Canine program at Auburn University renamed to reflect how program has evolved
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Auburn University’s internationally recognized detector dog program, operating since 2009 as Animal Health and Performance in the College of Veterinary Medicine, has been renamed Canine Performance Sciences.
“As the program grew and evolved it became clear that we needed to rename it to better describe what it actually does,” said Dr. James Floyd, interim director of the program. “We work with dogs, we employ rigorous scientific methods and we strive to improve the performance of canines wherever they are.”
“Our research scientists, with degrees in behavioral psychology, exercise physiology and biomechanics, work with canine trainers with decades of international experience to improve the performance of dogs,” Floyd said. “These working dogs’ senses are used to detect explosives, invasive or endangered species and a variety of other substances and operate across a wide range of challenging environments. ”
Canine Performance Sciences researchers continue efforts in veterinary sports medicine and canine breeding. The program is a national leader in understanding the physical, physiological and psychological needs of athletic and working animals and the benefits that exercise can have on their general health.
“The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has invested years of research in developing a strong and versatile detection program in the fight against terrorism,” said Calvin Johnson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This new name reflects that work.”
The work includes the internationally known patent-pending VAPOR WAKE® technology, now licensed though ITC Holding Co., to expand its employment in defense of the nation and society.
The program’s mission statement is: Through research, teaching and outreach, the Canine Performance Sciences program continually improves animal detection science and technology to serve and defend the nation and society.
Learn more about different aspects of the Canine Performance Sciences program on the website athttp://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/ahpp#.U_ZMMKMo7cs.
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Media interested in this story can contact Communications Director Preston Sparks at (334) 844-9999 or preston.sparks@auburn.edu.
Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.
