Canine Welfare Science Forum to offer resources for dog owners and canine professionals

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - An upcoming continuing education opportunity at Purdue University will address important aspects of providing a good quality of life for dogs. 

This year’s Canine Welfare Science Forum will be held on June 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 302. The daylong forum is designed for anyone who is in regular contact with dogs, including dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, kennel professionals and academics working with or interested in canine welfare science.

“To ensure that dogs are afforded a good quality of life and that they meet owner and public expectations as safe, lifelong companions, they must be both physically and behaviorally well,” said Candace Croney, director of the Purdue University Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS), who holds a joint appointment as professor of comparative pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of animal sciences in the College of Agriculture. “Genetics impacts both of these key aspects of welfare and therefore must be attended to by those selecting and breeding dogs.”

In addition to genetics, the forum will address three other areas of canine welfare: nutrition, socialization and enrichment.

“Good nutrition, socialization and enrichment are also foundational to promoting healthy, happy dogs,” Croney said. “For anyone who keeps dogs, improved understanding in these areas will enhance the care they provide to dogs and help assure good welfare outcomes for them.”

The mission of CAWS is to promote animal well-being through science-based initiatives and a research agenda centered on enhancing animal health and safety. Education and outreach are essential to this undertaking, which is why since 2016, the objective of the event has been to show how applying science can promote proper canine care. The forum illustrates the ongoing impact CAWS has on addressing contemporary animal welfare challenges. 

In addition to Croney, there will be a variety of animal welfare experts lecturing at the event. Participants include:

* Mark Dunn, senior vice president of the American Kennel Club.

* Kate Shoveller, professor of animal science, University of Guelph.

* Kari Ekenstedt, professor of anatomy and genetics, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

* Joe Camp, professor of comparative pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

* Traci Shreyer, research associate, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

* Dale Eiler, kennel supplies, Blue Ribbon.

During the lunch break, participants will have an opportunity to network, view posters detailing student research and speak with vendors. Registration is $39 and $25 for students. Visit https://bit.ly/2FRCMoT to register and https://bit.ly/2roMtXu for a detailed schedule.

The Canine Welfare Science Program is made possible in part by the primary sponsorship of the American Kennel Club. 

Writer: Emma Ea Ambrose, 765-494-2406, eeambros@purdue.edu

Source: Candace Croney, 765-496-6665, ccroney@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Darrin Pack, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, dpack@purdue.edu  
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