Physiology, Behaviour and Welfare of Dogs and Cats in Their Relationship with Humans
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to enable the students to acquire fundamental knowledge on the function, development and dynamics of the main behaviours of dogs and cats, on their mental abilities and on how these notions should be used to guarantee the wellbeing of these animals under proper management. The course also aims to make students aware of how they can apply this knowledge in different professional settings.
Expected learning outcomes
1) Knowledge and understanding: the student must demonstrate knowledge of the physiological bases of companion animals' behaviour.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding skills: the student must demonstrate to possess the indispensable concepts to establish links between the various topics covered, and in particular between physiology of animal behaviour and issues of animal welfare, in order to adequately deal with the knowledge required at a professional level.
3) Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him / her to express the acquired knowledge appropriately.
4) Ability to learn: the student must demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase the knowledge of topics related to ethology and welfare of companion animals.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding skills: the student must demonstrate to possess the indispensable concepts to establish links between the various topics covered, and in particular between physiology of animal behaviour and issues of animal welfare, in order to adequately deal with the knowledge required at a professional level.
3) Communication skills: the student must demonstrate to be able to use an appropriate terminology, which allows him / her to express the acquired knowledge appropriately.
4) Ability to learn: the student must demonstrate to be able, in total autonomy, to increase the knowledge of topics related to ethology and welfare of companion animals.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Lectures(2 credits):
Ethology - introduction and practical applications in professional activities with dogs and cats (2 hours)
Domestication of the dog and cat (1 hour)
Physiological and behavioural development of the puppy (3 hours)
Physiological and behavioural development of the kitten (2 hours)
Dog's MAPs: Social, Sexual, and Maternal Behaviour (4 hours)
Cat's MAPs: Social, Sexual, and Maternal Behaviour (4 hours)
Practicals(1 credit)
Pets' handling practices in veterinary facilities, shelters and/or training centres (3 hours)(In field, Vet Med)
Reading of pets' behaviour (6 hours)(in field, Vet Med)
Animal cognition and learning (4 hours) (in field, Vet Med)
Basci dog education and/or training for working purposes (3) (e.g., nosework, AAI)
Ethology - introduction and practical applications in professional activities with dogs and cats (2 hours)
Domestication of the dog and cat (1 hour)
Physiological and behavioural development of the puppy (3 hours)
Physiological and behavioural development of the kitten (2 hours)
Dog's MAPs: Social, Sexual, and Maternal Behaviour (4 hours)
Cat's MAPs: Social, Sexual, and Maternal Behaviour (4 hours)
Practicals(1 credit)
Pets' handling practices in veterinary facilities, shelters and/or training centres (3 hours)(In field, Vet Med)
Reading of pets' behaviour (6 hours)(in field, Vet Med)
Animal cognition and learning (4 hours) (in field, Vet Med)
Basci dog education and/or training for working purposes (3) (e.g., nosework, AAI)
Prerequisites for admission
No particular prerequisites are required.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practicals, also in the form of seminars held by invited experts either in the classroom or at recognised animal centres.
Teaching Resources
1) Slides available on the Ariel;
2)Julie K. Shaw, Debbie Martin. Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2015.
Others:
a) J. Bradshaw, Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend. Basic Books, 1 edition, 2011;
b) J. Bradshaw, Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Penguin Books, 2013;
c) F. Pirrone, Un'etologa in famiglia. Genitori, figli e parenti scomodi nel regno animale. Edizioni Unicopli, 2020.
2)Julie K. Shaw, Debbie Martin. Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2015.
Others:
a) J. Bradshaw, Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend. Basic Books, 1 edition, 2011;
b) J. Bradshaw, Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Penguin Books, 2013;
c) F. Pirrone, Un'etologa in famiglia. Genitori, figli e parenti scomodi nel regno animale. Edizioni Unicopli, 2020.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test, composed of 15 questions with 4 answers, and only one correct. The exam is considered to have been passed if the student correctly answers at least 60% of the questions, thus proving adequate knowledge and understanding of all topics under study.
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Pirrone Federica
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)