Excessive Barking Research Articles

Effect of Classical Counterconditioning (Quiet Kennel Exercise) on Barking in Sheltered Dogs

A major welfare concern in animal shelters is excessive barking from kenneled dogs. This contributes to noise pollution, can cause hearing damage in both dogs and humans, and has a negative effect on all animals housed within earshot. Excessive barking is often driven by fear and frustration, negative emotional states often difficult to alter in the shelter setting. This study demonstrated implementation of a simple classical counterconditioning measure, the Quiet Kennel Exercise (QKE) in adoption wards at an open admission shelter improved the emotional state of dogs, reduced fear, frustration and excessive barking.Baseline data were collected over two weeks using a hand-held decibel meter to measure the volume of barking in each ward three times daily. Mounted cameras were used to document the number of people passing through each ward each day. Data were collected for 18 days of intervention over four weeks. During this time, signs were placed to encourage people to toss treats to each dog, and treats were provided in buckets. Decibel levels were measured three times daily and the numbers of people who did and did not toss treats were recorded to measure compliance.There was an increase in compliance and a decrease in maximum decibel readings over the course of the intervention. For each one percent increase in compliance, there was an average decrease of 17.3 dB in the maximum volume in decibels. Therefore, increasing participation in the QKE can significantly decrease barking volume. This easily implemented intervention has the potential to decrease noise levels and improve welfare for both humans and dogs in kennel settings.

Tratamiento homeopático para la ansiedad por separación post-Covid-19 en perros. Reporte de un caso

Separation Anxiety Syndrome (SAS) in dogs has been one of the most common post-Covid-19-pandemic behavioral disorders, which usually presents destructive and aggressive behavior, excessive barking, urinating and defecating in inappropriate places, vomiting, anxiety, frustration, panic, fear, boredom and aggressiveness as some of the clinical signs. Treatment usually consists of environmental enrichment, behavioral training, allopathic treatment with anti-depressives, anxiolytics and integrative treatments such as Plactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128, the herbal medicine Ashwagandha, homeopathy and acupuncture. We present the clinical case of a male dog, Brazilian terrier breed, who showed separation anxiety when his tutors returned to work after the isolation brought on by the covid-19 pandemic; the dog has also presented seizures every-3-4 months and grade 3-4 periodontal disease. After repertorization, treatment with Arsenicum album 30 CH twice a day was instituted for 30 days for separation anxiety. For periodontal disease, Mercurius solubilis 6CH three times a day for 30 days and, for seizure crises, Cicuta virosa 200 CH once a week until further recommendations. After returning at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days for re-evaluation, noteworthy improvement in anxiety behavior was reported, as well as spacing in seizure episodes. The homeopathic medicines instituted in this clinical case report demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of behavioral disorders, as well as the physical signs.

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128 on alleviating canine aggression and separation anxiety

Certain strains of Lactiplantibacillus were found to have a positive impact on host neuromodulation through the gut-brain axis and thus ameliorate emotional and behavioral problems. A number of researches have been performed on humans, mice and rats; however, studies on dogs are limited. Forty-five dogs with behavioral problems were enrolled in this study, including aggression (n = 22), separation anxiety (n = 15), compulsive disorder (n = 7) and unclassifiable inappropriate behavior (n = 1, excessive barking). The behavioral diagnosis was made based on the primary behavioral consultation questionnaires and the careful interrogations at interviews. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128 (PS128) probiotic was administered to these physically healthy dogs with behavioral problems over a course of two weeks to determine the probiotic effectiveness on canine behaviors. Dogs were evaluated and scored using the Evaluation of Dog’s Emotional and cognitive Disorders (EDED) scale and the Canine Behavioral Checklist (CBC) questionnaire at the visits before and after the probiotic treatment. Plasma serotonin levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography- electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) and the serotonin turnover ratios (5-HIAA/5-HT) were compared pre- and post-treatment. The results showed that the general behavioral stability was improved, and the problems of aggression and separation anxiety were ameliorated after treatment. A significant decrease in 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio was observed in dogs with separation anxiety, suggesting a serotonin-related mechanism. These results proved that PS128 was beneficial for emotional stabilization, which might be useful as a therapeutic supplement for canine aggression and separation anxiety.

Impact of Classical Counterconditioning (Quiet Kennel Exercise) on Barking in Kenneled Dogs-A Pilot Study.

