Title: Interpret companion animal behaviors.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Understanding Common Companion Animal Species and Breeds

Interpretation should include the meanings of

- various body postures, including movement/position of head, eyes, ears, tail
- common vocalization patterns (e.g., barking, growling, hissing, howling, purring)
- behavioral changes, which may be due to the environment or an underlying medical condition.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What can be learned by observing an animal's tail?
- How can one determine whether a behavioral change is due to an underlying medical condition or to something in the animal's environment?
- A dog that is showing his teeth is not necessarily snarling. What does the submissive grin signal?
- 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?

Teacher Resource:

- Animal Behavior and Restraint: Companion Animals (https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Emergency-Response/Just-in-Time/08-Animal-Behavior-Restraint-CompAnim_PPT-SPN.pdf)