Separation-related Behavior Research Articles

Concurrent and Predictive Criterion Validity of a Puppy Behaviour Questionnaire for Predicting Training Outcome in Juvenile Guide Dogs

Simple SummaryThe ability to predict later success in guide dog training can be of great benefit to assistance dog providers, such as those providing guide dogs, to ensure maximum resource and production efficiency and to maintain high welfare standards. This study evaluated the predictive capabilities of a behaviour questionnaire (the refined puppy walker questionnaire, r-PWQ) completed by volunteer carers of puppies (puppy walkers) for dogs aged eight months of age. The r-PWQ includes traits such as “Distractibility” and “Excitability”, which are common withdrawal reasons for many guide dogs. The predictive validity of the r-PWQ was compared to a well-known behaviour questionnaire, (Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire—C-BARQ). The results show that the r-PWQ can be used to predict guide dog outcome and may be better suited to guide dog populations than the C-BARQ.Working dog organisations regularly assess the behaviour of puppies to monitor progression. Here, we tested the predictive validity (for predicting success in guide dog training) of a shortened version of a previously developed juvenile dog behaviour questionnaire (the refined puppy walker questionnaire, r-PWQ) and compared it with the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The r-PWQ is used by Guide Dogs UK, whereas the C-BARQ was designed for pet dogs and is used by some other guide dog schools internationally. A cohort of dogs aged eight months (n = 359) were scored concurrently on the r-PWQ and C-BARQ. Analogous traits between the questionnaires were evaluated for internal consistency and association with training outcome and compared for concurrent validity. The r-PWQ was associated with training outcome for five scales (r-Excitability, Trainability, Animal Chase, r-Attachment and attention seeking and Distractibility) and the C-BARQ for two scales (Excitability and Separation-related behaviour). There were significant correlations between analogous C-BARQ and r-PWQ trait scores (p < 0.001) except for Separation-related behaviour and questionnaire scales had similar internal consistencies. The r-PWQ may be more suitable to use with guide dog schools. However, due to the correlation between analogous scales (except for “Distractibility”) some scales could be substituted for one another when reviewing the behaviour of dogs between guide dog schools using different questionnaires.

Do Behaviour Assessments in a Shelter Predict the Behaviour of Dogs Post-Adoption?

Simple SummaryIn shelters it is usual to conduct standardised behaviour assessments on all incoming dogs. The information gathered from the assessment is used to identify dogs that are suitable for adoption and assist in matching dogs with suitable adopters. We investigated the predictive value of the standardised behaviour assessment protocol currently used in an Australian shelter for dog behaviour post-adoption. A total of 123 dogs, aged 1–10 years and housed in an animal care shelter, were assessed before they were adopted. The new owners of the dogs took part in a post-adoption survey conducted 1 month after adoption, which explored the behaviour of their dog in its new home. Regression analyses identified that friendly/social, fear and anxiousness identified in the shelter assessment significantly predicted corresponding behaviours post-adoption. However, behaviour problems, such as aggression, food guarding and separation-related behaviours, were not reliably predicted by the standardised behaviour assessment. We recommend that dog behaviour assessments in shelters are used only in conjunction with other monitoring tools to assess behaviour over the whole shelter stay, thus facilitating increased safety/welfare standards for dogs, shelters and the wider community.In shelters it is usual to conduct standardised behaviour assessments on admitted dogs. The information gathered from the assessment is used to identify dogs that are suitable for adoption and assist in matching the dog with suitable adopters. These assessments are also used to guide behaviour modification programs for dogs that display some unwanted behaviours. For some dogs, the results may indicate that they are unsuitable either for re-training or for adoption. In these circumstances the dogs may be euthanised. We investigated the predictive value of a standardised behaviour assessment protocol currently used in an Australian shelter for dog behaviour post-adoption. A total of 123 dogs, aged 1–10 years and housed in an animal care shelter, were assessed before they were adopted. The new owners of the dogs took part in a post-adoption survey conducted 1 month after adoption, which explored the behaviour of their dog after adoption. Ordinal regression analyses identified that friendly/social, fear and anxiousness identified in the shelter assessment significantly predicted corresponding behaviours post-adoption. However, behaviour problems, such as aggression, food guarding and separation-related behaviours, were not reliably predicted by the standardised behaviour assessment. The results suggest that further research is required to improve the predictability of behaviour assessment protocols for more specific behaviour problems, including different categories of aggression and separation-related problems. We recommend that dog behaviour assessments in shelters are used only in conjunction with other monitoring tools to assess behaviour over the whole shelter stay, thus facilitating increased safety/welfare standards for dogs, shelters and the wider community.

