Title: Interpret companion animal behaviors.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Identifying Behavior and Animal Handling Methods

Interpretation should include a description of companion animals’ behavior patterns and the meanings of

- various body postures, including movement/position of head, eyes, ears, tail and how these postures communicate fear, anxiety, aggression, relaxation, or excitement
- common vocalization patterns (e.g., barking, growling, hissing, howling, purring) and how these vary by context and emotional state
- behavioral changes, which may be due to the environment or an underlying medical condition such as pain, stress, cognitive decline, or illness.

Teacher Resource: Animal Behavior and Restraint: Companion Animals, The Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to understand how an animal reacts to threatening situations?
- How can a trainer use natural behavior patterns to teach new behaviors?
- How can one determine whether a behavioral change is due to an underlying medical condition or to something in the animal's environment?
- How does a dog demonstrate aggression?  How should one respond to an aggressive dog?
- How does a cat demonstrate aggression?  How should one handle an aggressive cat?