Three Things to Know
Although dog behaviors are well-researched, the relationship between dog behavioral problems and owner well-being is less studied. This research sought to address the limited understanding of how dog behavioral problems impact owner well-being.
By reviewing existing studies, researchers found that these problems can negatively affect owners’ emotions, mental health, and social interactions. Furthermore, a vicious cycle can emerge, where owner mental health issues can negatively impact their dog’s behavior.
To address these challenges, the research proposes a three-pronged intervention strategy. This strategy focuses on providing accessible and credible behavioral support, offering peer support groups, and destigmatizing psychological support by integrating it into dog behavioral support services.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
To effectively address challenges related to dog behavior, dog welfare advocates must collaborate and implement the following actions:
- Veterinarians, as trusted sources of information, should play a crucial role in referring clients facing dog behavior issues to credible animal behavior support services.
- Shelters, often overwhelmed by surrenders due to behavioral problems, can significantly contribute by providing more accessible and affordable dog training services.
This study underscores the significant emotional and mental burden placed upon owners when dealing with dog behavior problems.
- Dog trainers and behaviorists must acknowledge and address this aspect in their work, providing empathetic support to owners alongside behavioral guidance.
- Shelter staff, who often bear the emotional toll of owner surrenders, can benefit from this research. Understanding the mental struggles that owners may be experiencing can foster greater empathy and improve interactions between shelter staff and owners.
The Full Picture
Dog behavioral issues constitute a significant global concern, contributing significantly to rates of abandonment and euthanasia. Beyond animal welfare, these issues exert a substantial impact on the well-being of their human caregivers.
Human well-being, encompassing both hedonic (e.g., affective state, life satisfaction) and eudaimonic (e.g., autonomy, self-acceptance, personal growth) dimensions, can be compromised by the caregiver burden associated with problematic dog behaviors. This burden can manifest as stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Despite the substantial body of research on factors influencing dog behavior and the numerous benefits of pet ownership, studies directly investigating the impact of these behavioral problems on human well-being remain relatively limited. This gap in knowledge hinders the development of effective interventions to improve the well-being of both dogs and their owners.
This review, titled “The Effects of Dog Behavioral Problems on Owner Well-Being: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions,” sought to:
- Explore the effects of dog behavioral problems and owner well-being.
- Propose strategies to mitigate the negative impact of these problems on human well-being.
- Identify key priorities for future research in this area.
Study Methods
Researchers conducted a systematic literature search in Web of Science and Google Scholar for related studies. Inclusion criteria required studies to be original research articles published in English that explicitly examined the relationship between dog behavioral problems and owner well-being. Of 300 initially identified records, 21 studies met these criteria and were included in the review.
Study Results
Relationship Between Dog Behavioural Problems and Owner Well-Being
Emotions (Hedonic Well-Being) and Mental Health
Thirteen studies investigated the link between dog behavioral problems and owner hedonic well-being. Findings consistently demonstrated significant associations between problematic behaviors and negative emotions in owners. Aggression, barking, and attention-seeking behaviors were strongly linked to high-arousal negative emotions such as stress, frustration, and anger. In particular, owners with pre-existing anxiety or sensory sensitivities. such as autistic individuals, were more susceptible to distress.
A further twelve studies explored the relationship between dog behavioral problems and owner mental health, revealing significant associations with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Aggression, fear, and separation-related problems were particularly burdensome, with aggression linked to higher caregiver burden scores and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Importantly, the frequency and perceived uncontrollability of problem behaviors significantly intensified the burden on owners.
While negative emotions predominated, some owners experienced positive emotions during problem management, such as pride in resolving issues or a sense of accomplishment. However, viewing problematic behaviors, such as tail chasing, humorously can hinder resolution and potentially compromise dog welfare. Recognizing these nuanced emotional dynamics is crucial for developing effective interventions that support both owners and dogs.
Life Functioning (Eudaimonic Well-Being)
Nine studies revealed that problematic behaviors, such as aggression, fear, and separation anxiety, significantly disrupted owners’ lives. Key impacts included strained relationships with family, friends, and neighbors due to aggression and other disruptive behaviors. Additionally, fearful or anxious dogs limited owners’ social activities and participation in community events, leading to social isolation. Furthermore, difficulties managing daily activities, compromised self-esteem, and a diminished sense of control over their dogs negatively impacted owners’ overall life satisfaction. These findings underscore the multifaceted ways in which dog behavioral problems can negatively impact various aspects of owners’ lives.
Bi-Directional Relationship
Studies also showed that the relationship between dog behavioral problems and owner well-being is complex and bidirectional. Owners experiencing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may inadvertently influence their dogs’ behavior through emotional contagion or the use of punitive training methods, which can exacerbate existing problems. Conversely, problematic dog behaviors can significantly worsen owner mental health, creating a cycle of mutual influence.
