Application of environmental enrichment routines to regulatory toxicology studies in the Beagle dog (1999)

Trussell, B. A., King, J., Smith, D.

Abstract

A programme of environmental enrichment procedures and routines employed in our regulatory toxicology units is outlined. Our enriched husbandry regime includes group housing of dogs, regular periods of group exercise, use of toys and interaction with animal care staff. In addition to the enrichment routines, the dogs are trained for study procedures such as dosing and physiological monitoring. This training is considered by both the study directors and animal care staff to be an essential component within the conduct of studies and ensures collection of quality data.