More Than 99% of U.S. Dogs Have a Behavior Problem, Texas A&M Researcher Finds
A recent study led by Dr. Bonnie Beaver at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) reveals that over 99% of dogs in the United States exhibit behavior problems, highlighting the importance of awareness and training for dog owners. While many of these issues are seen as minor or not worth addressing by owners, the study emphasizes that these behaviors are common and should not be ignored.
Common Behavioral Problems
The study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, identifies the most prevalent behavior issues among U.S. dogs:
Aggression: 55.6% of dogs
Separation and Attachment Issues: 85.9% of dogs
Fear and Anxiety: 49.9% of dogs
These findings are based on data from the Dog Aging Project (DAP), an ongoing study that includes over 50,000 dogs from diverse backgrounds. Owners were asked to rate their dogs' behaviors on a scale from zero to four, with four indicating a potentially serious issue.
Dr. Beaver, a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at VMBS, noted, “99.12% of dogs had at least one behavior rated moderate to severe.” However, she added that many of these behaviors are relatively minor, with owners not always recognizing them as significant issues. Often, these behaviors are inconvenient but not considered problematic enough to address.
Understanding Behavior Overlaps
The study's methodology accounted for overlapping behaviors, such as anxiety and separation issues, which are frequently interrelated. According to Dr. Beaver, a dog may exhibit aggressive behavior due to fear, but each behavior was categorized separately in the survey. This nuanced approach helps identify a wide range of behaviors that could indicate underlying issues, but it also shows the complexity of interpreting canine behavior.
The Need for Increased Awareness
The research underscores the importance of understanding dog behavior, not only for owners but also for veterinarians. Dr. Beaver pointed out that some studies suggest only 50% of veterinarians ask about behavior during appointments, which means many issues may go unaddressed.
“It’s crucial for dog owners to learn how to read their dog’s body language and discuss any behavior problems with their veterinarian,” Dr. Beaver said. “Veterinarians can help identify the cause of these behaviors and guide owners toward solutions.”
Addressing Behavior Issues
Behavioral issues vary from dog to dog, and what bothers one owner may not concern another. Dr. Beaver shared an anecdote about a miniature poodle whose owner was more concerned about the dog's barking than its habit of urinating on a Persian rug. This illustrates the need for veterinarians to gather a comprehensive history of a dog's behavior, which may require asking owners multiple questions.
“Giving owners a questionnaire before an appointment can help them think about behavior problems they might not have mentioned otherwise,” Dr. Beaver suggested.
When Behavior Becomes Dangerous
While many behavior problems are mild, some can be dangerous and require professional intervention. Aggression, such as growling, snapping, and biting, is one of the most concerning behaviors in dogs. However, the underlying cause of aggression is not always apparent to owners.
“Aggression is a normal behavior in animals, but it happens for a reason,” Dr. Beaver explained. “It’s important to consider why the dog is behaving aggressively—whether it’s due to fear, a perceived threat, or discomfort.”
Veterinarians must assess the context of the behavior to understand the dog’s emotions and identify triggers. Dr. Beaver emphasized that dogs think, but likely not in the same way humans do.
One of the most important ways to prevent aggression is for owners to learn to recognize canine body language, particularly signs of fear that can escalate into aggression. “Information on canine body language is widely available, including from veterinarians,” Dr. Beaver said. “Owners should be proactive in educating themselves.”
Special Caution for Families with Children
Owners with young children should take extra care when interacting with dogs. Dr. Beaver highlighted that children under the age of 7 are the most frequent victims of dog bites, stressing the importance of supervision.
“If you have children and a dog, ensure they are together only under supervision,” she advised. “Teach your children not to approach a dog, even if it’s the family pet, without an adult present.”
Dr. Beaver's research emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing behavior issues in dogs, from minor inconveniences to more serious concerns. Both dog owners and veterinarians must work together to identify and address these issues early to ensure the safety and well-being of both dogs and their human families.
