Laid-back Dogs Needed For Eeg Study

[tjhowell]

Hi everyone,

I am Tiffani Howell, a PhD student at Monash University, and we are looking for medium- to large-breed (Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Spaniels, etc) pet dogs to participate in an EEG study.

We need dogs that relax easy in the presence of their owners, even in unfamiliar environments, and that do not become distressed when receiving annual vaccinations by the veterinarian.

A new minimally-invasive procedure involves three tiny needle electrodes, similar in size to acupuncture needles, that go just underneath the skin. We hope this research will encourage the use of minimally-invasive techniques in future EEG research with animals, which has traditionally been highly invasive.

You will receive a small payment and a Monash Clayton campus parking pass for participating.

For more information, please contact me at [email protected]

Thanks very much,

Tiffani

[Andisa]

When do you need them and how long would it be for?

[tjhowell]

When do you need them and how long would it be for?

Dear Andisa,

We need them at least until early December, and most likely into early next year. The actual testing takes about 10 minutes, but because we need the dogs to be fully relaxed, we are suggesting to allow up to 90 minutes in total. This will give people time to get into the lab and have a cuppa while the dog settles.

I have attached the explanatory statement, which gives more details about the study. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Tiffani

EEG_Explan_Statement.pdf

[poodlefan]

Direct contact with some of the Breed clubs in Victoria might be an option for breeds you are targetting.

[Bundyburger]

Bundy will probably just want to love you to death and bounce around like an energizer bunny on speed. Not sure how long he'd take to settle... We don't live that far away though.

[Andisa]

Thanks for the info - might be able to help with a male Rottie, he is very laid back - was used for a group of kids doing an animal course and didn't mind the extra attention or procedures being done at all. Depends on timing, but should be ok.

Is this a one of trial per dog or do you need the dog back again during Dec - early 2011?

[tjhowell]

@Poodlefan -- thanks very much for that heads up. I will look into contacting some breed clubs

@Bundy's Mum -- Bundy sounds lovely :D But we definitely do need dogs that settle pretty easily in new environments for this study. If you think he'd settle down after loving us to death and bouncing around let me know. Or if either of your other two are suitable, that'd be great too.

@Andisa -- that sounds excellent. He'd probably be a perfect subject for this study. The plan is for this to be one trial per dog, but a portion of the dogs we test may be asked to return for a follow-up. The decision to come back would be entirely up to the owner, and it wouldn't disrupt the data collection for this portion of the study.

[poodlefan]

@Poodlefan -- thanks very much for that heads up. I will look into contacting some breed clubs

@Bundy's Mum -- Bundy sounds lovely :D But we definitely do need dogs that settle pretty easily in new environments for this study. If you think he'd settle down after loving us to death and bouncing around ;) let me know. Or if either of your other two are suitable, that'd be great too.

@Andisa -- that sounds excellent. He'd probably be a perfect subject for this study. The plan is for this to be one trial per dog, but a portion of the dogs we test may be asked to return for a follow-up. The decision to come back would be entirely up to the owner, and it wouldn't disrupt the data collection for this portion of the study.

Golden Retrievers, SBTs, Rotties and Amstaffs would be good options I reckon.

Dogs used to being handled by strangers are ideal.. and that means show and obedience dogs!

Edited November 11, 2010 by poodlefan

[megan_]

Are you only after purebreds? I have a MS cross who is very relaxed.

[tjhowell]

@Poodlefan -- poodles would probably be ideal too :D Good point about show dogs. I was originally thinking of obedience dogs, but they may not all be as low-key as we're looking for. It will come down to the individual, though, of course.

@Megan -- crosses are fine. Is MS miniature schnauzer?

[newfsie]

Why don't you try to contact some newfie people....mine are extremely relaxed in new environments in and around lots of people. But i am just north of the Vic border (near Albury). Have met some very chilled out newfies at Newfie days near Melbourne

[tjhowell]

Good idea, newfsie! thanks :D

[dancinbcs]

I wouldn't use the vet's as an indicator of calmness. Most dogs don't worry about injections but plenty just hate the vets for a variaty of reasons. I have one of the calmest, most bomb proof Border Collies I have ever seen, who is fine in any situation, including acupuncture but is not at all confident at the vets because of some bad memories from there. Unfortunately I am not in Vic or would volunteer him.

[tjhowell]

@dancinbcs -- Good point. I think in cases like these it would really be down to the owner's knowledge of their own dogs. We asked for dogs that don't mind being vaccinated, because more dogs have probably been vaccinated than would have received acupuncture. Of course, in a case like yours, it sounds like your dog would be fine. It's a shame you're not closer.

[megan_]

yip - Ms = mini schnauzer. He is crossed with a mini poodle, so may be too small for your study?

[Bilbo Baggins]

I have some laided back cavs. :D ;)

White Shepherd who is very laided back after she has kissed everyone.

[anniek]

Greyhounds ?

[Tatelina]

What an interesting study.. Good luck with your research!

[The Spotted Devil]

Just wanted to put in a good word for Tiffany - I've only met her briefly as a fellow PhD student but her presentation was absolutely fascinating. All the best - looking forward to hearing more. I would volunteer my lot in an instant but neither the Dally or young pup are what I'd call laid back :D

[mita]

What a pity you don't need small, laid-back dogs. Tibetan Spaniels would be perfect....they go into the calmest Buddhist zone.

One of my tibbies had to have an ultra-sound recently. The vet said, no breakfast as often the dogs have to be sedated. My girl was totally laid back, no sedation needed at all.

Best wishes with your study, Tiffany.