Effect of greeting and departure interactions on the development of increased separation-related behaviors in newly adopted adult dogs

Canine separation anxiety is a common problem behavior with little known about the factors that lead to its development. This study investigated whether high arousal/excited departures and greetings with a dog may lead to the development of increased frequency of separation-related behavior in newly adopted dogs. In experiment 1, we exposed two groups of dogs to a series of either high or low arousal human experimenter interactions. We hypothesized there would be an increase in activity, vocalizations, and time in proximity to door for the dogs in the high arousal condition compared with the low arousal condition, when left alone, and that these behaviors would increase across 10 sessions. Our results did not show this, indicating high arousal departures and arrivals may not play a role in the development of increased separation-related behavior. In experiment 2, we used a survey to ask owners of dogs with, and without, canine separation anxiety about their arousal levels during arrivals and departures at home with their pet dog. We hypothesized dogs with reported canine separation anxiety would have been exposed to higher arousal levels during departures and arrivals. Our results showed a small difference between the groups, in the opposite direction of our hypothesis, where the dogs with reported canine separation anxiety were exposed to slightly lower arousal levels than dogs without, but the difference was small. From both experiment 1 and 2, our results indicate that high excitement and playful levels of owners during departures and arrivals is not associated with the development of increased separation-related behavior in newly adopted dogs. It is important to make the distinction, however, that low arousal departures and arrivals are a well-documented treatment for separation-related behavior, and our results only reflect that these arousal levels do not appear to play a causal role in the development of an increased frequency of them.

Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs

Behaviour problems and anxieties in dogs decrease their quality of life and may lead to relinquishment or euthanasia. Considering the large number of pet dogs and the commonness of these problematic behaviours, a better understanding of the epidemiology and related molecular and environmental factors is needed. We have here studied the prevalence, comorbidity, and breed specificity of seven canine anxiety-like traits: noise sensitivity, fearfulness, fear of surfaces and heights, inattention/impulsivity, compulsion, separation related behaviour and aggression with an online behaviour questionnaire answered by dog owners. Our results show that noise sensitivity is the most common anxiety-related trait with a prevalence of 32% in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Due to the high prevalence of noise sensitivity and fear, they were the most common comorbidities. However, when comparing the relative risk, the largest risk ratios were seen between hyperactivity/inattention, separation related behaviour and compulsion, and between fear and aggression. Furthermore, dog breeds showed large differences in prevalence of all anxiety-related traits, suggesting a strong genetic contribution. As a result, selective breeding focusing on behaviour may reduce the prevalence of canine anxieties. Anxious animals may suffer from chronic stress and thus, modified breeding policies could improve the welfare of our companion dogs.

Separation-related behaviour indicates the effect of functional breed selection in dogs (Canis familiaris)

The domestication of dogs resulted in several fundamental behavioural changes as compared to their closest wild living relative, the wolf. While these characteristics are considered to be fairly robust across dogs, dog breeds themselves manifest apparently strong behavioural differences. Thus far the functional roots of breed-specific behaviours are still less understood and supported by empirical research. We hypothesized that historical selection for the level of working interaction intimacy with their handlers, may have resulted in the fundamental differences between the main working dog types and their behavioural reactions when separated from their owner. In our study, dogs from breeds that were originally selected for either cooperative or independent work tasks, were tested in a short outdoor separation test. We included dogs with and without owner-reported separation-related disorder (SRD) to both groups. We found that SRD-status and the breed type were in significant association with various stress related behaviours during separation from the owner. Dogs from cooperative working breeds with SRD barked more frequently, meanwhile barking was less prevalent in independent breeds and also in cooperative breeds without owner-reported SRD symptoms. General movement (showing the dogs’ intention to follow or find the disappearing, then absent owner) was uniformly strongest in cooperative dogs with SRD. Whining appeared most frequently in dogs with SRD, regardless to the breed type. These are the first results that support a functional evolutionary framework behind the association of particular dog breeds with the extent of their stressful reactions to separation from their owner.

