��� APPENDICES
24 MEETING THE WELFARE NEEDS OF SEIZED DOGS IN A KENNEL ENVIRONMENT
There is a range of manufactured chew toys and bones on the
market, which are relatively inexpensive and safe although not
all dogs will like the same type so it is important to try different
types to ensure that all dogs benefit. Items such as egg cartons
can also make very cheap toys as some dogs will really enjoy
detroying them.
It is often feared that providing toys or chews to dogs leads to
possessive behaviour; research has shown that the majority of
dogs do not become possessive. Most possessive behaviour is
caused by fear, due to the dog having been punished previously
for not giving up objects. This can be prevented by avoiding
confrontation and by using distractions, such as taking the dog
for a walk, or giving it another toy or food treat when removing
the chew toy. Dogs can also be trained to give up objects on
command in return for rewards.
Feeding devices
Kongs (commercially available rubber cone-shaped toy) are
probably one of the best known feeding devices and dogs often
find food filled (e.g., yeast or meat extract, or part of the daily
food ration) Kongs rewarding and relaxing, and previous studies
and anecdotal reports have shown that providing a Kong can
actually prevent or reduce self-mutilation. Studies have
however shown that when dogs that interact regularly with
Kongs have them removed, the dogs experience a significant
increase in stress hormones and many also show an increase
in behaviour indicative of poor welfare. It is therefore very
important that staff/volunteers are predictable in their provision
of Kongs and they must also choose the correct size and
type. For example, black Kongs are specifically designed for
powerful chewers.
Feeding devices do not have to be costly and alternatives can
be fairly easy to prepare e.g.
l Paper bags rolled down to contain food
l Scrunched up pieces of paper
l Cardboard tubes with the ends flattened or folded down
to make them more challenging
l Frozen cubes of diluted broth, kibble and water or
peanut butter
l Biscuits frozen in ice cubes
l Rope/chew toys (natural fibres only) soaked in gravy and
then frozen.
Feeding devices can also offer opportunities for other behaviour.
Hiding food within paper and placing in a box encourages hunting
behaviour, feeding and digging and depending on how the food is
presented, problem solving.
Similar to toys, there are concerns about the provision of feeding
devices leading to possessive behaviour. Research has shown that
most dogs do not become possessive over feeding devices. Once
emptied, the value placed on feeders usually reduces greatly which
means that the chances of dogs displaying aggression are low.
Displays of guarding behaviour towards people can be prevented
by avoiding confrontation and by using other distractions which
the dog finds rewarding e.g. taking the dog for a walk or giving
them another toy or food treat.
Philip Toscano x 3/RSPCA Photolibrary