Extension and Engagement Projects and Publications of CAWS
CAWS Projects
Establishing science-based standards for the care and welfare of breeding dogs
Commercial breeding of dogs faces significant scrutiny and criticism despite consistent public demand for purebred dogs. Concerns include the extent to which the physical, behavioral and psychological needs of the animals can be met in the conditions in which they are raised, and the specific effects of genetics, housing, health, handling, behavioral management and general husbandry practices on dog quality of life. This project aims to help the US pet industries address the socio-ethical and scientific (well-being) concerns embedded in commercial dog breeding. With the support of dog breeders, pet industry representatives, animal health and welfare experts, and other key stakeholders, the researchers are developing and testing voluntary standards for the care and well-being of dogs in commercial breeding facilities. The research team is also investigating the following areas:
- Effects of flooring surface on overall health of dog feet, cleanliness of the enclosure, and ability to sanitize the dog’s environment”
- Effects of caretaker interactions on dog behavior and welfare when housed in a breeding facility and their implications for management, socialization and adoptability
- Public perceptions of dog breeding, procurement and welfare
- Development and refinement of metrics of kenneled dog well-being
Funded by: The Pet Food Institute, World Pet Association and Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
Faculty lead: Candace Croney
Products
Standards draft. To avoid premature use and dissemination of the standards, their contents are confidential until pilot testing is completed. However, the Table of Contents is available for review here (PDF)
Executive White Papers
- Effect of Cameras in the Workplace: Implications for the U.S. Swine Industry - May 2016 (PDF)
- Public Perceptions of Dog Acquisition: Sources, Rationales and Expenditures - June 2016 (PDF)
- Public Perceptions of Dog Welfare, Sourcing and Breeding Regulation - June 2016 (PDF)
- U.S. Residents’ Perceptions of Dogs, Their Welfare and Related Information Sources - June 2016 (PDF)
Extension papers on dog welfare. Free downloads available.
Assessing Kennel Dog Welfare
Authors: Candace Croney and Judith L. Stella
Description: Upon entering a kennel environment, dogs may be confronted with stressful situations, and some may experience fear, boredom, frustration or social isolation, which may result in poor welfare. This publication points out that knowledgeable caretakers can impact the health and well-being of dogs by identifying and attending to signs of poor as well as positive welfare states.
Brucella Canis: Emerging zoonotic disease?
Author: Candace Croney
Description: Canine brucellosis is a contagious disease affecting all breeds of dogs. Humans can become infected, too. The disease represents a potential source of economic loss to breeding kennels. This publication focuses on the need for kennel managers and owners of dog breeding facilities to understand the disease and its implications for dog care and welfare.
Effects of Flooring on Animal Health and Well-Being: Implications for Kenneled Dogs
Authors: Candace Croney; Courtney Daigle, Judith L. Stella, and Moriah Hurt
Description: Interest in improving the welfare of dogs maintained in kennel environments has resulted in debate about the scientific basis for current standards for housing dogs in the United States. The commercial dog breeding industry is widely criticized relative to dog welfare, and dogs' housing conditions often are a focal point. While much attention has focused on the genetic, health, behavioral, and psychological well-being of dogs in these operations, few studies have focused on the welfare implications of the flooring on which dogs are maintained. In this 4-page publication (PDF), the authors describe current information about the effects of flooring on kenneled dogs.
Implementing Environmental Enrichment for Dogs
Authors: Morgan Garvey; Candace Croney, and Judith L. Stella
Description: Environmental enrichment can stimulate captive dogs mentally and physically, reducing undesirable behaviors that may result from boredom and frustration. In this paper, Purdue University researchers discuss five types of enrichment that can be used to enhance an animal's quality of life.
Overpopulation or Too Many Unwanted Pets? Perspective on Concepts and Management Approaches
Authors: Amy Bauer
Description: This paper summarizes the history of the concept of pet overpopulation, evaluates the approaches used to manage the pet dog population and provides a basis for examining the concerns that have emerged due to widespread acceptance of the idea of pet overpopulation.