Fear vs. frustration – Possible factors behind canine separation related behaviour

The signs of separation related problems (SRP) may vary according to the inner state that triggers them – for example we found earlier that dogs with owner-reported SRP were characterized with a predominance of whining during a short isolation from the owner, meanwhile barking occurred independently of the owner-reported SRP status. Based on the theory that the owner represents a resource for the dog we hypothesise that there is an association between the permissive and inconsistent behaviour of the owner and the reduced frustration threshold in the dog, which consequently will show specific signs of SRP. In our study, personality traits of the owner and the dog were measured with a questionnaire, while the separation behaviour was observed with an outdoor test. We found that dogs that rather barked than whined in the separation test had more likely a lenient owner. Dogs with owner-reported SRP whined less frequently than non-SRP dogs if they had lenient owners. The connection between the owner’s permissiveness and the type of emitted vocalisation supports the theory that the owner’s attitude towards the dog can be associated with the dogs’ frustration-related SRP signs as they tend to respond with similar behaviours that occur in other frustrating situations.

Risk factors of separation-related behaviours in Australian retrievers

Separation-related behaviours are reported in an estimated 14–29% of companion dogs. To investigate risk factors for these behaviours, owners were asked to complete a questionnaire, largely based on the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), to report the behaviour of golden retrievers (n = 266) and Labrador retrievers (n = 247). Statistical analysis identified significant correlations between separation-related behaviour (SRB) scores with a group of traits including attachment and attention-seeking behaviour (rs = 0.43, P < 0.001), excitability (rs = 0.38, P < 0.001), non-social fear (rs = 0.34, P < 0.001), and touch sensitivity (rs = 0.32, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified source of acquisition, age, breed, sex and neuter status as significant predictors of the presence of SRB. SRB was more likely to be present in dogs acquired from pet shops and shelters than in those from service organisations or breeders. SRB was most likely to be seen in castrated males and least likely to be seen in intact males Future research should focus on the relative impact of risk factors we have identified here. This will facilitate early recognition of behavioural predictors, and prompt owners to seek professional help to alleviate distress in their dogs.

Quality of life and owner attitude to dog overweight and obesity in Thailand and the Netherlands

BackgroundThis study investigated whether the body condition score (BCS) and/or culture influences the quality of life (QoL) of dogs, as evaluated by the owner, and whether the BCS is influenced by feeding and exercise and its owner’s culture. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to 355 selected dog owners (Thai and Dutch). Their dogs had a BCS of 3 (normal weight), 4 (overweight) or 5 (obese) but no other physical problems. Instead of using Likert scales, continuous scales were used. Further, data for the questionnaire items were transformed using an integrated z-score methodology.ResultsThe magnitude of factor loadings was similar to that reported in a previous study, indicating that the questionnaire is not culture specific. QoL scores for general sickness were significantly higher (worse) in dogs with a higher BCS. Thus even though the dogs were apparently healthy, the BCS influenced the perceived QoL of the dog. Immobility was seen more often in dogs with a higher (poorer) BCS than in dogs with a lower (better) BCS; however, there was no clear relationship between immobility and total activity. The higher the BCS, the less owners felt in control of feeding and exercise. The BCS was higher in the dogs of owners who did not like to exercise. The Thai dogs showed more separation-related behaviour problems when their owner left home than did the Dutch dogs.ConclusionsThe QoL of overweight and obese dogs is mainly influenced by the dog’s physical status. The owners of dogs with a high BCS have less perceived control over feeding and exercise. Our findings indicate that owner attitudes and beliefs essentially cause obesity as a result of a lack of knowledge and perceived control.

