Working Dogs: Form and Function

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55

authors

16

articles

Editorial

18 October 2019

Editorial: Working Dogs: Form and Function

Cynthia M. Otto

,

Mia L. Cobb

and

Erik Wilsson

12,804 views

14 citations

Editors

3

University of Pennsylvania

Swedish Armed Forces

The University of Melbourne

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Dogs partner with humans in a wide array of work-related disciplines. As detectors, guides, guardians, stock herders, assistants and professional canine athletes, there is demand for more scientific knowledge to enhance the performance and success of human and working dog partnerships.

This topic encompasses a holistic approach to the science of working dog performance. The ability of a dog to complete tasks depends on their physical and behavioral traits; their ability to exert themselves at various demanding tasks requires both physical and behavioral stamina, agility, and resilience. The influence and interactions of genetics, health, environment and training are areas that can provide new insight to improve performance in current dogs and future generations. The human impact on the success of the working dog team encompasses the human’s physical, psychological and analytic perspectives, and the intersection of human and canine interspecies communication.

This research topic aims to address the form and function of both human and canine partners in optimizing cooperation and performance outcomes of the working dog and handler. We welcome all contributions - research, reviews, and commentary - that advance and expand the field of working dog performance science and the human-canine partnership.

Dogs partner with humans in a wide array of work-related disciplines. As detectors, guides, guardians, stock herders, assistants and professional canine athletes, there is demand for more scientific knowledge to enhance the performance and success of human and working dog partnerships.

This topic encompasses a holistic approach to the science of working dog performance. The ability of a dog to complete tasks depends on their physical and behavioral traits; their ability to exert themselves at various demanding tasks requires both physical and behavioral stamina, agility, and resilience. The influence and interactions of genetics, health, environment and training are areas that can provide new insight to improve performance in current dogs and future generations. The human impact on the success of the working dog team encompasses the human’s physical, psychological and analytic perspectives, and the intersection of human and canine interspecies communication.

This research topic aims to address the form and function of both human and canine partners in optimizing cooperation and performance outcomes of the working dog and handler. We welcome all contributions - research, reviews, and commentary - that advance and expand the field of working dog performance science and the human-canine partnership.

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Editors

University of Pennsylvania

Swedish Armed Forces

The University of Melbourne

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217,191 Total views

176,897 Article views

31,072 Article downloads

9,222 Topic views

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Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Veterinary Surgery, Veterinary Imaging, Veterinary Humanities and Social Sciences

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