Promoting the Welfare of Kenneled Dogs: Environmental Considerations
Authors: Moriah Hurt; Candace Croney, Courtney Daigle
Description: Protecting the welfare of dogs in kennels requires consideration of their unique sensory and thermoregulatory capabilities. Because dogs and humans perceive environments very differently, it is important to ensure that dogs' housing environments are tailored to meet their needs, rather than the needs of their caretakers. In this 4-page publication (PDF), the authors describe the effects of noise, odor, temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting on kenneled dogs.
Promoting the Welfare of Kenneled Dogs: Space Allocations and Exercise
Authors: Moriah Hurt; Candace Croney, Courtney Daigle
Description: While it is critically important to meet dog's basic needs for food, water, shelter, and appropriate healthcare in any environment, dogs maintained long-term in kennels require substantially more than a balanced diet and a clean environment. Good animal welfare extends beyond basic biological functioning; we must assess the dog's environments comprehensively. Evaluating and protecting the welfare of kenneled dogs depends on our understanding of all their physical and behavioral needs. Ensuring that dog behavioral and psychological welfare needs are met is essential to providing an environment where dogs can thrive both inside and outside the kennel. This 3-page PDF publication explores current knowledge about dogs' needs for space in kennels.
Role of Caretaker Interactions in Environmental Enrichment for Kenneled Dogs
Authors: Moriah Hunt
Description: Dogs in kennels don't always get the positive interaction they are used to, and that can have adverse consequences. Three Purdue University researchers say promoting bonding between dogs and caretakers has positive impacts for all involved.
Temperature Requirements for Dogs
Authors: Mary Jordan, Amy Bauer, Judith Stella, Candace Croney
Description: The temperature of the environment in which domestic dogs are housed can have positive or negative effects on their well-being. Federal regulations listed under the Animal Welfare Act include clauses to protect animals from extreme temperatures, but they do not take into account dog preferences for temperature or the diversity of body shapes and types within the species that may result in varying levels of tolerance for different temperatures. Several factors determine the temperatures of dog experiences on any given day, and it is important to take them into consideration when evaluating dog housing and promoting dog welfare.
Welfare Implications of Dental Health in Commercial Breeding Dogs
Authors: Judith L. Stella; Candace Croney
Description: The prevalence and severity of dental disease in pet dogs is undertreated but well documented. Less is known about the effect on commercial breeding dogs. Two Purdue University experts explain how more research in that population can lead to further improvements in the health and welfare of all dogs.
Other Extension Publications
Assessing the Welfare of Cats Housed in Cages
Author: Judith L. Stella
Description: Caretakers have an ethical obligation to provide the best possible housing environment for cats in their care. It's important to understand how to assess the well-being of cats kept even temporarily in cages. This paper discusses how keeping records of food intake, eliminations, social and active behaviors, and cage condition will provide valuable information in identifying cats are who and aren't adapting well.
Enhancing the welfare of caged cats through environmental management: The importance of routine and cage environment
Author: Judith L. Stella, Megan R. LaFollette, Candace Croney
Description: Confinement is a certainty for millions of cats. But housing environments vary widely. This publication focuses on how daily routine and the cage environment enhances the welfare of caged cats through environmental management.
Enhancing the welfare of caged cats through environmental management: The housing room
Authors: Judith L. Stella; Candace Croney, and Megan LaFollette
Description: Caged cats must acclimate to environments with multiple stressors. The cage is often the focus, but caretakers must assess and manage aspects of the room as well. This publication addresses how the room environment — noise, odors, pheromones, temperature, etc. — can affect cat welfare.
Perception is Reality
Authors: Nicole Olynk Widmar, Ann Cummins, and Candace Croney
Description: Understanding consumers’ perceptions of animal welfare is becoming increasingly important to livestock industries as they try to communicate their products. Many questions arise within livestock agriculture when trying to implement production systems that are acceptable socially and financially.
Views on Animal Agriculture in Rural Versus Urban Indiana Counties
Authors: Ann Cummins, Candace Croney, Joan Fulton, and Nicole Olynk Widmar
Description: This 4-page publication discusses where consumers are purchasing food, their sources of information on animal welfare, whether their household has been involved in food production, their perceptions of livestock operation growth, and their perceptions of the impact of livestock operations.
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