Simple SummaryBarking is a major source of noise pollution in dog kennels and negatively impacts the welfare of anyone within earshot, especially the dogs in the kennels themselves. It is crucial to have solutions to help reduce barking quickly and humanely that are easy to understand and put into place that also do not require a lot of resources such as time, expertise, or money. This study looked at the use of an exercise (Quiet Kennel Exercise—QKE) that uses classical counterconditioning (Pavlov) to help change the way the dogs feel when a person enters the kennel area from unpleasant to pleasant. This should help to reduce barking, especially that which is caused by negative emotions such as fear and frustration. After the initial baseline period of 5 days, people passing through the kennel tossed treats to the dogs no matter what the dogs did for 10 days. Data was collected three times a day for the entire study period. Sound level readings (decibels), number of dogs present, and number of dogs barking were recorded. Results showed improvement in the loudest volume recorded after the exercise was in place, fewer dogs barking over time, and each dog barking less each time. The most improvement was noticed in the afternoon.Excessive barking is a major source of noise pollution in dog kennels and negatively impacts welfare. Because resources are often limited, minimizing barking in the simplest and most easily implementable way is imperative. This pilot study implemented a Quiet Kennel Exercise (QKE) that utilized classical counterconditioning to change the dogs’ negative emotional state (which can lead to barking) to a more positive emotional state. Therefore, barking motivation is reduced, so barking should decrease. This study aims to show proof of concept that decreasing barking through classical counterconditioning is effective. It was conducted in one ward of day-time boarding kennels at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Data was collected three times per day and included decibel readings, number of dogs present, and number of dogs barking during a 5-day initial baseline and 10-day intervention period. During baseline, people passing through the ward acted as they normally would. During intervention, passersby were asked to simply toss each dog a treat regardless of the dogs’ behaviors in the kennel. Descriptive results show improvement in maximum level of barking after QKE, fewer dogs barking over time, dogs barking less each time, and the most improvement noted in the afternoon.

Student veterinarians’ ability to recognize behavioral signs of stress in dogs

Veterinarians’ perceptions of animal stress influence their practice. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate how veterinary students perceive stress in dogs. Two hundred and eighteen fourth year veterinary students of the University of Cordoba (Spain) participated in the study. An online questionnaire measuring veterinary students’ perceptions of behavioral indicators of stress in dogs, their attachment to pets, and demographic measures (e.g., pet ownership, student gender) was administered to participants in university classes. Data show that veterinary students easily identified some stress indicators such as stereotypical behaviors, excessive barking and aggressiveness, but they were less likely to identify yawning, low activity and paw raising as indicators of stress. Understanding the basis of stress and having a companion animal influenced stress identification but participants’ gender, and attachment level to their pets, had no effect on ability to identify canine stress indicators. Misunderstandings about canine behavior might influence veterinary students’ ability to recognize subtle stress signs in dogs. However, a good understanding of the psycho-physiological basis of stress and personal experiences of dog ownership were associated with greater ability to identify behavioral stress signs in dogs, suggesting that additional training in canine stress might be beneficial for student veterinarians.

Keepers Report Application of Delayed and Not Necessarily Effective Corrections to Undesired Behaviors of Dogs

Abstract This study investigated how keepers report correcting their dogs’ undesired behaviors by using what they consider to be aversive to them. Over 60,000 dog keepers responded to an online questionnaire addressing this issue. The questionnaire included the frequencies of delayed corrections of perceived signs of previously occurring undesired behaviors, the type of aversive actions applied (independently of correction timing), and the frequencies of specific canine behaviors that the keepers sought to correct. Based on results, correcting undesired behaviors of dogs that occurred some time ago is frequently reported, and the most common corrections are not necessarily effective in reducing these undesired behaviors. Moreover, keepers commonly use aversive actions to correct dogs’ urination/defecation in inappropriate places or destruction of objects, but they do not commonly do so for excessive barking or incorrectly responding to a cue.

An Investigation into the Impact of Pre-Adolescent Training on Canine Behavior.

