Prevalence of canine behavior problems related to dog-human relationship in South Korea—A pilot study

Abstract

This population study examined the prevalence of 10 common, broadly classified behavior problems exhibited by dogs reported by 174 dog owners in South Korea. Most respondents (147; 84.5%) stated that their dog exhibited at least one behavior problem. The main behavior problems reported by owners were excessive barking (82; 47.1% of all owners), inappropriate elimination (71; 40.8%), aggressive behavior (62; 35.6%), fearfulness (52; 29.9%), and separation anxiety (48; 27.6%). Male dogs were more likely to exhibit excessive barking and destructiveness than female dogs. Interestingly, neutered dogs showed more unacceptable behaviors than intact dogs, particularly excessive barking, aggression, and excessive activity. Young dogs were less likely than adult dogs to exhibit fearfulness or separation anxiety, but adult dogs were less likely than young dogs to exhibit destructiveness. Statistically significant associations were detected between at least one obedience training session per week and reduced inappropriate elimination (P < 0.05); between no obedience training and increased fearfulness (P < 0.05); between fewer walks and excessive barking (P < 0.05); and between being left home alone for 3 to 6 hours per day and excessive barking (P < 0.05), inappropriate elimination (P < 0.05), and destructiveness (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that there is a need for further detailed analyses of the various factors involved in behavioral problems in companion dogs. Such studies could be useful in improving the quality of the dog-human relationship and animal welfare in South Korea because they could lead to prevention of undesirable behavioral problems and reduction in dog relinquishment.