MORE THAN 99% OF US DOGS HAVE A BEHAVIOR PROBLEM, TEXAS A&M RESEARCHER FINDS

While most owners report behavior problems as relatively minor or not worth addressing, Dr. Bonnie Beaver’s study finds that behavior problems are a common part of dog ownership.

A researcher at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) has discovered that over 99% of dogs in the United States display behaviors that could potentially be problematic. The most common issues include aggression (55.6%), separation and attachment behaviors (85.9%), and fear and anxiety (49.9%).

The study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, used data from the Dog Aging Project (DAP), which collects information from dog owners to study aging and the factors that contribute to a healthy canine life. So far, over 50,000 dogs from various backgrounds have participated in the study.

Owners were asked to rate their dogs’ behavior on a scale of zero to four for each of the 28 behavior-related questions in the DAP survey, with four indicating a potentially serious problem.

“Overall, 99.12% of dogs had at least one moderate to severe response in a behavioral area,” said Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor in VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and the study’s author. “While most responses suggest that the problems dogs face are not severe, nearly every dog owner will encounter a behavior issue that, even if minor, can still be inconvenient.”

The study did not aim to diagnose any conditions, and many behaviors overlap categories. For example, anxiety and separation issues are often related, but they were classified as separate categories in the survey. Similarly, a fear-induced bite might not be immediately obvious in the results.

What’s clear from the study, Dr. Beaver notes, is that behavior is an essential aspect of dog ownership that needs to be addressed carefully by both owners and veterinarians to prevent minor problems from escalating.

“Studies show that only 50% of veterinarians ask about behavior during appointments,” Beaver said. “Dog owners may not always bring up these issues unless they’re specifically asked, so it’s critical for us to make sure these concerns are addressed.”

She added that dog owners should learn to read their pet’s body language and reach out to their veterinarian if they notice any troubling behavior. A vet can help identify the cause and suggest solutions.

Getting to the Root of Behavior Problems

Not all dog behavior issues are viewed the same by owners, and what bothers one person may not be an issue for another. This can make addressing problems more challenging.

Dr. Beaver shared an example: “I once treated a miniature poodle for barking issues, but in its history, I found that the dog would regularly urinate on a Persian rug. Yet, the owner was more concerned about the barking than the urination.”

To get a full understanding of a dog’s behavior, veterinarians may need to ask questions in different ways. Often, owners don’t think to mention minor problems during appointments.

“Sometimes owners don’t bring up issues unless the problem is acute,” Beaver explained. “For example, if a dog bites someone at the vet’s office, the owner will probably mention it. But if it happened months ago, they may not think it’s relevant.”

Beaver suggested that providing owners with a questionnaire before an appointment could help them reflect on any behavioral issues that may not be immediately apparent.

When Behavior Becomes Dangerous

While minor behavior issues are common, certain behaviors can become dangerous and require professional intervention.

“Aggression is a natural behavior for animals, but it usually happens for a reason,” Beaver said. “If a dog is growling, snapping, or biting, we need to consider the cause. Is the dog afraid? Is it being threatened by a child getting too close, a bigger dog approaching, or a stranger? Understanding the context is key to interpreting a dog’s behavior.”

One of the best ways to prevent unwanted aggression, according to Beaver, is for owners to educate themselves on canine body language to better understand when a dog is feeling fearful before it turns into aggression.

“There’s a lot of information available online, including resources from veterinarians,” Beaver said. “Your local vet can also provide you with pictures and other educational materials.”

Special Considerations for Families with Children

Parents with young children should be especially cautious when it comes to dogs, as children are the most likely to be bitten. Children under 7 years old are at the highest risk of dog bites.

“Children often have difficulty reading dog body language,” Beaver explained. “If you have young children and a dog, always supervise their interactions. Teach your kids not to approach a dog—whether it’s their own or someone else’s—unless a parent is present. Don’t let them climb all over the dog or pull its ears and tail.”

By understanding and addressing these behavior issues, dog owners can create safer environments for both their pets and the people around them.