HOW ANIMAL HANDLING INFLUENCES ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR

How we (humans) communicate or should communicate with animals is poorly understood or developed. Some signals appear to have an intrinsic value. Pigs are less fearful of squatting than standing humans (Hemsworth et al., 1986). Dogs naturally respond to short, repeated rising notes with more activity than to long descending notes (McConnell, 1990). Being aware of such signals, and gaining understanding of these signals, is part of the process of turning stockmanship from an art into a science. More complex communication is possible as with voice or physical commands given to a horse, a dog or a dolphin, but it is based on extensive training.