Dr. John C. Wright

Professor Emeritus of Psychology

John WrightDr. John C. Wright (M.A., Ph.D., Miami University, 1972, ‘76) holds the position of Professor Emeritus of Psychology. His specialty area is applied animal behavior. Dr. Wright is a member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society (1977); a Charter Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (1988); and an ABS Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB, 1991). He is co-founder and co-director of the Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior (IFAAB, 1999). Dr. Wright’s research interests include the assessment and treatment of emotional behavior problems in dogs and cats, and the identification of factors that contribute to serious dog and cat behavior problems.

Education

  • B.A., Wittenberg University (Psychology) 1970
  • M.A., Miami University, Oxford, OH (Psychology) 1972
  • Ph.D., Miami University, Oxford, OH (Experimental Psychology) 1976

Specialty

Animal Behavior

Publications

  • Wright, J.C. (2009). Dog Behavior. In J. Mays (Ed). National Animal Control Association Training Guide (3rd ed. Ch6 pp. 1-20). Kansas City: NACA.
  • Wright, J.C., Smith, A., Daniel, K., & Adkins, K. (2007). Dog breed stereotype and exposure to negative behavior: Effects on perceptions of adoptability.  Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 10(3), 255- 265.
  • Wright, J.C., Reid, P. & Rozier, Z. (2005). Treatment of Emotional Distress & Disorders –Non-pharmacological Methods. In (Editor: McMillan, F.D.), Mental Health and Well-being of Animals, Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA.
  • Wright, J.C. (2005). Comment on van Kerkhove’s “Wolf-Pack Theory.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 7(4), 295-298.
  • Wright, J.C. & Amoss, Richard T. (2004). Aggression, Soiling and Time-of-Gonadectomy in Household Kittens. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 224, 1790-1795.
  • Wright, J.C. (2000). Dog behavior (Canis familiaris). In D.W. Larson (Ed). National Animal Control Association Training Guide (2nd ed). Kansas City: NACA, Ch6, 1-19.
  • Greene, C.E., Goldstein, E.J.C., & Wright, J.C. (1998). Bite wound infections. In C.E. Greene (Ed). Infectious diseases of the dog and cat (2nd ed.). Phila.: W.B. Saunders Co., 330-337.
  • Hahn, M.E., & Wright, J.C. (1998). The influence of genes on social behavior of dogs. In T. Grandin (Ed). Genetics and the behavior of domestic animals. San Diego: Academic Press, 299-318. Ch6 pp1-19.
  • Wright, J.C. (1996). Canine aggression: Dog bites to people. In V. L. Voith & P. L. Borchelt (Eds.), Readings in companion animal behavior. New Jersey: Veterinary Learning Systems, 240-246.
  • Gershman, K.A., Sacks, J.J., & Wright, J.C. (1994). Which dogs bite? A case-control study of risk factors.Pediatrics, 93,(6), 913-917.
  • Voith, V.L., Wright, J.C., & Danneman, P.J. (1992). Is there a relationship between canine behavior problems and spoiling activities, anthropomorphism, and obedience training? Applied Animal Behavior Science, 34, 263-272.
  • Wright, J.C. (1992), Review of: Shipp, A.D., 1991 Crown Reduction – Disarming of Biting Pets for Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, May, 4.
  • Wright, J.C. (1991). Canine aggression toward people: Bite scenarios and prevention. In A. R. Marder & V. L. Voith (Eds.), Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice – Vol. 21, No. 2, Advances in Companion Animal Behavior. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 299-314.
  • Wright, J.C. (1990). Reported dog bites: Are owned and stray dogs different? Anthrozoos, 4, (2), 113-119.
  • Wright, J.C. (1990). Reported cat bites: Characteristics of the cats, the victims, and the attack settings. Public Health Reports, 105, (4), 420-424.
  • Wright, J.C. (1989). Canine behavior. In J. Rhoades (Ed). National Animal Control Association Training Guide. Baton Rouge, LA: National Animal Control Association, 61-76.
  • Wright, J.C., & Nesselrote, M.S. (1987). Classification of behavior problems in dogs: Distributions of age, breed, sex, and reproductive status. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 19, 169-178.
  • Moss, S.P., & Wright, J.C. (1987). The effects of dog ownership on judgements of dog bite likelihood. Anthrozoos, 1, (2), 95-99.
  • Wright, J.C. (1985). Severe dog attacks: Characteristics of the dogs, the victims, and the attack settings. Public Health Reports, 100, (1), 55-61. (pdf)
  • Wright, J.C. (1983). The effects of differential rearing on exploratory behavior in puppies. Applied Animal Ethology, 10, 27-34. (pdf)
  • Wright, J.C. & Moore, D. (1982). Comments on animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge. Public Health Reports, 97, (4), 380-381.
  • Wright, J.C. (1980). The development of social structure during the primary socialization period in German shepherds. Developmental Psychobiology, 13, (1), 17-24.
  • Wright, J.C. (1980). Early development of exploratory behavior and dominance in three litters of German shepherds. In E. Simmel (Ed.), Early Experiences and Early Behavior: Implications for Social Development. New York: Academic Press, 181-206.
  • Wright, J.C. (1977). The development of primary socialization in German shepherds (Doctoral dissertation, Miami University). Dissertation Abstracts International, 37, 3360B.
  • Wright, J.C. & Simmel, E.C. (1976). Agonistic behavior and social reactivity of LG/J mice in both an arena and a semi-natural setting. Aggressive Behavior, 2, 11-18.
  • Simmel, E.C., Wright, J.C., & Smith, M.L. (1974). Changes in leukocyte levels associated with rearing conditions in C57BL /10J mice. Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 3, 269-270.
  • Cross, H.A., Laux, L.J., Wright, J.C., Pezoldt, V.J., Lowenstein, J.J., Vincent, T.D., & King, N.W. (1969). Behavioral selectivity in tropical fish. Psychonomic Science, 17, 297-298.
  • Wright, J.C. & Lashnits, J.W. (2001). Ain’t misbehavin’: The groundbreaking program for happy, well-behaved pets and their people. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.
  • Wright, J.C. & Lashnits, J.W. (1999). The dog who would be king: Tales and surprising lessons from a pet psychologist. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.
  • Wright, J.C. & Lashnits, J.W. (1994). Is your cat crazy? Solutions from the casebook of a cat therapist. N.Y.: Macmillan. (Ever Clean Feline Behavior Award, 1995; Cat Writers Association Certificate of Excellence Award,& 1st place, for ‘Book – Instructional Non-Fiction’)

