Behavior Problems In Dogs Research Articles

Estudo investigativo de parâmetros associados à presença de problemas comportamentais em cães

A ocorrência de problemas comportamentais em cães tem implicações importantes no bem-estar animal e na sua relação com seus proprietários. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de investigar os principais parâmetros relacionados à epidemiologia, etiologia e ontogenia dos problemas comportamentais em cães. Para tanto, foi formulado um questionário com questões de múltipla escolha sobre: o animal, presença de comportamentos alterados, seu ambiente, rotina e características do seu proprietário. Este foi aplicado em três municípios do noroeste do estado de São Paulo. A análise estatística foi realizada por comportamentos e contemplou os efeitos das outras características do animal e seu ambiente. Os resultados significativos pelo teste F a 5% de probabilidade e procedimento para comparações múltiplas (PDIFF) foram discutidos. Dos 880 questionários válidos estudados foi encontrado que 88,08% dos animais apresentaram pelo menos um comportamento alterado. O comportamento mais encontrado (76,75%; p

Reduced heart rate variability in pet dogs affected by anxiety-related behaviour problems

We present here the first evidence of correlation between canine anxiety-related behavioural problems and heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is known to be related to a range of mental disorders in humans; however this has not been explored in dogs. Behavioural problems in dogs can result in suffering, property destruction and human injury. Dog behaviour problems were assessed by owner questionnaire and the extreme high and low scoring dogs were recruited into either affected (n=10) or unaffected (n=20) groups. HRV was assessed in dogs at their homes, while being held in lateral recumbency for 5min using manual restraint. Salivary cortisol samples were taken before and after HRV testing. Dogs were assessed as either being reactive to the procedure (barking, growling, struggling or shaking) or unreactive. There was no effect of reactivity or behaviour problems on salivary cortisol levels at baseline or in response to the treatment. There was a significant effect of reactivity on HR (F1,26=5.54; P=0.026), and no effect of behaviour problems (F1,26=1.07; P=0.311). There was no effect of reactivity on any of the HRV measures. The presence of behaviour problems had a significant effect on a range of measures of HRV, with unaffected dogs having higher standard deviation of RR intervals (F1,26=6.39; P=0.018), higher high frequency spectrum (F1,26=5.23; P=0.031) and higher low frequency spectrum (F1,26=9.25; P=0.005) power. There was no effect of behaviour problems on very low frequency spectrum power (F1,26=1.40; P=0.248). Together these results provide evidence for a fundamental physiological difference between dogs affected or unaffected with behaviour problems. This study provides evidence for further investigation into the role of HRV in the pathophysiology of canine anxiety-related behaviour problems.

Treatments affecting dog behaviour: something to be aware of

ALTHOUGH dog behaviour problems are a leading cause of relinquishment and euthanasia (Salman and others 1998), only 11 per cent of veterinarians surveyed in a USA study strongly agreed that...

An exploratory study about the association between serum serotonin concentrations and canine-human social interactions in shelter dogs (Canis familiaris)

Abstract The monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) is involved in neuronal excitability, regulates mood and cognition, and is implicated in the regulation of a wide range of social behavior. Understanding its role in social behavior would be useful in understanding and improving human-animal interactions, in particular, the human-dog interaction. Examination of canine social behavior is crucial for screening shelter dogs to be placed for adoption or for identifying dogs that need behavioral intervention. Behavior problems in dogs can arise because of long-term stays in shelters. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum 5-HT is related to behavioral responses in shelter dogs. Fourteen mixed-breed castrated male dogs, with no signs of aggressive behavior toward humans, were selected for exploring the relationship between 5-HT and social behavior in dogs. These dogs were individually observed by an operator during a sociability toward humans test, and their behavioral responses toward the operator were evaluated using a simple test constituted by 7 episodes: Operator approaches the door of the pen, coaxes the dog, attempts to sit the dog and ask for its forelimb, attempts to put a collar on the dog, walks with the dog on a leash, throws a tennis ball against a wall and plays alone, and throws the tennis ball and invites the dog to play with him once. Each episode was scored from 2 to 8, with low scores representing the most fearful dogs. Blood samples were drawn from the cephalic vein during routine health checks, and some serum was retained for 5-HT analysis. A weak linear correlation between the behavioral scores from operator-dog interactions and 5-HT levels ( r 2 = 0.31, P

Is there a link between treatments with exogenous corticosteroids and dog behaviour problems?