Using an owner-based questionnaire to phenotype dogs with separation-related distress: Do owners know what their dogs do when they are absent?

Abstract Accurate phenotyping is a critical component of any behavioral research. We compared owner responses to the Canine Behavior and Research Questionnaire section on separation-related behaviors with video footage of their dogs (n = 31). A focal animal continuous recording method was used to describe the behavior of dogs during the first 25 minutes after owners' departure. Nine dogs were recorded in the presence of 1 or 2 conspecifics, whereas 23 other dogs were alone. There was a significant moderate positive correlation between the separation-related behavior questionnaire score and the percentage of time exhibiting behaviors suggestive of anxiety ( r s = 0.438; P = 0.003). There was a similar moderate positive correlation between the questionnaire score and the first principal component score of recorded behaviors ( r s = 0.385; P = 0.008). Correlations between the questionnaire responses for individual behaviors and the occurrence of those behaviors on video were higher for the more apparent behaviors such as destruction. Although the significant positive correlation between owner responses and the dog's behavior in the initial 25 minutes of being left alone is suggestive that owners may have an indicative knowledge of their dog's behavior during their absence, further work with more participants and repeated recordings is required.

Improving puppy behavior using a new standardized socialization program

Studies identifying the underlying determinants of adult dog behavior and highlighting successful methods of early intervention are essential to reduce and ultimately prevent problem behaviors developing. The aim of this research was to create and assess the impact of a new nest socialization program. The new program was designed to: 1) provide a highly effective socialization experience, 2) be quick and easy to complete and 3) utilize low cost materials. The program was created by combining existing nest stimulation theories with young puppy developmental stages. As such the introduction and intensity of each socialization stimulus was tailored to mirror puppy physiological and behavioral development from birth to six weeks of age.The new socialization program was evaluated using six litters raised under standardized conditions. The impact of the program was measured using a practical puppy behavioral assessment at six weeks of age and an eight-month dog handler behavioral questionnaire.Results showed a significant positive effect of the new socialization program on puppy behavioral development, which persisted throughout the first year of life. Puppies that received the program had more favorable scores in a six-week practical assessment (P≪0.01) and an eight-month dog handler questionnaire for separation-related behavior (P≪0.01), distraction (P≪0.01), general anxiety (P=0.02) and body sensitivity (P=0.03). This is the first socialization program tailored to the developmental stage of puppies from birth to six weeks of age to demonstrate measurable, long-term effects on individual dog behavioral traits. Results will be of interest to working and assistance dog organizations, animal shelters and pet dog breeders.

Investigating the potential of the anti-epileptic drug imepitoin as a treatment for co-morbid anxiety in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

BackgroundBehavioural changes associated with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) have been identified in dogs, with fear and anxiety-related problems seen in both drug-naïve dogs and dogs treated with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Treating anxiety-related behaviour in dogs with IE may be challenging, as seizures are a contraindication for many conventional anxiolytic drugs. In addition, many dogs with IE are already treated with AEDs to reduce their seizure frequency, which may have negative effects if used in polytherapy. Imepitoin is low-affinity partial agonist at the benzodiazepine (BDZ) site of the GABAA receptor, and has been demonstrated to have both anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects in laboratory rodents. Imepitoin has been developed for the treatment of IE in dogs, with demonstrated anticonvulsant effects and high tolerability and safety. To date, imepitoin’s potential to reduce anxiety in dogs with IE has not been investigated. An online survey was conducted to investigate the effect of imepitoin on fear and anxiety-related behaviours in dogs with IE. Eighty-five valid responses were received from owners of dogs with IE currently treated with imepitoin. Anxiety-related behaviour was quantified before and during imepitoin treatment using a validated questionnaire tool (C-BARQ).ResultsNo differences were observed in the five fear/anxiety-related measures between the two time periods (before vs. during treatment) for dog directed fear, stranger directed fear, non-social fear, pain sensitivity and separation related behaviour. A median 45% reduction in seizure frequency/month was observed following imepitoin treatment; however, imepitoin did not appear effective in reducing seizure frequency in a minority of cases. Polyphagia was the most common chronic side effect, and more side effects were reported in polytherapy cases.ConclusionsImepitoin does not appear to improve anxiety-related behaviour in dogs with IE treated with this medication for its anti-epileptic effects. Investigating the effects of imepitoin upon the behaviour of dogs with recognised behavioural anxiety-related problems (e.g. specific fears and phobias, separation related behaviours), in both healthy dogs and dogs with epilepsy is required to further explore any potential anxiolytic effects of this medication.