Simple SummaryCurrent thinking about puppy training is that it should be performed as early in a dog’s life as possible to prevent the later development of behavior problems. However, no study has been performed to see if early puppy training (before 3 months of age) does present clear advantages over training at a later age, in terms of the subsequent development of adult behavior problems. This retrospective study examined the age at which adult dogs were trained as puppies and whether there were advantages of training puppies before 4 months of age or between 5 and 6 months of age. We found no difference in the age of puppy training and the subsequent development of behavior problems. Aggression, compulsive behavior, destructive behavior, and excessive barking were all reduced in dogs that had attended puppy training before 6 months of age compared to a control group of dogs that had not attended puppy training classes. Ancillary findings about the entire study population were that dogs acquired as pups at 12 weeks of age or less had reduced odds of exhibiting fear or anxiety and engaging in destructive behavior. In addition, male dogs were found to have reduced odds of developing aggressive behavior, compulsive behavior, and mounting/humping and increased odds of rolling in repulsive materials. Neutered dogs of either sex were found to have increased odds of developing fear and anxiety, increased odds of escaping/running away, exhibiting coprophagia, and rolling in repulsive materials. The odds of problematic jumping decreased with age.An online survey about puppy training was sent to members of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies and posted on our social media platforms. Six hundred forty-one (641) qualifying owners provided information on 1023 dogs. About half (48%) of the dogs involved in the study attended puppy training and the balance (52%) did not. The goal of the study was to find out whether puppy training at various ages (1–3 months, 4 months, 5–6 months) helped prevent behavior problems later in life (≥1 year). Attending training at 6 months of age or younger resulted in 0.71 the odds of developing aggressive behavior (95% CI: 0.53–0.97; p = 0.030), 0.64 the odds of having a compulsive behavior (95% CI: 0.45–0.92; p = 0.015), 0.60 the odds of exhibiting destructive behavior (95% CI: 0.37–0.96; p = 0.035), 0.68 the odds of excessive barking (95% CI: 0.47–0.99; p = 0.043), and 1.56 the odds of house soiling (95% CI: 1.08–2.27; p = 0.019). Ancillary findings about the entire study population were that dogs acquired at 12 weeks of age or younger were found to have 0.65 the odds of fear/anxiety (95% CI: 0.46–0.92; p = 0.016) and 0.50 the odds of exhibiting destructive behavior (95% CI: 0.31–0.79; p = 0.003). In addition, male dogs were found to have 0.68 the odds of developing aggressive behavior (95% CI: 0.53–0.88; p = 0.003), 0.66 the odds of developing compulsive behavior (95% CI: 0.49–0.88; p = 0.006), 0.37 the odds of mounting/humping (95% CI: 0.26–0.52; p < 0.001), and 1.53 the odds of rolling in repulsive materials (95% CI: 1.18–1.97; p = 0.001). Neutered dogs of either sex were found to have 3.10 the odds of fear/anxiety (95% CI: 2.05–4.72; p < 0.001), 1.97 the odds of escaping/running away (95% CI: 1.12–3.69; p = 0.025), 2.01 the odds of exhibiting coprophagia (95% CI 1.30–3.19; p = 0.002), and 1.72 the odds of rolling in repulsive materials (95% CI: 1.12–2.66; p = 0.014). The odds of problematic jumping deceased by 0.84 for each 1-year increase in age (95% CI: 0.80–0.88; p < 0.001).

Factors Affecting Canine Obesity Seem to Be Independent of the Economic Status of the Country—A Survey on Hungarian Companion Dogs

For a companion dog, the most important environmental factor is the owner, who is responsible for providing everything that is necessary for the health and welfare of the dog. Still, one of the most often compromised measures of an average companion dog is its body condition, with overweight and obese animals representing a growing welfare problem around the world. Using an extensive online survey that was distributed among Hungarian dog owners, we wanted to know whether those obesogenic factors that were identified mostly in high-GDP countries' pet dog populations would hold their relevance in a much lower average income country as well. We found several associations between the body condition of canine companions and various demographics, environmental and behavioral factors. Older dogs reportedly had an accelerating propensity for being overweight. Joint activity and performing dog sports both reduced the likelihood of being an overweight dog. Main food types also had significant associations with the body condition of dogs-meanwhile, the feeding of commercial dog food (kibble) and/or leftovers of human meals coincided with being overweight, dogs that were fed (fully, or at least partly) with raw food were less likely overweight. In the case of owner-reported behavioral problems, the food-related issues (stealing food, overeating, etc.) were clustered to a dimension together with problem behaviors such as excessive barking and overt aggression. Beyond showing a good agreement with earlier surveys on associated factors with canine obesity, our study revealed some interesting new details that could be used in the prevention of overweight problems in dogs.

