Canine Welfare Science

Carefully curated educational resources for  dog breeders, pet families, shelters, rescues, and all those who care for and about dogs.

What is Animal Welfare?

Animal welfare is how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. ​

How do we know how well an animal is doing?
“An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, able to express innate behavior, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress.” -OIE  This can be assessed through internal and external physiological measures as well as behavioral measures.

 

 

“The welfare of an individual is its state as regards to its attempts to cope with its environment.” 
– D. Broom

Evolution of the Dog-Human bond

Knowledge about how dogs evolved and who they are today provides the justification for the protection of their welfare, illuminates specific areas of risk, and informs the interventions required to ensure their welfare is good.  

Canine Welfare Science Curriculum

Comprehensive dog welfare requires attention to all areas that impact welfare status. Convenient and easy to use, the curriculum makes evidence-based information readily available.   Together, with knowledge and effort, we can improve the welfare of dogs.  

Behavior Environment Health

Graphic Navigation

Learners can also use the Canine Welfare Science Curriculum graphic to quickly navigate between the three areas of the curriculum. Click  “Behavior”, “Environment”, or “Health” to go directly to the category’s resources in the Learning Library.

behavior

Behavior

Ensuring the behavioral welfare of  dogs requires supporting normal development, confidence, and positive mental and physical stimulation through socialization, enrichment, exercise, and social interactions.

environment image

Environment

Well-managed environments promote dog welfare by providing spaces that are clean, comfortable, adequate in size and function, and designed to promote behavioral, mental, and physical health.

Health Image

Health

Addressing the health of dogs by providing quality nutrition, disease and parasite prevention, reproductive care,  and treatment for injury and illness promotes their welfare and ensures that dogs function well and thrive.   

About Us

The Canine Welfare Science Resource Site is a product of the Croney Research Group at Purdue University.  The research group promotes the welfare of dogs through innovation in research, education, and outreach.  

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