Social rearing environment influences dog behavioral development

Early life experiences are known to influence behavior later in life. In dogs, environmental influences of early home rearing could be exploited to improve the chances of developing adult behavior most suited to the adult environment. For working dog organizations, such as Guide Dogs, suitable adult behavior is important to ensure that dogs can fulfill their role as guides for people with visual impairment. Here, we test the hypothesis that dogs' home rearing environment will influence behavioral development. To investigate this hypothesis, carers of potential guide dogs (puppy walkers) completed a questionnaire, termed the Puppy Walker Questionnaire (PWQ), about the dog's behavior at 5, 8, and 12 months of age. An additional 11 questions were answered about the home environment at the last assessment. Because no questionnaire existed which measured behavior most relevant to Guide Dogs, questions from an existing questionnaire (Canine Behaviour and Research Questionnaire) were combined with additional questions. Thus, a subsidiary aim of the study was to test the reliability of the PWQ for measuring behavioral development of potential guide dogs. The PWQ, scored on a 100-mm visual analogue scale, grouped into 5 new scales: trainability, distractibility, general anxiety, body sensitivity, and stair anxiety, with 4 Canine Behaviour and Research Questionnaire scales: excitability, separation-related behavior, attachment and attention seeking, and energy level. For each reliable scale, multivariate linear regression identified significant predictors from the home environmental questions. The results suggest that home rearing environment is indeed important for behavioral development: 9 of 11 environmental variables were significant predictors of behavioral scores. Those environmental variables that appeared most important were social in nature. Dogs were scored as higher in energy level, excitability, and distractibility if they had been raised in a home with children, lower on energy level and distractibility the more experience of puppy walking their carer had, and lower on separation-related behavior the more they had been able to play with other dogs. These findings have implications for matching between dogs' early and later home environments. Follow-up of dogs in this study could help to elucidate effects on guiding suitability and matching between dog and guide dog owner.

Evaluating candidate genes oprm1, drd2, avpr1a, and oxtr in golden retrievers with separation-related behaviors

Dogs are a social species and, as such, often exhibit behaviors to maintain contact with their family. Separation-related behaviors are commonly seen in companion dogs and are second only to aggression as the reason for referral to behavior specialists. Separation anxiety profoundly affects the welfare of the dog and owner, and their relationship. A small proportion of dogs diagnosed with separation anxiety also maintain close proximity to one person in the household, a behavior labeled as “hyperattachment” by some authors. Opinions in the literature vary as to the role of attachment in the etiology of separation anxiety. Four candidate genes that were previously associated with social affiliative behaviors and attachment in a range of rodents and primates were analyzed for case-control association with separation-related distress in 42 Australian golden retrievers. Four haplotypes were taken forward and assessed for quantitative allelic association in 55 golden retrievers (including the initial test set). By analysis of variance, a single risk variant haplotype within 500 kilobases of drd2 maintained significance in the wider sample set.

