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MWD exercising together in a free-run. Robust structures can also be placed in free-runs to increase the complexity of the free-run environment. For example, structures made to order by Marmax Products (http://www.marmax-products. co.uk/) are used in rescue dog shelters across the UK as furniture in free-running areas
this was quickly circumvented by using another staff member to distract the MWD and selective use of the interconnecting kennel hatch. One out of eleven MWD chewed a PVC platform: chewing reduced when the MWD was pair-housed and the PVC platform was replaced with an aluminium platform.
Conclusion
Enrichment can improve MWD welfare when implemented as stated in Table 1, through providing mental stimulation, decreasing repetitive behaviour and increasing resting behaviour.
However, the use of enrichment should not replace MWD contact time with handlers and other MWDs, as this contact time has signi cant positive effects on MWD welfare. MWD welfare could be further improved by:
1. Pair-housing compatible MWDs by inter-connecting individual kennels
2.Increase MWD interaction time with handlers inside kennels (aiming to decrease MWD negative associations with being inside the kennel)
3. Increase MWD time spent outside of kennels (must be carried out in conjunction with point 2.):
• Increasing human contact time through exercise and
training with handlers and kennel staff
• Increasing contact time with other MWDs and allowing
them to exercise in compatible groups (Figure 2) 4.Gradually introducing MWDs to the kennel when MWDs rst
arrive on a new site
Recommendations
Kuranda Dog Beds, KONG toys and Outward Hound Fun Feeders are all available for UK Military to purchase via Purchase to Payment on the VonWolf catalogue. Alternative products are available on the open market.
Alternatives to classical music are audiobooks, which have recently been found to be more bene cial than classical music (Brayley and Montrose, 2016).
For any enquiries on these items, this study or canine welfare and behaviour, please contact: canineenquiries@dstl.gov.uk.
References
Brayley, C. and Montrose, T.V., 2016. The effects of audiobooks on the behaviour of dogs at a rehoming kennels. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 174, 111-115.
Haverbeke, A., Diederich, C., Depiereux, E. and Giffroy, J.M., 2008. Cortisol and behavioral responses of working dogs to environmental challenges. Physiology & Behavior, 93(1), 59-67.
Hennessy, M.B., Morris, A. and Linden, F., 2006. Evaluation of the effects of a socialization program in a prison on behavior and pituitary–adrenal hormone levels of shelter dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 99 (1), 157-171.
Hewson, C.J., Hiby, E.F. and Bradshaw, J.W.S, 2007. Assessing quality of life in companion and kennelled dogs: A critical review. Animal Welfare, 16, 89-95.
Kogan, L.R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R. and Simon, A.A., 2012. Behavioral effects of auditory stimulation on kenneled dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 7(5), 268-275.
Rooney, N., Gaines, S. and Hiby, E., 2009. A practitioner’s guide to working dog welfare. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 4, 127-134.
Schipper, L.L., Vinke, C.M., Schilder, M.B.H and Spruijt, B.M., 2008. The effect of feeding enrichment toys on the behaviour of kennelled dogs (Canis familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 114(1), 182-195.
Titulaer, M., Blackwell, E.J., Mendl, M. and Casey, R.A., 2013. Cross sectional study comparing behavioural, cognitive and physiological indicators of welfare between short and long term kennelled domestic dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 147, 149-158.
Vincent, I.C. and Leahy, R.A., 1997. Real-time non-invasive measurement of heart rate in working dogs: A technique with potential welfare applications in the objective assessment of welfare problems. Veterinary Journal, 153,179-184.
Yeates, J.W. and Main, D.C.J., 2008. Assessment of positive welfare: A review. Veterinary Journal, 175, 293-300.
July 2016. AMD Adventurous Training Exercise TIGER JACOBITE. Four days paddling in open canoes, wild camping throughout. Caledonian Canal. Fort William to Inverness. Irish Sea to North Sea. Colonel Macdonald, Major Rose and Lance Corporal McLinden representing the Veterinary Corps and 1 MWD Regt. “Biblical” quantities of rain; carnivorous midges at every stop; tents that had been MENSA-approved for dif culty in erecting; canoes
laden like barges that sapped strength and made backs, arms and contact areas ache; wet kit, shivering, dubious leadership skills, exhaustion, plunging morale. Laughing, joking, competing, complaining, taking the Mickey, story-telling, helping each other, talking rubbish, enduring, breath-taking scenery, frissons of fear, camaraderie, and lasting memories. The best of the Army.
Ex Tiger Jacobite
By Maj Iain Rose
Exercise participants taking a break from paddling (Col Macdonald reclining)
After a mere 2 hours of trying, Col Macdonald nally gets his tent to stay up
CHIRON CALLING 19