Intervention Strategies
Addressing the negative impacts of dog behavioral problems on both human and animal well-being requires a three-pronged approach.
1. Practical Behavioral Support
A key component of this strategy is ensuring access to high-quality professional behavioral support. While critical, many owners face significant barriers to accessing these services. These barriers include a lack of awareness of quality service providers, difficulty in identifying credible professionals due to the lack of accreditation amongst dog trainers, and the prohibitive cost of professional consultations. This financial burden often leads owners to seek free, but potentially harmful, advice from unreliable sources such as social media or entertainment-driven content.
Veterinarians, given their frequent interaction with pet owners and involvement in the medical aspects of animal behavior, are uniquely positioned to play a crucial role. They should either provide direct behavioral support themselves or establish strong referral networks with trusted, credible animal behavior professionals.
For those who struggle with costs, many rescue organizations and shelters offer free behavioral services. However, other studies have demonstrated that the success of these programs depends on more than just affordability. Factors such as program flexibility, which includes accommodating owners’ schedules and providing convenient access to services, significantly influence program effectiveness.
By addressing these challenges, we can ensure that owners have access to the necessary support to effectively manage their dogs’ behavior, ultimately improving both animal welfare and owner well-being.
2. Social Support for Owners
Owners of dogs with behavioral problems often experience social isolation and judgment from the broader community, friends, family, and even sometimes from professionals like trainers and veterinarians who may exhibit a lack of empathy or understanding. This isolation, whether due to the direct impact of the dog’s behavior or self-imposed avoidance to prevent incidents, highlights the need for enhanced social support.
Peer support has proven effective in addressing various mental health challenges and fostering recovery. Support groups provide a space for individuals to share experiences and feel understood. Social media platforms, such as the “Reactive and Aggressive Dog Support Group” on Facebook, offer virtual communities for owners to connect. However, forum members can sometimes spread misinformation and potentially exacerbate anxiety or guilt in owners.
Moderated support groups or sessions facilitated by clinical behavior specialists are highly recommended. These sessions can focus on the psychological needs of owners, providing a platform for sharing experiences, fostering a sense of belonging, and reducing feelings of shame and guilt. By sharing coping strategies and problem-solving techniques with other owners, individuals can develop more effective ways of managing their dog’s behavior and reduce stress. Hearing from other owners who have successfully addressed similar challenges can also boost owners’ confidence in their ability to manage their dog’s behavior and improve their overall well-being.
3. Psychological Support for Owners
The complex relationship between dog behavioral problems and owner well-being underscores the urgent need for enhanced psychological support. Collaboration between animal behavior professionals and human mental health services, such as through veterinary social work, is crucial.
Guidelines for referrals and closer integration between these fields would ensure that owners facing significant psychological strain due to their dog’s behavior receive appropriate care. Incorporating caregiver burden assessments into behavioral consultations can help identify owners at risk and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
This integrated approach can destigmatize the challenges of managing problem behaviors and improve the overall support system for owners. Furthermore, providing psychological and social support to owners in cases of relinquishment or euthanasia due to behavioral issues is essential for their emotional well-being.
By addressing both the social and psychological needs of owners alongside the behavioral needs of their dogs, interventions can significantly improve human well-being and animal welfare.
Suggested Future Directions for Research
Dog behavioral problems are a leading cause of relinquishment. Addressing this issue requires applied research to develop and evaluate effective interventions that support both owners and dogs.
A priority for future research is a large-scale randomized controlled trial evaluating a multidisciplinary intervention combining practical behavioral support, social support, and psychological support. This trial should assess its impact on relinquishment rates and owner well-being. Smaller-scale exploratory studies can focus on ow specific behavioral problems, such as lead pulling, affect owner perceptions, particularly when compounded by factors like fitness or physical health. The impact of dog behavioral problems on children under 18, given the critical role of pets in child development, remains largely unexplored and warrants further investigation.
Furthermore, there is a pressing need for longitudinal studies to establish a causal relationship between dog behavioral problems and owner well-being. Existing studies have limitations in establishing causality, highlighting the need for more robust and targeted research designs.
Conclusion
Dog behavioral problems significantly impact owners’ well-being, increasing negative emotions, reducing social interactions, and contributing to caregiver burden and mental health challenges. Despite these significant implications, research in this area remains limited.
Owners require a multi-faceted support system, including practical behavioral support, social support and psychological support. Equitable access to high-quality, evidence-based services is crucial, particularly for owners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Greater engagement from researchers and practitioners is urgently needed to address these gaps and improve the well-being of both owners and dogs.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2024
External Link:
Barcelos AM, Kargas N, Mills D. The Effects of Dog Behavioural Problems on Owner Well-Being: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions. Pets. 2024; 1(1):53-69. https://doi.org/10.3390/pets1010007