Behavioural characteristics of dogs removed from hoarding situations

Hoarding occurs when persons accumulate animals in numbers that exceed their capacity to provide for the needs of the animals. Typical animal hoarding environments are extremely unsanitary and unhealthy, with malnutrition, disease, and death all common elements. Anecdotal reports of dogs recovered from hoarding situations have described a wide array of abnormal behaviours. The purpose of this study was to characterize the differences between dogs recovered from hoarding situations and typical pet dogs. Dogs were recruited in this case-control study through American organizations that rehome animals recovered from hoarding situations. Behavioural evaluations of the dogs were obtained from current owners/fosterers using the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), which utilizes ordinal scales to rate either the intensity or frequency of the dog’s behaviours. A total of 408 formerly hoarded dogs were included in the study. Among the hoarded dogs, the male-to-female ratio was 0.82:1, and the dogs had been living in their adoptive homes for an average of 2.2 years (SD=1.4years) when the C-BARQ was completed. Twenty-eight behavioural outcomes were compared between formerly hoarded dogs and dogs representing a convenience sample of pets (restricted on the same breeds, age range, and rehoming status as hoarded dogs) to act as controls (n=11,277). In comparison to the control dogs, formerly hoarded dogs were reported as displaying significantly higher scores related to fear (stranger-directed, dog-directed, and non-social; p<0.001), sensitivity to touch (p<0.001), attachment and attention-seeking (after spending at least 2.5 years in a new home; p<0.001), separation-related behaviours (if there were children in the new home; p=0.017), urination and defecation when left alone (p<0.001), and repetitive behaviours (if they were rehomed with other dogs; p<0.001). Conversely, hoarded dogs were found to have significantly lower scores related to aggression towards strangers (if placed in a new home with no other dogs; p=0.016) and towards other dogs (if the hoarded dogs were older than 2 years old; p<0.001), trainability (p<0.001), chasing small animals (p<0.001), excitability (only during the first 2.5 years in a new home; p<0.001), energy (p<0.001), dog rivalry (p<0.001), and persistent barking (if rehomed with no other dogs; p<0.001). Having a better understanding of the abnormal behavioural characteristics of these animals should guide the development of more specific therapeutic approaches to their rehabilitation.

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.

Owner-reported aggressive behavior towards familiar people may be a more prominent occurrence in pet shop-traded dogs

Abstract There is longstanding recognition of the adverse effect of stressful experiences during early critical developmental periods and the later association with problematic behavioral issues in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the origin/source of puppies (pet shop vs. breeder) was associated with later potential problematic behaviors. We did a cross-sectional survey of Italian dog owners, who were asked to complete an online version of our Relazione Cane-Proprietario questionnaire, providing information about themselves, their dogs, and whether the animals exhibited any of 16 potential problem behaviors. Pearson χ 2 test of independence was applied in 2 × 2 contingency tables and binary logistic regressions to analyze the effects of source of acquisition on behavioral patterns while controlling for various owner- and dog-related variables. The odds of displaying owner-directed aggression were significantly greater for the dogs that had been purchased from a pet store as puppies than those purchased from a breeder (control group). We also found an association between a dog's pet store origin and other potential problem behaviors, including house soiling, body licking, and separation-related behavior, but this relationship was confounded by the effect of a set of owner-related factors. These findings indicate that obtaining puppies from pet stores may predispose them to potentially exhibit owner-directed aggression as adults. We suggest that further research in prevention of problem behaviors in adult dogs should be aimed at identifying the root causes of pet store-related behavioral issues, without ignoring confounding at a household level.

Noise sensitivity in 17 dog breeds: Prevalence, breed risk and correlation with fear in other situations

A web-based survey was conducted to estimate prevalence of noise sensitivity in 17 dog breeds in Norway (n=5257). Major focus was on noise from fireworks, loud noises (bang/gunshots), thunderstorms and heavy traffic. The study also investigated risk factors as well as correlation with some other fear responses. On average approximately 23% of the dogs were reported to be fearful of noises. Fear in situations with fireworks had the highest frequency; situations with loud noises/gunshots, thunderstorms and heavy traffic following in decreasing order. Across the 17 breeds there was significant (p<0.01) differences in the frequencies of fearful dogs. Norwegian Buhund, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo were breeds that had the highest frequency of noise sensitivity while Boxer, Chinese Crested and Great Dane had lower frequencies of fear created by noise. There was a significant trend of increasing fear with older age. Response to fireworks, loud noises/gunshots and thunderstorms frequently co-occurred. Female dogs had higher odds of noise sensitivity compared to male dogs (OR=1.3 p<0.001), and neutered dogs had higher odds of being fearful of noises than intact dogs (OR=1.73 p<0.001). The dogs most fearful of noises also had higher odds of showing separation related behavior, being fearful in novel situations and required longer time to calm down after a stressful event compared to dogs less fearful of noises.

