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| Tools for the trade? DIAS and CFQ scores in shelter-housed dogs categorized as “high-arousal”� |
| Desirae Cambrelen, Victoria A. Cussen, Carly Loyer, Pamela J. Reid. Behavioral Sciences Team, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New York, NY, United States |
Dogs showing excessive arousal in shelters pose a risk to staff and may have increased rates of behavioral euthanasia or lengths of stay. Using published tools validated in pet dogs, we characterized two traits thought to drive high-arousal behavior: frustration and impulsivity. Dogs identified as “high arousal” by 4 shelters (n=15 per site) were rated on the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS) and the Canine Frustration Questionnaire (CFQ) by staff familiar with the animal. Excessively aroused shelter-housed dogs scored higher for CFQ overall frustration and components related to general and barrier frustration, unmet expectations, autonomous control and frustration coping (all p ≤0.01). Similarly, they scored higher than pet dogs for overall DIAS impulsivity and factors related to behavioral regulation and aggression/response to novelty, but lower for responsiveness (all p < 0.001). We are currently correlating DIAS and CFQ scores with in-kennel behavior and outcomes. Our preliminary findings suggest questionnaires developed for dog owners may be useful for shelter staff familiar with individual dogs and may have utility for detecting at-risk individuals upon intake.��� |