Final answer:
A handler needs to know an animal's point of balance, typically at the shoulder, to control its movement and prevent injury. This knowledge is essential for predicting and guiding animal behavior safely. Knowing an animal's pattern of movement is the correct answer regarding safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
A handler needs to know an animal's point of balance to effectively and safely manage the animal. Understanding the point of balance, which is usually located at the animal's shoulder, allows the handler to influence the animal's movement. By standing at the correct position relative to the point of balance, the handler can encourage the animal to move forward or stop. Moreover, this knowledge is crucial for avoiding injury as it helps in predicting and guiding the animal's behavior. Answer B, "Knowing an animal's pattern of movement prevents injury," is the correct response.
For instance, a sheepdog uses the sheep's point of balance to herd them, moving behind the point of balance to drive them forward, and in front of it to stop their movement or change their direction. The point of balance applies to various species and is a fundamental concept in animal husbandry and behavior training.
Habituation in animals also plays a role in managing their responses to stimuli, allowing them to ignore non-threatening cues, which is crucial in a setting where animals must be guided or controlled without causing undue stress or excitement.