Compulsive Disorder in Border Collie bitch

Background: Compulsive disorders are excessive and repetitive behaviors that jeopardize the quality of life of both animal and tutor. It generally affects dogs between 6 and 36 months of age, and its etiology is associated to stress, anxiety and genetic predisposition. Clinical manifestations are the usual behaviors of the dog, but overly and inappropriately done. Diagnosis is based on a history of repetitive behavior, and on clinical and complementary exams to discard other diseases. The aim of this study is to report a case of compulsive disorder in a female Border Collie dog, including diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.Case: A 5-month-old, female, Border Collie dog was presented to Uberaba’s Veterinary Hospital (HVU) owing to a chasing shadows behavior that started as a playtime activity but intensified to the point of becoming a repetitive and excessive act, followed by self-trauma and excessive barking. Clinical examination showed lesions in nasal planum region. No alterations were observed on neurological examination apart from the chasing of shadows that also happened in the consultation room. Therefore, since there were no other findings on clinical and neurological exams, and since the manifestation occurred as a response to environmental stimuli (presence of shadows), it was established a presumptive diagnosis of compulsive disorder. Treatment with trazodone chlorhydrate was performed, and it was indicated ovariohysterectomy, a follow-up with a professional behaviorist and trainer and environment modifications. After a fortnight, it was observed a discreet improvement of the clinical signs, hence a second anxiolytic, clomipramine, was added to the treatment. Approximately 3 months after the beggining of therapy, there was improvement of the animal’s clinical picture, being calmer and most days ignoring the shadows.Discussion: Compulsive disorders are described as exaggerated and repetitive behaviors that jeopardize the animal’s interaction with its environment and with its tutor. The animal of this report showed repetitive behavior of chasing shadows, with claw abrasion and self-inflicted nasal lesions caused by leaping and biting on the surfaces where the shadows were projecting. Additionally, during the manifestation of the behavior, the animal barked excessively, which compromised the quality of the tutors’ lives. The patient was a Border Collie female dog, though there are no descriptions of this type of behavior in this breed. The starting age of this patient’s manifestations is consistent with previous reports, which observed it more frequently in animals with 6 to 36 months of age. The absence of alterations on clinical and neurological exams that could indicate maladies in other systems, in addition to a detailed anamnesis and assessment of videos of the animal recorded in his domicile, enabled the diagnosis of compulsive disorder. Ovariohysterectomy was done with the purpose of reducing the previously mentioned behavior. Drug therapy in addition to behavior training were efficient to promote significant improvement, although the duration of treatment is a long-term one, as described by other authors. Further studies are necessary for enlightenment of compulsive disorder’s physiopathology in dogs, and to investigate and identify the causes, such as environmental factors and genetic characteristics, that trigger these behaviors.

Demographics and comorbidity of behavior problems in dogs

Periodic canine population studies establish essential frames of reference for analyzing trends in demographics and the prevalence of problematic behaviors. An understanding of the correlations between individual behavior problems can shed light on the pathogenesis and comorbidity of various conditions. It is our hope that the results of this substantial study will help to confirm those of previous studies, provide new data about behavior problems, and, by association, help establish their etiology. In this study, we hosted a public, online questionnaire to capture up-to-date demographic and behavior problem metrics. Surveyed problematic behaviors include fear/anxiety, aggression, jumping, excessive barking, coprophagia, obsessive-compulsive/compulsive behaviors, house soiling, rolling in repulsive materials, overactivity/hyperactivity, destructive behavior, running away/escaping, and mounting/humping. The study sample consisted of 4114 dogs, spanning mixed and pure breeds, submitted by 2480 dog owners. Male and female dogs were equally represented, a majority of which were neutered. The prevalence of canine behavior problems was 85%. We found sex, neuter status, origin, and lineage to have a notable effect on the prevalence of behavior problems. We also found age, neutered status, origin, and lineage to have a notable effect on the number of behavior problems per dog. Owners were asked to provide details of any behavior problem they reported such as intensity, frequency, and situation in which the behavior problem occurred. We examined the problematic behaviors in terms of their overall prevalence, and characteristics, and computed correlations between the various behavior problems. The findings from our study provide insight into the magnitude of owner-reported canine behavior problems encountered by owners and hopefully will encourage veterinarians to further incorporate aspects of behavior problem management into their daily work.