Possible side effects of exogenous corticosteroids have been described in both humans and laboratory animals, with recent studies highlighting this issue in dogs. In this paper the behaviour of 345...

An epidemiological analysis of dog behavior problems presented to an Australian behavior clinic, with associated risk factors

Records of dogs presented to a behavior clinic servicing the eastern seaboard of Australia in and around Brisbane and the Gold Coast were analyzed for principal behavior problems and the related factors, from information recorded at the time that the owner approached the clinic for assistance. Data relating to 7,858 dogs presenting with 11,521 behavior problems between 2001 and 2013 were analyzed. Twenty-two principal behavior problems were identified, of which the most common, in declining order, were aggression toward people, barking, and anxious behavior. Male dogs were at greater risk of several behavior problems, compared to female dogs. Low socioeconomic status of owners and a short period spent at home each week were also associated with a greater risk of several behavior problems. The prevalence of breeds and breed groups presented to the clinic were compared with dog registrations at the local city council, and there were more working dogs; hounds and utility dogs; and fewer terriers, toy dogs, and nonsporting dogs in the clinic population. Uncommon breeds were overrepresented in the clinic population compared to local registrations. The risk of developing behavior problems is discussed in the light of evidence about the dogs and their owners.

Aspects of Juvenile and Adolescent Environment Predict Aggression and Fear in 12-Month-Old Guide Dogs.

Maturational changes in behavior, and the possible influence of the puppy-raising environment on behavioral development, were investigated in a total sample of 978 prospective guide dogs belonging to four different breeds/crosses. All dogs belonged to the same guide dog organization, and had been exposed to similar early environmental influences prior to being assigned to puppy-raising households at 7–8 weeks of age. Behavioral data were collected from puppy raisers when the dogs were 6 and 12 months old using the C-BARQ©, a standardized, validated, and widely used survey instrument that measures the frequency and/or severity of most common behavior problems in dogs. Information about the puppy-raising environment was obtained from puppy raisers using a standardized questionnaire shortly before the dogs were returned to the guide dog organization for training. Data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate statistics (binary logistic generalized estimating equations modeling and generalized linear modeling). The findings demonstrated specific maturational changes in behavior between 6 and 12 months of age. In particular, German Shepherd dogs displayed an increase in stranger-directed aggression compared with the other breeds/crosses between 6 and 12 months of age. Several aspects of the puppy-raising environment were associated with puppies’ C-BARQ scores at 12 months of age. In particular, growing up in households with more experienced puppy raisers, and in the company of at least one other dog, were both associated with positive effects on a number of puppy behaviors. By contrast, puppies that had been frightened by a person or threatened by another unfamiliar dog showed significantly worse scores for fear of strangers and dogs, respectively. Being frightened by a person, being reared by less experienced puppy raisers, and/or in households without other pets were associated with less successful training outcomes. The relevance of these findings to current guide dog breeding and husbandry practices is discussed.

Efficacy of written behavioral advice for separation-related behavior problems in dogs newly adopted from a rehoming center

Abstract Separation anxiety/separation-related behavior problems (SA/SRB) are a significant cause of abandonment and failure of rehoming in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of providing written advice to adopters of dogs, aimed at reducing the risk of SA/SRB occurring in the new home. An opportunity sample of 176 dogs was taken from animals rehomed over a 13-month period. Adopters of dogs were allocated alternately to 2 groups, experimental (treatment) and no treatment (control). Adopters in the control group were given advice about healthcare. Adopters in the treatment group received behavioral advice, designed to prevent SA/SRB. Efficacy of the advice was measured 12 weeks after rehoming, when owners were asked to complete a postal questionnaire detailing their dog's behavior when alone, as well as other factors previously suggested to influence the occurrence of SA/SRB. Overall, 53 (30%) of the dogs were reported to show SA/SRB (38% of the control group and 22% of the treatment group). Younger dogs were more likely to show SA/SRB and neutered females showed lower levels of SA/SRB. Although compliance with the advice was generally poor and varied between recommendations, dogs in the control group were more likely to show signs of SA/SRB than those in the treatment group, and hence the provision of written advice to adopters appears to be effective in reducing the development of SA/SRB after rehoming.