Measuring fear in dogs by questionnaires: An exploratory study toward a standardized inventory

Several types of questionnaires are in use to measure fear-related behaviour in family dogs. Our aim was to develop a general questionnaire based on relevant previous studies in order to facilitate the standardization of measurements of fear-related behaviour in dogs (social fear, non-social fear, separation problems, anxiety/destructiveness and neuroticism). We investigated which aspects of fear do emerge as distinct factors when measuring fear in dogs with our consensus questionnaire.We developed the questionnaire by piercing together seven discrete fear-related factors from six previous studies representing different aspects of fear. Our final questionnaire consisted of 56 items and was filled out by 833 Hungarian pet dog owners.Principal component analysis was applied to explore the factorial structure of the questionnaire scores. The original seven factors used in developing the questionnaire did not emerged as discrete factors. Instead, we found four factors (33 questionnaire items) labeled as neuroticism (CRA=0.87), dog-directed fear (CRA=0.84), human-directed fear (CRA=0.90) and separation-related behavior (CRA=0.83).The effects of demographic and dog keeping characteristics on these factors were also tested by generalized linear models (GLMs). For example, toy dogs had a higher risk to show neuroticism and dog-directed fear. Female owners were more frequently reporting human-directed fear in their dogs. Female dogs showed higher level of dog-directed fear. Older dogs score was higher on neuroticism and neuroticism correlated with the time of acquisition.The standardization of specific trait measures provides an advantage to the researchers in constructing further, more specific tools and offers a greater comparability of research across dog and human populations.

Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management.

Dogs with separation-related behavior problems engage in unwanted behavior such as destruction of property and excessive vocalization when left alone, causing distress for both the dog and the owner, and often leading to the dog being relinquished or euthanized. I review research on factors likely to predispose dogs to developing separation anxiety and on the treatments available. Although research is equivocal, dogs seem to develop separation-related behavior problems if they are male, sourced from shelters or found, and separated from the litter before they are 60 days old. Protective factors include ensuring a wide range of experiences outside the home and with other people, between the ages of 5–10 months, stable household routines and absences from the dog, and the avoidance of punishment. The most successful treatment for canine separation-related problems may be behavior modification that focuses on systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, which can be supplemented with medication in the initial stages. Where individual therapy from an animal behavior expert is not possible, advice to dog owners should be clear, simple, and contain five or fewer instructions to improve adherence. Advice is given for people seeking to adopt a dog, for new dog owners, and for existing dog owners who wish to treat their dog’s separation anxiety.

Conditioned placebo effect in dogs decreases separation related behaviours

In humans, placebo effect can be produced by giving verbal information and also by conditioning when, after repeated administration of an active substance, an inactive compound that just looks like the drug administered before, can produce the effect of the active substance. Conditioned placebo effect has been reported in rodents, however, the dog (Canis familiaris) may also provide a promising model species. In our study dogs’ behaviour was observed while they were repeatedly separated from their owners in the same unfamiliar room. First, subjects did not receive any pre-treatment (Baseline trial), then they participated in either of two different conditioning contexts: after having received either sedative drug (Conditioned group) or non-sedating vitamin (Control group) treatment, subjects participated in 3 conditioning trials on consecutive days. Finally, in the ‘Test trial’, both groups were separated from their owners after receiving placebo (non-sedating vitamin). Results show significant effect of the sedative drug conditioning; when comparing the change from Baseline to Test trials in the Conditioned and the Control groups, conditioned subjects showed less active signs of distress (U(26)=48, p=0.021) and more passive behaviours (U(26)=50, p=0.027). We also investigated the association between dogs’ susceptibility to conditioned placebo effect and their expectancy bias towards positive outcomes and found a positive correlation (r(12)=0.697, p=0.008), suggesting that dogs with more positive expectations are more responsive to placebo treatment. Considering previous human findings about stronger responsiveness to placebo in optimistic people, our results support the validity of the application of a dog model towards a better understanding of some aspects of the placebo phenomena in humans.