Human-Animal Interaction presentations (MU)
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Items in this collection are public presentations made by Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction faculty, staff, and students, either alone or as co-authors, and which may or may not have been published in an alternate format. Items may contain more than one file type.
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Item One health: a guiding imperative(2010) Johnson, Rebecca A. (Rebecca Ann); University of Missouri (System); Missouri Life Sciences Summit (2010: University of Missouri--Kansas City)Given the large proportion of households that include pets, this is perhaps a most important time to consider human-companion animal interaction as a vehicle to facilitate One Health (human-animal health). The potential benefits of this interaction is worthy of exploration for a number of health problems, such as obesity. The presentation will describe a program of research aimed at testing dog walking as an intervention aimed at improving physical activity and health for humans and dogs. The implications for public private partnerships will be discussed.Item Shelter Dog Behavior Improvement: Dog Walking as Enrichment(2010) Johnson, Rebecca A. (Rebecca Ann); McKenney, Charlotte; McCune, Sandra; University of Missouri (System); Missouri Life Sciences Summit (2010: University of Missouri--Kansas City)Background: Several million dogs are euthanized in animal shelters annually after multiple relinquishment reasons (Scarlett, 2002; Salman, 1998; New, 2000 & Kass, 2001). Gains in pet adoptions are happening via shelter enrichment programs. We hypothesized that shelter dogs participating in a daily dog walking program involving elderly citizens, would have better behavior, higher adoption rates, and decreased euthanasia rates than dogs in a control group not in the walking program. Methods: All participant dogs were pre-qualified for walking through the standard shelter behavioral assessment for adoption. The dogs, at least one year of age were matched with a control dog for size (small, medium and large). The experimental group walked with an older adult five days a week. The control group of dogs did not walk. Pre-test and daily behavior scores were assigned. The length of time each dog spent in the shelter was recorded as were adoption, move to foster care, release to a breed rescue group or euthanasia outcomes. Results: There were 84 dog pairs. Outcomes for the experimental (walking) group: adoption n=58, to foster/rescue n=13, euthanized n=7. For the control group: adoption n=26, to foster/rescue n=28, and euthanized n=20. A chi-square test showed that the experimental group had significantly more adoptions (p<0.0001) and fewer euthanasias (p=.0063) than the control group. The control group had significantly more dogs that went to breed rescue networks (p=.00071) than did the experimental group. The control group had a higher total behavior score (exhibited more negative behavior). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the experimental and control groups in terms of total behavior scores. Dogs in the experimental group had significantly better behavior than dogs in the control group (p=<0.0001). Conclusions: The dog walking program was associated with desired dog behavior outcomes, better adoption rates and lower euthanasia rates.Item Walk A Hound, Lose A Pound, & Stay Fit for Seniors(2010) Johnson, Rebecca A. (Rebecca Ann); McKenney, Charlotte; McCune, Sandra; University of Missouri (System); Missouri Life Sciences Summit (2010: University of Missouri--Kansas City)Background: Obesity rates in older adults are linked with the national problem of limited physical activity (PA), resulting in chronic illness. Obesity-related illness and functional loss require innovative interventions. Older adult dog walkers maintained physical functioning over a 3 year period (Thorpe 2006). Dog walking may improve long-term PA by improving readiness and physical function. Purpose: The study aimed to test the association between dog walking and physical functioning. Methods: A three-group, repeated measures design tested efficacy of a 12-week (5 days/week) shelter dog walking program for community-dwelling adults over age 65. Three retirement facilities were assigned to the shelter dog walking (DW), human walking companion (HWC), or no-treatment control (C) group. DW group members selected a dog matching their walking capability & walked on a paved road at the animal shelter. HWC group members walked with a friend or spouse on a paved road at their residence. Both groups were accompanied by study staff. Pretest, mid-trial & posttest findings included 6-minute walk, weight, physical activity during the previous week, physical activity stage of change, mood & social support. Findings: Fifty-four adults participated {DW n=12, HWC n=23 & C n=19}. Fourteen males & 40 females, ranged in age from 67-97 years (Mean=85). The 6-minute walk compared pre and post for the DW group increased 28% (p=0.012), the HWC had a 4% increase (p=0.32) and the C group a 6% increase (p=0.18). Conclusions: DW group participants expressed affinity for the shelter dogs. The DW group's walking ability improved significantly. They stated that their balance & walking confidence improved. They stated that they liked the program because it “gets me out,” “is helping me to feel more confident,” & “is fun.” Dog walking may be beneficial to improve or maintain functioning in older adults. Walking speed is an important indicator of balance.