Conference Papers Presented

  • Hetts, S., Wright, J.C., Estep, D, & Nitschke, M.L. (March, 2016).  Panel: Your place or mine: The effect of setting on behavior consulting, process and treatment. 20th Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior, Phoenix, AZ.
  • Wright, J.C. & V.L. Voith. (March, 2014).  Panel: Aggression and the castration controversy.  18th  Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior, Tucson, AZ.
  • Reid, P. &  Wright, J.C. (March, 2011).  Dominance in dogs. 15th Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior, New Orleans, LA.
  • Wright, J.C.  (July, 2010). The development of behavior problems in puppies (Canis lupus familiaris) and kittens (Felis catus). 47th Animal Behavior Society meeting, Williamsburg, VA
  • Hunthausen,, W.,  Wright, J.C., & S. Hetts,  (February, 2009). Panel: Marketing behavior services and ethics.  13th Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior, Tucson, AZ.
  • Wright, J.C. (August, 2008). A multiple time-sample comparison of behavior problems in kittens (Felis catus) and puppies (Canis familiaris). 45th Animal Behavior Society meeting, Snowbird, UT.
  • Wright, J.C. (February, 2008). Critiquing a published applied manuscript: Can you replicate this?”12th Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior, New Orleans, LA
  • Wright, J.C. (March, 2006). Context-specific compulsive nibbling in a four year old dog (Canis familiaris). 10th  Interdisciplinary Forum for Applied Animal Behavior.  Las Vegas, NV.
  • Adkins, K., Duffy, T., Smith, A., Daniel, K., & Wright, J.C. (May 2004). The effects of temperament and breed on perceptions of adoptability of shelter dogs. Georgia Psychological Association, Hilton Head, S.C.
  • Wright, J.C. & Amoss, Richard T. (June, 2003). Aggression, inappropriate elimination and gonadectomy in household kittens (Felis Catus). American Psychological Society, Atlanta, GA.
  • Wright, J.C. (February, 2003). Animal Shelter Behavior Programs Panel. Interdisciplinary Forum on Applied Animal Behavior, Austin, TX.
  • Wright, J.C. (March, 2002). Panic elicited voiding associated with fear of defecating in an adult female cat (Felis catus): A case report. 6th Interdisciplinary Forum in Applied Animal Behavior, Tampa, FL
  • Wright, J.C. (March, 2001). Early-age gonadectomy and behavior in puppies (Canis familiaris): A progress report. 5th Interdisciplinary Forum in Applied Animal Behavior, Newburg, NY
  • Wright, J.C. (March 2000). On the development of a behavioral assessment tool for shelter dogs. 4th Interdisciplinary Forum in Applied Animal Behavior, Austin, TX
  • Wright, J.C. (July, 1999). Canine communicative behavior and the development of role-relationships. Invited scientific paper, American Veterinary Medical Association meeting, New Orleans, LA
  • Wright, J.C. (July 1998). Early age neutering and behavior in household kittens (Felis catus). Invited scientific paper, American Veterinary Medical Association meeting, Baltimore.
  • Wright, J.C., Neubert, D.E. & Amoss, R.T. (June, 1997). Early-age gonadectomy and inappropriate elimination in household kittens (Felis catus). Animal Behavior Society meeting, College Park, MD.
  • Crowell-Davis, S., Clark, J.D., Rager, D., Evans, D. & Wright, J.C.(1996, July). Keeping dogs in cages: Effects on their behavior and health. American Veterinary Medical Association meeting, Louisville, KY.
  • Wright, J.C. & Neubert, D. (1995, March). The effects of early-age gonadectomy in kittens (Felis catus). Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, Savannah.
  • Wright, J.C., Presley, Y., & Neubert, D. (1994, July). The effects of early-age gonadectomy on behavior and behavior problems in kittens (Felis catus). Animal Behavior Society meeting, Seattle, WA
  • Wright, J.C., Presley, Y., Pope, B., & Neubert, D. (1994, March). Early behavior and behavioral problems in domestic kittens: The effects of early-age gonadectomy. Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, New Orleans, LA
