College of Veterinary Medicine

Publications

Journal Articles 

Canine Behavior and Welfare

  1. Stella, J.L., Gomes, P., Shreyer, T., Croney, C. (2025). A cross-sectional study to investigate associations between flooring substrates and prevalence of limb and paw abnormalities of dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1466390.
  2. Bhowmik, N., Cook, S. R., Croney, C., Barnard, S., Romaniuk, A. C., & Ekenstedt, K. J. (2024). Heritability and Genome-Wide Association Study of Dog Behavioral Phenotypes in a Commercial Breeding Cohort. Genes, 15(12), 1611.
  3. Romaniuk, A.C., Barnard, S., Shreyer, T. et al. (2025) Effects of dam fear and stress on metrics of puppy welfare in commercial breeding kennels. Sci Rep 15, 2820 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-85936-w
  4. Stahl, A., Barnard, S., Diana, A., Udell, M.A.R., Croney, C.C. (2024) Attachment style and social behavior in dogs from commercial breeding kennels, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 273, 106238.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106238.
  5. Barnard S, Flint H, Diana A, Shreyer T, Arrazola A, Serpell J, et al. (2023) Management and behavioral factors associated with rehoming outcomes of dogs retired from commercial breeding kennels. PLoS ONE 18(3): e0282459. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282459
  6. Boone, G., Romaniuk, A. C., Barnard, S., Shreyer, T., & Croney, C. (2022). The Effect of Early Neurological Stimulation on Puppy Welfare in Commercial Breeding Kennels. Animals, 13(1), 71. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/1/71
  7. Romaniuk, A. C., Barnard, S., Weller, J. E., Weng, H. Y., Dangoudoubiyam, S., & Croney, C. (2022). Dam (Canis familiaris) Welfare throughout the Peri-Parturient Period in Commercial Breeding Kennels. Animals, 12(20), 2820.
  8. Romaniuk, A.C., Diana, A., Barnard, S., Weller, J.E., Espinosa, U.B., Dangoudoubiyam, S., Shreyer, T., Arnott, G., Croney, C. (2022). The effect of transportation on puppy welfare from commercial breeding kennels to a distributor. Animals  12, 3379. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233379
  9. Barnard, S., Flint, H., Shreyer, T., & Croney, C. (2021).  Evaluation of an easy-to-use protocol for assessing behaviors of dogs retiring from commercial breeding kennels. PLoS ONE, 16(8), e0255883. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255883
  10. Pritchett, M., Barnard, S., & Croney, C. (2021).  Socialization in commercial breeding kennels: The use of novel stimuli to measure social and non-social fear in dogs. Animals, 11, 890. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030890.
  11. Croney, C.C. (2019)  Turning up the volume on man’s best friend: Ethical issues associated with commercial dog breeding. Journal of Applied Animal Ethics Research, 1(2), 230-252. https://doi.org/10.1163/25889567-12340011  
  12. Stella, J., Shreyer, T., Ha, J., & Croney, C. (2019). Improving canine welfare in commercial breeding (CB) operations: Evaluating rehoming candidates. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 220, 104861. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104861
  13. Mugenda, L., Shreyer, T., & Croney, C. (2019). Refining canine welfare assessment in kennels: evaluating the reliability of Field Instantaneous Dog Observation (FIDO) scoring.  Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 221, 104874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104874
  14. Bir, C., Widmar, N.J.O., & Croney, C.C. (2019).  U.S. Resident's perceptions of dog welfare needs and canine welfare information sources.  Journal of Applied Welfare Science, 22(1), 42-68. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2018.1476862
  15. Bir, C., Widmar, N.O., & Croney, C. (2018). Exploring social desirability bias in perceptions of dog adoption: All's well that ends well?  Or does the method of adoption matter?  Animals, 8(9), 154. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8090154
  16. Stella, J., Hurt, M., Bauer, A., Gomes, P., Ruple, A., Beck, A., & Croney, C. (2018). Does flooring substrate impact kennel and dog cleanliness in commercial breeding facilities? Animals, 8(4), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8040059
  17. Stella, J.L., Bauer A.E., & Croney, C.C. (2018)  A cross sectional study to estimate prevalence of periodontal disease in a population of dogs (Canis familiaris) in commercial breeding facilities in Indiana and Illinois. PLoS ONE 13(1), e0191395. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191395
  18. Stella, J., Bauer, A., & Croney, C.C. (2018). Evaluating the validity and reliability of a visual dental scale for detection of periodontal disease (PD) in non-anesthetized dogs (Canis familiaris). PLOS One, 13(9), e0203930. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203930
  19. Bauer, A.E., Jordan, M., Colon, M., Shreyer, T., & Croney C.C. (2017). Evaluating FIDO: Developing and pilot testing the Field Instantaneous Dog Observation tool. Pet Behaviour Science, 4, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.21071/pbs.v0i4.5766
  20. Bir, C., Widmar, N.J.O., & Croney, C.C. (2017). Stated preferences for dog characteristics and sources of acquisition. Animals, 7(8), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani7080059 

