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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th January 2022
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Canine Frustration Questionnaire validated by study
The CFQ is designed to allow for objective measurement of a dog's tedency to become frustrated.
Study compares cortisol levels with questionnaire answers. 

A new study by the University of Edinburgh's Royal School of Veterinary Studies (Dick Vet) has validated the use of an owner questionnaire in assessing canine frustration.

Published in Animals, the study 'Behavioural and Physiological Correlates of the Canine Frustration Questionnaire' compared owner's answers on the Canine Frustration Questionnaire (CFQ) to the levels of cortisol present in dogs' saliva throughout mild tests designed to create slight frustration. 

In the study, which was led alongside researchers from the Universities of Lincoln and Leeds, forty-four healthy dogs were volunteered to take part in a novel behaviour test battery to designed to create mild frustration. 

These behavioural tests included scenarios such as being left alone, being ignored or being denied toys or food, and while undertaking these behaviour tests, the dogs were filmed, and owners completed the CFQ. 

Correlating behaviours such as lunging or vocalising to the CFQ, alongside measuring cortisol levels, the researchers found that at least one expected behaviour was found for each component of the CFQ during the tests, highlighting the validity of its use when assessing canine behavioural issues. 

Lead author of the study Kevin McPeake commented on the usefulness of the study and CFQ: “When assessing a behaviour problem in an animal, identifying the correct underlying emotions is important to make the right diagnosis and provide the most appropriate treatment. 

“Frustration has been considered an important negative emotion implicated in a range of common behaviour problems in dogs. 

“Our latest study increases confidence in using the owner completed Canine Frustration Questionnaire as a valid measure of frustration tendencies in dogs which can quickly and easily be incorporated into a behaviour assessment.”

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RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

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CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.