Review
Evidence of horsemanship and dogmanship and their application in veterinary contexts
Highlights
• This article reviews horsemanship and dogmanship in the veterinary sector.
• The arousal and affective state of the animal are useful determinants of best practice.
• Factors which define best practice have been identified and tabulated.
• Affiliation and positive reinforcement are crucial to horsemanship and dogmanship.
Abstract
This
review collates peer-reviewed evidence for desirable attributes for
those who work with dogs and horses. It is written with a particular
focus on the veterinary profession. Although veterinarians and
veterinary nurses (VNs) occupy variable roles when interacting with
their patients, several behavioural attributes emerge as helpful across
the range of such roles. In light of recent research on the value of
considering animals' arousal and affective state as predictors of
behaviour and welfare, best practice in human-horse and
human-dog-interactions is outlined. The attributes of affiliation,
safety and positive reinforcement seem to contribute greatly to the
development and maintenance of moderate arousal and positive affect in
animals.
The information in this review article is
offered in an attempt to show why veterinary professionals with good
horsemanship are likely to remain safe, and to introduce the concept of
dogmanship. In the light of the peer-reviewed evidence assembled here,
it is arguable that veterinary teams, comprising both veterinarians and
VNs, can become scholars in these areas. The benefits of this approach
for practitioner safety, animal welfare and client satisfaction are
likely to be significant.
Keywords
- Companion animals;
- Horse;
- Dog;
- Human-animal bond;
- Affective state;
- Horsemanship;
- Human-dog dyad
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Copyright © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