Effects of preadoption counseling on the prevention of separation anxiety in newly adopted shelter dogs

Separation anxiety is one of the more prevalent and difficult to treat behavior problems in dogs. The associated behaviors can be undesirable to dog owners and damage the human animal bond, leading to relinquishment or return to an animal shelter. Due to the high prevalence of separation related problems in recently adopted shelter dogs, shelter staff hold a critical role in advising and educating owners on how to prevent separation anxiety post-adoption. The aim of this study was to propose a form of that preventive counseling as a means of preventing the development of separation anxiety in recently adopted shelter dogs. The efficacy of preadoption counseling in the education and prevention of separation anxiety problems was tested in a prospective, randomized, parallel-group study. Participants included 133 new owners of dogs 6 months of age and older. At the time of adoption, sixty-six of these owners were randomly selected to receive five minutes of counseling on the prevention of separation anxiety, while the remaining sixty-seven owners served as the controls. A follow-up survey regarding the signs associated with separation anxiety and other potentially related behaviors was conducted one month post adoption. Results showed that 19 owners reported their dogs as having separation anxiety. There was no significant effect of adoption counseling on the prevention of separation anxiety. Owners in both groups were equally as likely to perform most of the recommendations given during counseling. Dogs that were reported to have separation anxiety were significantly more likely than dogs without reported separation anxiety to show nervous or panicked behavior as the owner prepared to leave ( P = 0.0001) and were more likely to be reported as being “needy” ( P = 0.031). Having another dog in the home was not protective against the development of separation anxiety. Owners in the counseling group were more likely than those in the control group to put food inside a toy at the time of leaving the dog home alone ( P = 0.0001), suggesting the counseling recommendations were indeed followed by the owners. Owner compliance supports the idea that counseling is a useful tool for owners. Separation anxiety is a disorder whose course may be difficult to alter in recently adopted shelter dogs using only basic, interventional information. Brief counseling and a toy do not effectively prevent the occurrence of this complex behavioral condition. Further investigation should be done to find more specific, effective prevention tools for owners to use in the home to minimize the development of separation anxiety and shelter should be prepared to provide interventional resources to owners whose dogs develop separation anxiety despite these efforts.

Frequency of CPV Infection in Vaccinated Puppies that Attended Puppy Socialization Classes

Socialization is one method of preventing behavior problems in dogs; however, some oppose socialization before 16 wk of age due to the risk of contracting infectious diseases. The objectives of this study were to determine if puppies that attended puppy socialization classes and were vaccinated by a veterinarian at least once were at an increased risk of confirmed canine parvovirus (CPV) infection compared with puppies that did not attend classes and to determine the frequency of suspected CPV infection in puppies vaccinated at least once that attended classes with trainers. Twenty-one clinics in four cities in the United States provided information regarding demographics, vaccination, CPV diagnosis, and class attendance for puppies ≤ 16 wk of age. In addition, 24 trainers in those same cities collected similar information on puppies that attended their classes. In total, 279 puppies attended socialization classes and none were suspected of or diagnosed with CPV infection. Results indicated that vaccinated puppies attending socialization classes were at no greater risk of CPV infection than vaccinated puppies that did not attend those classes.