Feline Behavior and Welfare

  1. Delgado, M.M., Stella, J.L., Croney, C.C., & Serpell, J.A. (2024) Making fetch happen: Prevalence and characteristics of fetching behavior in owned domestic cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis familiaris). PLoS ONE 19(9): e0309068. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309068
  2. Croney, C., Udell, M., Delgado, M., Ekenstedt, K., & Shoveller, A. K. (2023). CATastrophic Myths Part 1: Common misconceptions about the social behavior of domestic cats and implications for their health, welfare, and management. The Veterinary Journal, 106028.
  3. Udell, M., Delgado, M., Ekenstedt, K., Shoveller, A. K., & Croney, C. (2023). CATastrophic Myths Part 2: Common misconceptions about the environmental, nutritional, and genetic management of domestic cats and their welfare implications. The Veterinary Journal, 106029.
  4. Frayne, J., MacDonald Murray, S., Croney, C., Flickinger, E., Edwards, M., & Shoveller, A.K. (2019). The behavioural effects of innovative litter developed to attract cats. Animals, 9(9), 683. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9090683 
  5. Stella, J. & Croney, C. (2019). Coping styles in the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) and implications for cat welfare. Animals, 9(6), 370. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9060370 
  6. Stella, J. L., Croney, C.C., & Buffington, C.T. (2017). Behavior and welfare of domestic cats housed in cages larger than US norm. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 20(3), 296-312. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2017.1317252 
  7. Stella, J.L. & Croney, C.C. (2016). Management practices of cats owned by faculty, staff, and students at two midwest veterinary schools. The Scientific World Journal, 2016, 7108374. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7108374 
  8. Stella, J.L. & Croney, C.C. (2016). Environmental aspects of domestic cat care and management: implications for cat welfare. The Scientific World Journal, 2016, 6296315. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6296315
  9. Bir, C., Widmar, N.J.O., & Croney, C.C. (2016). The whole “kitten”- caboodle: Perceived differences in veterinary and general population opinions regarding cat behavior and health. Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 6(12), 177. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojvm.2016.612021

Agricultural Animal Bioethics 

  1. Croney, C., & Swanson, J. (2023). Is meat eating morally defensible? Contemporary ethical considerations. Animal Frontiers, 13(2), 61-67.
  2. Widmar, N.J.O., Morgan, C.J., & Croney, C.C. (2017). Perceptions of social responsibility of prominent animal welfare groups. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 21(1), 27-39. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2017.1365000.
  3. Morgan, C.J., Widmar, N.J.O., Wilcoxc, M.D., & Croney, C.C. (2017). Perceptions of agriculture and food corporate social responsibility. Journal of Food Products Marketing, 24(2), 146-162. https://doi.org/10.1080/10454446.2017.1266550
  4. Widmar, N.O., Morgan, C.J., Wolf, C.A., Yeager, E.A., Dominick, S.R., & Croney, C.C. (2017). US resident perceptions of dairy cattle management practices. Agricultural Sciences, 8(7), 77980. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2017.87049
  5. Morgan, C.J., Widmar, N.O., Yeager, E.A., Downey, W.S., & Croney, C.C. (2016). Perceptions of social responsibility of prominent fast food restaurants. Modern Economy, 7(6), 704-714. https://doi.org/10.4236/me.2016.76074
  6. Morgan, C.J., Dominick, S.R., Widmar, N.J.O., Yeager, E.A., & Croney, C.C. (2016). Perceptions of corporate social responsibility of prominent fast food establishments by university students. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 47(3), 18-31. https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.249997
  7. Cummins, A.M., Widmar, N.J.O., Croney, C.C., & Fulton, J.R. (2016). Exploring agritourism experience and perceptions of pork production. Agricultural Sciences, 7(4), 239. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2016.74024

Other

  1. Pasteur K., Diana, A., Yatcilla, J.K., Barnard, S., Croney, C. (2024) Access to veterinary care: evaluating working definitions, barriers, and implications for animal welfare, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11,   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1335410. ISSN=2297-1769
  2. Beausoleil, N. J., Swanson, J. C., McKeegan, D. E. F., & Croney, C. C. (2023). Application of the Five Domains model to food chain management of animal welfare: opportunities and constraints. Frontiers in Animal Science, 4, 1042733.
  3. Wires, C., Hoffman, R., Talbert, A., Brady, C., O’Haire, M., & Croney C. (2021). Ability to interpret and apply animal behavior and welfare terminology by adults within the horse industry. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 100, 103574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103574 
  4. Croney, C.C. & Boysen, S.T. (2021). Acquisition of a joystick-operated video task by pigs (Sus scrofa). Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 631755. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631755
  5. Robinson, E., Templeman, J., Thornton, E., Croney, C., Niel, L. & Shoveller, A.K. (2020). Investigating the effects of increased soluble fiber and incremental exercise on the voluntary physical activity and behaviour of sled dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 98, Supplement 4, 56–57. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa278.102
  6. Robinson, E., Templeman, J.R., Thornton, E., Croney, C.C., Niel, L., & Shoveller, A.K. (2020). Investigating the effects of incremental conditioning and supplemental dietary tryptophan on the voluntary activity and behaviour of mid-distance training sled dogs. PloS One, 15(8), e0232643. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232643
  7. Robinson, E., Thornton, E., Templeman, J.R., Croney, C.C., Niel, L. & Shoveller, A.K., (2021). Changes in behaviour and voluntary physical activity exhibited by sled dogs throughout incremental exercise conditioning and intermittent rest days. Animals, 11(1), 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010118
  8. Ni, J., Erasmus, M.A., Croney, C.C., Li, C. & Li, Y. (2020). A critical review of advancement in scientific research on food animal welfare-related air pollution. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 408, 124468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124468

