Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences PhD project opportunities

Find out more about self-funded PhD projects in areas where we already have supervisors active and engaged in the research topic in our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences.

Proposed supervisory team

Dr Roberta Blake

Theme

Biomechanics, Working Trials dogs

Summary of the research project

Working Trials are a dog competitive activity based on the civilian equivalent of police dog work. They are physically demanding, and both dog and owner need to be fit to compete. Feedback from the Working Trials (WT) community and others raise concerns regarding the level of risk of the obstacles negotiated by dogs on this sport: the 8ft long jump and the 5ft 6" scale.

These concerns are:

  • Long jump - that it requires a dog to reach full extension and hyperextension of various joints of the forelimbs, hind limbs and spine.
  • Scale - that the force experienced through the forelimbs and spine of the dog descending the scale is excessive and would significantly contribute to joint stress.

In both instances, there is potentially an increase in the risk of repetitive strain injury to the soft tissues that support these joints.

This study is proposed to understand both the impact forces and joint stresses present whilst negotiating obstacles, specifically on grass. A sample of Working Trials dogs will be asked to complete a 3ft clear jump (hurdle), 7ft and 8ft long jump as well as a 5ft 6" scale. During landing vertical ground reaction forces and peak impact forces will be captured. At the same time, movement will be captured using 2d videos to analyse joint flexion, extension and range of motion. Analysis of this data will allow us to quantify the demands placed on Working Trials dogs.

Where you'll study

Writtle

Funding

This project is self-funded.

Details of studentships for which funding is available are selected by a competitive process and are advertised on our jobs website as they become available.

Next steps

If you wish to be considered for this project, you will need to apply for our Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences PhD. In the section of the application form entitled 'Outline research proposal', please quote the above title and include a research proposal.