  • Wright, J.C., & Walton, M.K. (1992, June). Dog/victim characteristics associated with bites to young children. Animal Behavior Society meeting, Kingston, Ontario.
  • Wright, J.C. (1991, June). A behavioral assessment procedure for the evaluation of dangerous/vicious dogs. Animal Behavior Society meeting, Wilmington, NC.
  • Wright, J.C., & Walton, M.K. (1991, March). Dog bites to different-aged children. Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, New Orleans, LA.
  • Wright, J.C. (1989, November). Companion animals and their victims: Characteristics of the bite event. Animal Behavior Symposium, Delta Society Confer., Parsippany, NJ.
  • Wright, J.C. (1989, June). A comparison of stray-dog and cat bites. Animal Behavior Society meeting, Highland Hts, KY.
  • Wright, J.C. (1989, March). Reported dog bites: Are strays different from owned dogs? Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, Washington, DC
  • Wright, J.C., & Prescott, C. (1988, August). Reported cat bites: Characteristics of the bite event. Animal Behavior Society meeting, Missoula, MT
  • Wright, J.C., Montalvo, Jr., A., Prescott, C. & Kelley, P.(1988, March). An analysis of pet and victim variables associated with cat and dog bites. Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, New Orleans, LA.
  • Wright, J.C., & Lockwood, R. (1987, June). Behavioral testing of dogs implicated in a fatal attack on a young child. Animal Behavior Society meeting, Williamstown, MA.
  • Marder, A.R., Voith, V.L., & Wright, J.C. (1986, August). Analysis of different types of aggression in dogs presented for behavior problems. Delta Society International Conference, Boston, MA.
  • Voith, V.L., Wright, J.C., & Danneman, P.J. (1986, July). Are canine behavior problems related to owners “spoiling” their dogs or to obedience training? American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior meeting, Atlanta, GA.
  • Moss, S., Wright, J.C. (1986, June). Does dog ownership affect judgements of bite likelihood? Animal Behavior Society meeting, Tucson, AZ.
  • Wright, J.C., Metzger, R., Harris, J., & Moss, S. (1986, March). Recognition of visual features predictive of dog bites in animal control officers. Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, Orlando, FL.
  • Wright, J.C., Kimmerling, K., Moss, S., & Metzger, R. (1985, June). The recognition of visual signals predictive of dogbites: Developmental and gender-related differences in humans. Invited paper session: “Behavior and Misbehavior of Companion Animals,” Animal Behavior Society meeting, NC.
  • Wright, J.C., Kimmerling, K., Moss, S. & Metzger, R. (1985, March). Recognition of visual signals predictive of dogbites in children. Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, Atlanta, GA.
  • Wright, J.C., Fillingim, R., & Nesselrote, M. (1984, August). Classification of behavior problems in dogs: Influence of age, breed, sex and reproductive status. Animal Behavior Society meeting, Cheney, WA.
  • Wright, J.C. (1983, June). Severe dog bites: Characteristics of dogs, victims, and attack contexts. Animal Behavior Society meeting, Lewisburg, PA.
  • Wright, J.C. (1983, March). Diagnosis of behavior problems in dogs & cats. Southeastern Psychological Association meeting, Atlanta.

Published Books

Media Interviews

  • Media Interviews
    Video Compilation
    Featuring: Dr. John Wright
    Updated December 18, 2008
  • The Pet Cast
    Solutions to Cat Behavioral Problems
    Dr. John Wright
    Saturday November 8, 2008
  • Dog’s got the back-to-school blues
    Pets can get down when their favorite people spend time away
    By: Kim Campbell Thornton
    MSNBC contributor
    Updated 10:00 a.m. ET, Mon., Sept. 17, 2007
  • Ask the Behaviorist
    Cat Questions and Answers
    By: Dr. John Wright
    NOVA Online | Animal Hospital
    Last Posted February 18, 1998
  • This Is The Right Way To Talk To Your Dog
    By: Abigail Wilt
    Southern Living

Contact Dr. John C. Wright

wright_jc@mercer.edu