Importance of Puppy Training for Future Behavior of the Dog

In this study, we attempted to clarify whether puppy socialization and command training class, which was limited to puppies approximately 4 months of age, prevented behavior problems in dogs. We evaluated the behaviors of 142 dogs with 4 types of training experience by using a behavior test and the Canine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Dogs in the puppy class (PC) group (n=44) attended the class for 1 hr each week for 6 weeks, dogs in the puppy party (PP) group (n=39) attended a 1-hr "puppy party," dogs in the adult class (AC) group (n=27) undertook basic obedience lessons for adolescent/adult dogs for 1 hr each week for 6 weeks, and dogs in the no class (NC) group (n=32) underwent no formal training. The behavior test evaluated each dog's response to commands, owner's recall, separation, a novel stimulus and strangers. The C-BARQ evaluated 15 canine behavioral factors. The behavior test results indicated that the PC and AC groups showed significantly higher response to commands than the PP or NC group. Thus, participation in puppy and adult classes improved the obedience behavior of dogs, regardless of age. Positive response to strangers in the PC group was significantly higher than that in the AC and NC groups and tended to be higher than that in the PP group. Therefore, PC may help prevent canine behavioral problems such as disobedience or fear of strangers.

The strengths of statistical techniques in identifying patterns underlying apparently random behavioral problems in horses

Abstract The inability of owners to recognize patterns behind the seemingly disparate or random behavior problems expressed by their horse has major welfare implications. Principal components analysis has been successfully used to explore relationships between individual behavior problems in dogs, and it may be a valuable tool in recognizing relationships between problem behaviors in horses. Here, we report how principal components analysis has been used to identify relationships underlying individual behavior problems in horses using data generated from a large-scale Internet survey of United Kingdom leisure horses. Horse-level data on the performance of 44 individual behavior problems, encompassing stable-related and handling behavior problems, prefeeding behavior problems, and ridden behavior problems, were reduced to 12 behavior problem components. Each component was composed of groups of behavior problems that may share a common underlying etiology. These findings demonstrate the value of statistical techniques in identifying associations between apparently random behavior problems. Recognizing relationships between individual problems may prompt owners to take earlier action to resolve them, thereby improving their horse's welfare.

Etología clínica y agresividad canina en Montevideo: implicancia de las razas y el sexo

Statistics about clinical data is lacking in Uruguay. Herein, we present an account of canine behavioral problems recorded from different sources: a) clinical reports on canine behaviour, from 30 veterinary clinics in Montevideo city from 2005 to 2007 (n = 179); b) records of dog attacks to people (n = 992) reported at the Servicio de Atención al Mordido (Ministerio de Salud Pública, same period); and c) conflicts from records of Comisión Nacional Honoraria de Zoonosis (n = 44,000). Based on these data we discus common behavioral problems, types of aggression involved, the frequency of male / female, if they were neutered or not and the age at the onset of the first episodes of aggression. For each record we obtained an aggressive risk factor associated to breed. The results are consistent with international reports, where the aggression was the most common behavioral problem (58.9%), and dominance aggression has the highest proportion (56%). The RDPCC records revealed that the proportion of animals involved in aggression is similar in both genders. However, SAM-MSP records showed that males (71%) were a significantly greater proportion than females (29%). Our data from RDPCC showed that 100% of males involved in aggression towards people were whole, while 38.5% females were castrated. The first signs of canine aggression towards people were observed in first year of life in 56.5% of cases. On the other hand, while the RDPCC record suggests that Cocker breed tended to show more attacks of aggression toward people, the SAMMSP record pointed to the German Shepher as the more aggressive breed. The Rottweiler and Uruguayan Cimarron, occupied the first and third place respectively in the aggressive risk factor rank associated to breed, both in RDPCC and SAM-MSP set of records. This is the first descriptive work on dog behavior problems and aggression in Montevideo, where also is shows the implication of the Cimarron uruguayo race in aggression.

