AAT Animal Behavior & Handling Techniques 5

Question 1

Which of the following is considered an 'appeasement gesture' in canine communication?

Accepted Answer

Licking another dog's or person's face

Answer

Face licking is an appeasement and social bonding behavior rooted in puppy-to-parent communication.

Question 2

What is the most appropriate action if a therapy animal becomes ill during a session?

Accepted Answer

Remove the animal from the session immediately and seek veterinary guidance

Answer

Animal welfare is paramount; any sign of illness requires immediate removal and professional veterinary assessment.

Question 3

In AAT, 'desensitization' of a therapy animal refers to:

Accepted Answer

Gradually and repeatedly exposing the animal to a stimulus at low intensity until it no longer provokes a stress response

Answer

Systematic desensitization uses gradual exposure at sub-threshold levels to reduce fear or reactive responses.

Question 4

Which factor most directly determines the appropriate session length for a therapy animal?

Accepted Answer

The individual animal's behavioral stress indicators and stamina

Answer

Session length must be driven by the animal's welfare, using behavioral stress indicators to determine when the animal needs to stop.

Question 5

A therapy rabbit repeatedly thumps its hind legs during a session. This behavior most likely signals:

Accepted Answer

Alarm or perceived danger in the environment

Answer

Thumping is a rabbit's instinctive warning signal used to alert others to perceived danger or express strong displeasure.

(AAT) Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Practice Test