Comparison of two prepill cortisol concentrations in dogs with hypercortisolism treated with trilostane

BackgroundThe ideal method for monitoring trilostane therapy in dogs with hypercortisolism is still open to debate. Recently, determination of the pre-trilostane (prepill) cortisol concentration has been proposed to be more repeatable than either post-trilostane or post-ACTH cortisol. The aim of this study was to compare two prepill cortisol concentrations in dogs with hypercortisolism during trilostane therapy. Sixteen client-owned dogs with naturally occurring hypercortisolism were prospectively included and cortisol concentrations were measured twice, 1 h apart, before the morning trilostane dose (prepill 1 and 2 cortisol).ResultsA total of 47 prepill cortisol measurement pairs were included. Compared to prepill 1, prepill 2 cortisol was higher in 15, equal in 8 and lower in 24 pairs. Group agreement between prepill 1 and 2 cortisol was 70% (moderate agreement - weighted kappa 0.55). In 30% of the pairs, group assignment was discrepant, implying a different therapeutic decision. In some dogs certain circumstances (e.g. excessive barking, difficulties during blood collection, excitement at arrival) were identified as potential factors explaining the discrepancy between prepill 1 and 2 cortisol measurements.ConclusionsIn a substantial number of dogs treated with trilostane, the two prepill cortisol concentrations differed. Part of this difference might be ascribable to stressful events during test performance. When using prepill cortisol measurements to monitor trilostane therapy, recording of any incident during handling that might affect cortisol release might be helpful to make a reliable decision about a trilostane dose adaptation.

The effects of exercise and calm interactions on in-kennel behavior of shelter dogs

Over-activity, or excessive locomotion and barking in the kennel, may be unattractive to adopters and an indicator of poor welfare of kenneled dogs. The study assessed the efficacy of two common enrichment strategies, providing calm interaction and additional exercise, on in-kennel behavior in 16 shelter dogs. Both interventions resulted in appropriate behavior just prior to the sessions (t=2.10, df=7, p=0.03 and F [2216]=7.58, p=0.0007, respectively), but both also resulted in an increase of some undesirable behaviors immediately after the dogs were taken back to their kennels (F [3216]=7.77, p=0.0001 and F (5216)=10.1, p<0.0001 respectively). Right after receiving additional exercise, the dogs spent more time in back and forth motion in the kennel. Right after receiving the calm interaction, the dogs spent less time in the front of the kennel, less time facing forward, and more time engaging in back and forth motion. However, dogs also spent less time barking and jumping on the kennel door right after the calm interaction. The results suggest that both interventions may be useful, but shelter administrators and volunteers must take all of the behavioral changes into account when administering these interventions.

Should I whine or should I bark? Qualitative and quantitative differences between the vocalizations of dogs with and without separation-related symptoms

Separation-related disorder (SRD) is one of the most common behavioral problems of companion dogs, causing inconvenience and stress for dog owners and others living close by, as well as being considered as a major contributor to poor animal welfare. Although excessive vocalization is considered as one of the typical symptoms of SRD, until now there were no attempts to analyze and compare the vocal output of affected and non-affected dogs in a systematic, empirical test. In a three-stage outdoor separation experiment we investigated the vocal response of 25 family dogs with, and 20 family dogs without, owner-reported SRD symptoms to the (1) departure; (2) absence; and (3) return of the owner. After the analysis of the occurrence and onset latency of barks and whines, we found that contrary to the commonly held view of excessive barking being one of the trademarks of SRD, dogs with owner-reported SRD symptoms can be reliably characterized by the early onset and high occurrence of whines during the departure and 2min long absence of the owner, while barks were affected mainly by the age of the dogs. Breed and neuter status may modify the vocal reaction to separation, we found that more purebred dogs barked sooner, while breed and neutering status affected the whines only during the departure of the owner, showing that more mixed breeds and intact dogs whined in this phase. This is the first study that targeted directly the vocal response of family dogs to separation from the owner, and according to the results, whines and barks reflect potentially different motivational/inner states of dogs during a short isolation episode. Although the effect of other factors, such as sex, neuter status and breed cannot be ignored, the owner reported SRD status of dogs showed a high coincidence with the early onset of whining, which in turn proved to be a good indicator of high stress levels of dogs in this situation.

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

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.

Can bark counter collars and owner surveys help identify factors that relate to nuisance barking? A pilot study

Abstract Nuisance barking by the domestic dog refers to excessive or unreasonable barking which is considered annoying or inappropriate by the community. Such barking can be very problematic, with nuisance barking complaints comprising the majority of complaints received by Australian municipal councils, but also signaling a welfare issue with the dog. The aim of this exploratory study was to establish whether there is any relationship between potential predisposing factors and the barking behavior and whether such relationships can be extracted from owner surveys and barking patterns. This study involved 4 Australian municipal councils and used bark counter collars to record the barking behavior of 25 dogs, each reported as being a nuisance barker, over 7 consecutive days. In addition, an owner questionnaire was created to identify factors that may be associated with nuisance barking. Our study shows that barking patterns can be documented using bark counter collars. Four dogs displayed barking patterns which suggested that a specific, regularly occurring stimulus was associated with the nuisance barking. A Spearman rank-order correlation test showed a negative correlation between barking frequency and the amount of obedience training received by the dog and a positive correlation with the number of dogs in neighboring houses. This information may be used by councils and veterinary behaviorists when addressing nuisance barking and provides indications where further research might be productively focused.