Risk factors for the development of behavior problems in a population of Iranian domestic dogs: Results of a pilot survey

Prevalence and risk factors of behavior problems observed in dogs presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran, were evaluated using a survey of canine behavior problems. Information was collected from 368 successfully completed questionnaires on various factors related to the demonstration of 13 common behavior problems: fearfulness, excessive activity, aggression towards people (owner, familiar and unfamiliar), aggression towards dogs, excessive barking, destructiveness, inappropriate elimination (house soiling), sexual behavioral problems, coprophagy, straying and shyness. The majority of respondents (315, 85.6%) stating that their dog exhibited at least one behavior problem. The main behavior problems reported by owners were excessive activity (125, 34%), inappropriate elimination (122, 33.06%), fearfulness (111, 30.2%), aggression towards unfamiliar people (96, 26.1%) and destructiveness (94, 25.5%). Overall, occurrence of behavior problems in dogs acquired from breeders/pet stores or friends/relatives was more frequent than those owned by the same person since birth ( χ 2 = 6.7; P = 0.035). Small breed dogs showed significantly more unacceptable behaviors than large breeds, particularly fearfulness ( χ 2 = 28.82; P < 0.001) and sexual behavioral problems ( χ 2 = 9.72; P = 0.002). Large breed dogs were presented more frequently for aggression towards unfamiliar people ( χ 2 = 11.22; P = 0.001), and other dogs ( χ 2 = 12.25; P < 0.001) than small breeds. Female dogs were more likely to exhibit excessive barking ( χ 2 = 6.06; P = 0.014) than their male counterparts. Adult dogs were less likely to exhibit excessive activity ( χ 2 = 18.21; P < 0.001), destructiveness ( χ 2 = 25.16; P < 0.001), inappropriate elimination ( χ 2 = 17.15; P < 0.001) and coprophagy ( χ 2 = 7.33; P = 0.007) than puppies or juveniles. Puppies were less likely to exhibit aggression towards other dogs ( χ 2 = 18.27; P < 0.001), and sexual behavioral problems ( χ 2 = 6.8; P = 0.009) than juveniles or adults. Dogs with outdoor access were more likely to display aggression towards unfamiliar people ( χ 2 = 7.23; P = 0.007) and aggression towards other dogs ( χ 2 = 21.37; P < 0.001) than those without outdoor access. The evaluation of risk factors for canine behavior problems may be helpful to advise owners and improve animal welfare in Iran.

The use of clonidine in the treatment of fear-based behavior problems in dogs: An open trial

Abstract Behavioral medications may be used to augment behavioral treatments for fear-based problems in dogs, particularly when the signs are severe or the feared stimulus is impossible to control. In some cases, a single pharmacologic treatment may not completely manage fear and thus multiple medications may be required. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of an alpha-2 agonist clonidine for PRN (pro re nata) treatment of fear-based behavior problems in dogs that are hyporesponsive to other pharmacologic strategies. A total of 22 dogs of various breeds, age, and both genders determined to have fear-based behavior problems were divided into 2 groups, A and B, on the basis of their primary behavioral diagnosis. In group A, the primary diagnoses were separation anxiety, noise phobia, storm phobia, or a combination of these conditions. In group B, the primary diagnoses were fear aggression or a combination of fear and fear-based territorial aggression. Dogs in both groups were treated with PRN dose schedule of clonidine as well as behavior modification. In group A, the clinical outcome was compared with previous pharmacologic treatments according to owner assessments. Similarly, in group B, the clinical outcome was compared with previous treatments. In both groups, the most effective PRN dose of clonidine and any adverse effects were noted. According to global assessment by owners, 7 of the 10 owners (70%) in group A reported that clonidine was more effective as compared with the previously given medications. Of the 12 owners (92%) in group B, 11 reported that clonidine reduced the intensity of aggressive response of the dogs during the drug's active phase. Only one adverse effect was reported and that involved a noise phobic dog displaying increased sound sensitivity. The results suggest that PRN use of clonidine may be useful in addition to being well tolerated for the treatment of fear-based behavior problems in dogs. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of clonidine in dogs.

