Behavioral medicine is the scientific study of everything animals do, whether the animals are insects, birds, mammals, fish, or humans. The field of animal behavior is concerned with understanding the causes, functions, development, and evolution of behavior. Behavior refers to the actions or reactions of an animal. Behavior is controlled by the endocrine and nervous systems. The complexity of an animal’s behavior is related to the complexity of its nervous system. Generally, animals with complex nervous systems have a greater capacity to learn new responses and thus adjust their behavior.
An animal’s behavior is influenced by many factors. Some of these factors include genetic predisposition, experience and learning, environment, and physiology. The amount and type of human handling (especially during the first days and months of life) and exposure to novel stimuli can influence a horse’s behavior and character. The brain and its associated neurotransmitters also play a fundamental role in temperament and behavior. Abnormal levels of various hormones may play a role in aggression and fear. Regulatory functions of the brain decrease with age, which results in an increase in fears and anxieties.
Understanding the nature Diagnosing Behavior Problems in Horses Some “health” problems faced by horses are associated with behavior problems or unmet expectations about the animal’s behavior. Your veterinarian will need to rule out any possible health problems... read more of behavior problems is essential to developing a rational basis for their treatment Treatment of Behavior Problems in Horses The diagnosis, treatment, and expected outcome of a behavior problem vary depending on the underlying issue. Early on, owners will usually need to avoid situations that trigger the abnormal... read more . While this section focuses primarily on the abnormal Behavior Problems in Horses A variety of behavior problems occur in horses. Some of the most common are those associated with aggression (including aggression towards people), fear and phobias, sexual behavioral problems... read more behavior of horses, the extent to which a horse’s behavior is abnormal is defined by its deviation from “ normal Normal Social Behavior in Horses Domestic horses are social animals. In the wild, they live in a harem group or band of 2 to 21 horses, with one to several stallions, multiple mares, and the mares’ offspring. One stallion ... read more ” or by the problem that this behavior poses to its owner.
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Also see professional content regarding behavior of horses Normal Social Behavior and Behavioral Problems of Domestic Animals .