Extension Papers

Canine Behavior and Welfare 

  1. Prenatal stress and puppies: Implications for dog welfare in commercial-breeding kennels. Aynsley Romaniuk and Candace Croney.
  2. Meeting the behavioral needs of kenneled dogs. Aitor Arrazola, Taylor Rezvani, and Candace Croney.
  3. Addressing Giardia in Kennels: Implications for Canine Health, Management and Welfare. Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam, Andrew Pietraniec, Kathleen Burke, Joseph Camp, Candace Croney.
  4. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): Implications for canine welfare and management.  Grace Boone, Aynsley Romaniuk and Candace Croney.
  5. Does Long-term tethering of dogs negatively impact their well-being?  Aynsely Romaniuk, Hannah Flint and Candace Croney.
  6. Setting Puppies and Dogs Up for Success: Designing Kennels with Behavior and Welfare Considerations in Mind.  Candace Croney and Traci Shreyer, written for the American Kennel Club
  7. Temperature Requirements for Dogs.  Mary Jordan, Amy Bauer, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  8. The Role of Caretaker Interactions in Environmental Enrichment for Kenneled Dogs. Moriah Hurt, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  9. Factors that Impact Dog Selection and Welfare.  Amy Bauer and Candace Croney
  10. Preventing periodontal disease in dogs.  Andrew Pietraniec, Amy Bauer, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  11. Enterprise Budgeting and Partial Budgeting for Dog Breeders.  Courtney Bir, Nicole Olynk Widmar and Candace Croney
  12. Animal Welfare Concepts: Applications to Dogs. Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  13. Auditory Stress: Implications for Kenneled Dog Welfare. Morgan Garvey, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  14. Kenneled Dog Welfare: Challenges of Field Assessment. Moriah Hurt, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  15. Overpopulation or Too Many Unwanted Pets? Perspective on Concepts and Management Approaches. Amy Bauer, Alan Beck, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  16. Implementing Environmental Enrichment for Dogs. Morgan Garvey, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  17. Welfare Implications of Dental Health in Commercial Breeding Dogs. Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  18. Implications of Weaning Age for Dog Welfare. Moriah Hurt, Judith Stella and Candace Croney
  19. Assessing Kennel Dog Welfare.  Moriah Hurt, Judith Stella and Candace Croney. 
  20. Brucella canis: Emerging zoonotic disease? Implications for commercial breeding kennels and public health.  Judith Stella and Candace Croney.
  21. Promoting the Welfare of Kenneled Dogs: Environmental Considerations. Moriah Hurt, Courtney Daigle and Candace Croney.
  22. Effects of Flooring on Animal Health and Well-Being: Implications for Kenneled Dogs.  Candace Croney, Courtney Daigle, Moriah Hurt and Judith Stella.
  23. Promoting the Welfare of Kenneled Dogs: Space Allocations and Exercise.  Moriah Hurt, Courtney Daigle and Candace Croney

Feline Behavior and Welfare

  1. Assessing the Welfare of Cats Housed in Cages. Judith Stella and Candace Croney.
  2. Enhancing the welfare of caged cats through environmental management: The importance of routine and cage environment.  Judith Stella, Megan LaFollette and Candace Croney
  3. Enhancing the welfare of caged cats through environmental management: The housing room.  Judith Stella, Megan LaFollette and Candace Croney 

Agricultural Animal Bioethics

  1. Factors Affecting Perceptions of Animal Welfare in Developing Countries. Lynda Mugenda and Candace Croney

Other Species

  1. A focus group approach: Bovine Respiratory Disease. Alessia Diana, Jacqueline Boerman, Mark Kepler, Jennifer Koziol, Jon Schoonmaker, and Candace Croney
  2. Is Restraint with a Lip Twitch Aversive to Horses? Joanna Rogowski, Chloe Wires, Janice Kritchevsky, Candace Croney

Other External Publications

  1. Setting Puppies and Dogs Up for Success: Designing Kennels with Behavior and Welfare Considerations in Mind.  Candace Croney and Traci Shreyer, written for the American Kennel Club
  2. How Dogs Communicate with their Body Language.  PurinaProClub.com

The Canine Welfare Science Website 

The Canine Welfare Science website offers a variety of evidence-based educational materials including handouts, infographics, articles, hints, and checklists for those who are caring for dogs in kennels and in homes.