Owner reported coping styles and occurence of undesirable behaviors in domestic cats

s 31 between aggression and training is present, even when gender and neuter status are taken into account. The type of aggression for which the dog was referred was then compared with attendance at training, and age of onset of any training. Results showed that aggression towards unfamiliar dogs and unfamiliar humans was most common in dogs whose onset of training was at less than 16 weeks, and that aggression towards familiar humans was most common in dogs that had been to no formal training. Aggression towards familiar dogs was comparatively uncommon but also occurred most frequently in dogs that had been to no formal training. Different breed categories were compared to see if they affected aggression and the results showed that pastoral dogs and gundogs were four times more likely to display aggression if they were trained (P 5 0.01). This study identifies training methods as an important potential factor in the presentation of aggression related behavior problems in dogs and shows little evidence for the role of two commonly cited factors namely gender or neuter status. The behavioral medicine approach suggests that aggressive behavior is multifactorial and that individuals who are insecure and anxious are at increased risk of developing these responses. Lack of training and structure may favor these emotional states, but training using mixed negative and positive signals may be equally detrimental.

Study into the effects of attendance at formal training on the presentation of aggression-related behavior problems in dogs in a referred population

Study into the effects of attendance at formal training on the presentation of aggression-related behavior problems in dogs in a referred population

Inquiry on behavior problems in dogs

Inquiry on behavior problems in dogs

Health and behavior problems in dogs and cats one week and one month after adoption from animal shelters

To characterize health and behavior problems in dogs and cats 1 week and 1 month after adoption from animal shelters and identify factors associated with the likelihood that owners of adopted animals would visit a veterinarian. Cross-sectional study. Sample Population-2,766 (1 week) and 2,545 (1 month) individuals who had adopted an animal from a shelter. Internet and telephone survey responses were collected 1 week and 1 month after animal adoption. Overall, 1,361 of 2,624 (51.9%) dogs and cats had health problems 1 week after adoption, and 239 of 2,312 (10.3%) had a health problem 1 month after adoption. The most common health problem for dogs and cats was respiratory tract disease. A total of 1,630 of 2,689 (60.6%) respondents had taken their animal to a veterinarian within the first week after adoption and 1,865 of 2,460 (75.8%) had within the first month after adoption. Respondents were more likely to have visited a veterinarian if they had adopted a dog versus a cat or if the animal was young (< or = 1 year old), had > or = 1 health problem, or had adjusted moderately to extremely well to its new home within the first month after adoption. Cats had fewer behavior problems than dogs. One week after adoption, the most commonly reported behavior problem was house training for dogs and chewing, digging, or scratching at objects for cats. Results suggested that improvements can be made in the percentage of new owners who visit a veterinarian after adopting an animal from a shelter.

Retrospective evaluation of the effects of diazepam in dogs with anxiety-related behavior problems

To characterize the effects of diazepam in dogs with behavior problems and to determine whether adverse effects were of sufficient concern to owners to prompt drug discontinuation. Cross-sectional study. 37 dogs and their owners. Dogs for which diazepam had been prescribed by the behavior service of a veterinary teaching hospital from July 2005 through June 2007 were identified. Owners were interviewed via telephone to obtain data on dose and frequency of administration of diazepam, effectiveness, adverse effects, and, when applicable, reasons for discontinuing the drug. Diazepam was described as very (24% [9/37]) or somewhat (43% [16/37]) effective by most owners. At the time of the interview, 18 (49%) owners reported that they were still administering diazepam to their dogs. For the remainder, reasons for discontinuation included adverse effects (58% [11/19]) and lack of efficacy (53% [10/19]). Reported adverse effects included sedation, increased appetite, ataxia, agitation, increased activity, and aggression. Owners administering diazepam to ameliorate fear of thunderstorms (24% [9/37]) were more likely to view diazepam as effective than were owners of dogs that received it for separation anxiety (54% [20/37]). Owners of dogs that received > or = 0.8 mg of diazepam/kg (0.36 mg/lb) were more likely to report increased activity as an adverse effect than were owners of dogs that received < 0.8 mg/kg. Adverse effects of diazepam in dogs were commonly reported and often led to drug discontinuation. Owner education and follow-up is recommended to avoid treatment failure when prescribing diazepam for anxiety-related behavior problems in dogs.