The main mission of the Department is to conduct educational and scientific research activities in the fields of animal ethology, companion animal breeding, and animal-assisted therapy (zoorehabilitation). The core of the department’s research lies in linking theoretical knowledge with practical applications in animal husbandry, training, and the use of animals in various forms of therapy and service work.
The Department has a long-term focus on service cynology, examining the effectiveness of search-and-rescue teams and the detection abilities of working dogs in identifying narcotic and psychotropic substances, weapons, CITES-listed commodities, and selected diseases. These projects are carried out in close cooperation with the Czech Customs Administration, the Army of the Czech Republic, the Police of the Czech Republic, the Prison Service of the Czech Republic, and other units of the Integrated Rescue System. For both research and training purposes, the Department operates the Canine Behavior Research Center, which includes a dedicated cynological training ground.
A significant part of the research is devoted to studying the principles and effects of animal-assisted therapy, focusing on both the impact on humans and the well-being of the animals involved in therapeutic programs. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of human–animal interaction and its effects on physical and mental health, motor activity, emotional balance, and cognitive processes. Further professional activities are directed toward the communication abilities of animals, especially dogs and small mammals, with a particular focus on the domestic rabbit, as well as the ways in which humans perceive and interpret animal communicative signals under various emotional contexts.
The Department’s research scope also includes the study of exotic and wild animals, particularly within the field of primatology. Research focuses on gibbons and rhesus macaques, examining aspects such as vocal communication, behavior, nutrition, endocrinology, and cognition. Additionally, the Department contributes to studies on the population ecology of raptors and investigates the impacts of global climate change on their populations and natural habitats. An equally important part of the Department’s mission is applying research on the welfare of domesticated animal species, contributing to the development of knowledge about their living needs, behavior, and human–animal relationships in modern society.
Teaching activities
Teaching is provided at all levels of higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral) and combines theoretical instruction with practical experience. Core courses include Fundamentals of Companion Animal Breeding, Use of Animals in Zoorehabilitation, Canistherapy, Animal Ethology, Cynology, Breeding of Exotic Mammals, Applied Animal Ethology, and Welfare of Companion and Farm Animals. The Department also regularly organizes specialized seminars for dog handlers from armed forces units.
Public Engagement
The Department organizes professional seminars on dog behavior and training, offers individual consultations for dog handlers, and provides the accredited course by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) titled Practical Implementation of Canistherapy in Social Care Facilities.
