|
 Canine Behavioral Genetics Project What determines canine temperament? While the influences of training and socialization are crucial, breeders and trainers alike understand that many aspects of canine behavior, both good and bad, are inherited. Understanding the genetic basis of behavior in dogs is the goal of the Canine Behavioral Genetics Project. We are researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), and we are looking for Aussies. Do you have an Aussie that's deathly afraid of storms? That can't be left alone? That endlessly chases lights and shadows? Or maybe all your Aussies exhibit completely normal behavior. That's OK! we're looking for those dogs too. By comparing the DNA of dogs with similar and different behavioral patterns, we can work our way to discovering the genes responsible for some of the most difficult behavioral problems that owners, trainers, and breeders encounter in dogs, such as separation anxiety, noise phobias, fear aggression, and compulsive disorders. Representatives from the Canine Behavioral Genetics Project will be attending ASCA’s National Specialty in Las Vegas this year to collect DNA samples and behavioral data from interested owners and their dogs. Participation is very simple: a blood draw, completion of a behavioral questionnaire, and a copy of the pedigree for each dog. There is no cost to your for participation in this study All information submitted remains completely confidential. If we can amass a large enough sample of Aussies for our study, we will eventually be able to provide the Aussie breed community with a comprehensive breed profile, not only of genes responsible for problem behaviors in dogs, but of overall genetic diversity within the breed. Specialty attendees are enthusiastically invited to sign up for participation in the Canine Behavioral Genetics Project ahead of time, so that we know how many dogs to expect. To participate: 1. Please click on the email link at the bottom of this page, and send us a message with:
2. You have the choice of obtaining a behavioral questionnaire
for each dog either by pdf download here, or we can send you hard copies through
regular mail. We ask that you fill out these questionnaires and bring the completed
questionnaires with you to the specialty.
3. Please bring copies of pedigrees for each participating dog with you to the specialty. At the specialty, our experienced veterinarians and technicians will be conducting blood draws for participating dogs (without shaving any legs). With enough participation from the dog community, we hope ultimately to help design effective treatments and tests for dogs suffering from behavioral problems. Our goal is to help owners, breeders, and trainers to produce the soundest, healthiest dogs possible – in both mind and body. If you want more information about our project, our website is here: www.K9BehaviorialGenetics.com And our email address is K9BehavioralGenetics@lppi.ucsf.edu. Kit request email link: Click here to sign up. |