Research Bites Podcast

In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, host Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews Professor Daniel Mills, a renowned expert in veterinary behavioral medicine from the University of Lincoln. They explore the complexities of animal behavior, the evolution of different behavioral models, and the role of emotions in influencing behavior. Professor Mills shares insights from his extensive research, including the development of the psychobiological model for assessing animal behavior and his work on using AI to detect emotions and pain in animals.Key Topics Covered:Behavioral Models Explained: Differences between the medical, behavioral, and psychobiological approaches to animal behavior.The Role of Emotion in Behavior: Considering internal states is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior.AI and Emotion Detection: How artificial intelligence is being used to recognize emotions and pain in animals, including dogs, cats, and horses.The Impact of Cognitive Load: How factors like discomfort or anxiety can affect an animal's cognitive capacity and behavior.Human-Animal Interactions: How dogs respond to human facial expressions and vocal cues, and the importance of building a positive relationship with pets.Challenges in Scientific Communication: Addressing the uncertainty of science, biases, and the influence of beliefs on interpreting behavior.Key Quotes: "Dogs live in an emotional world, often looking to synchronize their emotions with those of their human companions." "Science is about reducing uncertainty, not finding absolute truths."Timestamps:[00:05:45] Discussion of different behavioral models[00:18:47] The function and importance of emotions in animals[00:24:03] Using AI for emotion recognition in animals[00:46:47] The effects of cognitive load on behavior[00:48:42] How dogs respond to human emotions and facial expressions[00:59:57] The complexities of scientific communicationResources Mentioned:Dr. Daniel Mills' On FacebookAt the University of LincolnFor more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Facebook Instagram

Hello everyone! I am taking a break to develop a more effective and consistent system for podcast production so that I can release episodes on a regular timeline. That means I need to take a short break to get everything organized, but rest assured we will be back soon!For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Facebook Instagram

Your host: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB with Science Matters Academy of Animal Behavior, LLCThis podcast was originally released in March 2022 as a shortened version. This is the full version of the original podcast.My guest today is Dr. Monique Udell. Dr. Udell is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and an Associate Professor of Animal & Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University, where she directs the Human-Animal Interactions Lab and teaches courses on Animal Behavior, Cognition and Learning. Much of her work focuses on the development of human-animal bonds, with wild and domesticated animals, and the impact that these bonds can have on the behavior and success of both species. She also studies the social behavior and cognition of a variety of species including cats, dogs, wolves and sheep. In addition, Dr. Udell is a Co-director of an imitation-based dog training intervention program dedicated to improving the physical activity and quality of life of children with and without developmental disabilities and their family dog. To find out more visit: https://thehumananimalbond.com/ In this episode we talk about a variety of topics including problem-solving, how dogs attend to humans and forming secure attachments.You can get more information on Research Bites and other educational opportunities at www.sciencemattersllc.comFor more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Facebook Instagram

SummaryIn this conversation, Kristina discusses two research papers. The first paper explores the effects of pair housing versus single housing in shelter dogs (yes, this was discussed last episode, but this is a 2nd study on the same topic, from a different perspective). The study found that pair housing with another dog may decrease stress levels and reduce the length of stay in shelters. The second paper examines training methods used by dog owners in the United States. The study found that problem behaviors were common in dogs, and aversive training methods were frequently used. The results also highlighted the need for increased accessibility to professional training and behavior advice.Here are some important links:The Science Matters website: www.sciencemattersllc.comUnlocking Resilience course: https://sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience Join the Science Matters mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hY-7hr 1st paper: Hecker, G., Martineau, K., Scheskie, M., Hammerslough, R., & Feuerbacher, E. N. (2024). Effects of single- or pair-housing on the welfare of shelter dogs: Behavioral and physiological indicators. PLOS ONE, 19(6), e0301137. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301137 2nd paper:Johnson, A. C., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2024). Training Methods Used by Dog Guardians in the United States: Prevalence, Sources of Information, and Reasons for Use. Animals, 14(9), Article 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091310 For more information, please check out my website and social media links below! https://sciencemattersllc.com/ Facebook Instagram