CASE STUDY: The pig pheromone androstenone, acting as an interomone, stops dogs from barking

ABSTRACT Some dogs display behaviors such as excessive barking and jumping. Unwanted behaviors can often lead to animal abuse or pet relinquishment to a shelter. This study focused on the effects of androstenone on the behavior of dogs showing a barking and jumping syndrome. In the first study, barking dogs were sprayed with (a) nothing, (b) a placebo spray with sound or noise, (c) the same as (b) plus 0.1 μg/mL androstenone in isopropyl alcohol, (d) the same as (b) plus 1.0 μg/mL androstenone in isopropyl alcohol. Dogs were videotaped for 1 min after treatment was applied. Treatments were effective at stopping barking and jumping in 25, 44, 78, and 100% of the barking and jumping dogs, respectively. Videos of the behavioral effects are available for viewing online (see Methods). A second study examined the effects of androstenone on heart rate and behavior while dogs were calm. Four “anxious” dogs were fitted with telemetry jackets and transmitters, heart rate was monitored continually, and cameras recorded behavior. Dog heart-rate data were measured for 10 min before and treatment, 10 min after isopropyl alcohol spray, and 10 min after a spray in the snout with androstenone. Neither androstenone nor isopropyl alcohol changed the heart rate of dogs compared with baseline. The pig pheromone, androstenone, working as an interomone reduced excitable behaviors of dogs. Behavior modification using pheromones can improve animal welfare by reducing the incidence of unwanted barking and jumping behaviors in dogs. Androstenone stops dog excitability through the olfactory system. Androstenone is a pheromone produced by pigs but acts as a powerful interomone in the dog.

Owner complaints of canine behavior in Iran–A preliminary survey

Abstract The current survey assessed 17 common behavioral complaints reported by 234 dog owners attending the Small Animal Hospital, University of Tehran using a questionnaire. According to the results, nearly 95% of dog owners reported at least 1 undesirable behavior in their dogs. Aggression toward other dogs and people, jumping up, and excessive barking were the most common behavioral complaints. Owners of large-breed dogs were more likely to complain about their dogs' aggressive behaviors toward people/dogs and excessive barking compared with owners of small-breed dogs. Dogs without access to a yard were more likely to show phobia-associated behaviors, fearfulness, and separation-related behaviors, whereas those having access to a yard were more likely to show aggressive behaviors toward people/dogs and excessive barking. Interaction of dogs with people and type of reaction used by owners in response to the behavior were also related with some other behavioral characteristics of the animals.

Perception of dogs’ stress by their owners

Abstract Questionnaires potentially have a broad applicability in measuring stress levels in dogs, as owners know their dogs' behavior and personality better than anyone else. The aim of this research was to evaluate how owners perceive stress in their dogs through understanding of displayed behaviors. The survey was carried out using 1,190 questionnaires completed by dog owners. More than half of respondents were able to correctly identify stress as a short- or long-term alteration of the psychophysical equilibrium that can develop into illness. This ability was higher with higher educational levels. The behavioral indicators of stress most frequently identified by owners were trembling and whining, followed by aggressiveness, excessive barking, and panting. More subtle behaviors such as looking elsewhere, turning head, yawning, and nose licking were more rarely reported, suggesting that few owners are able to correctly interpret and intervene in early stages of stress. The vast majority of respondents indicated that dogs were stressed seldom or only in specific situations. Men generally considered their dogs as experiencing low stress more often than did women, whereas women considered their dogs as being moderately stressed more often than did men. An owner's ability to recognize behavioral signs of stress is important, as it enables the owner to help the animal to avoid welfare problems, such as stressful situations, and favors a rapid recovery of psychophysical homeostasis by interrupting the progression to overstress and distress. The results show that some owners can help in protecting the welfare of their dogs, but that many owners would benefit from educational efforts to improve their ability to interpret their dogs' behavior.

Prevalence of owner-reported behaviours in dogs separated from the litter at two different ages

The present study examined the prevalence of behaviours in dogs separated from the litter for adoption at different ages. Seventy adult dogs separated from their dam and littermates and adopted...

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.