Three Things to Know
The stressful shelter environment can lead to poor social behaviors in dogs. Researchers investigated whether a training program would have an impact on this and thus improve adoption rates.
A four-month training program significantly increased adoption rates for adult and senior dogs, but not for younger dogs.
The increased adoption rates during the 2020 pandemic may have influenced the results. Further research is needed to confirm the broader applicability of these findings, considering factors like breed, sex, and background.
The Full Picture
Historically, dogs were primarily working animals, used for tasks like protection and hunting. Today, they are cherished companions. However, many kenneled dogs endure behavioral challenges such as anxiety, aggression, and repetitive behaviors, exacerbated by restrictive shelter environments.
In Italy, no-kill policies, while humane, have contributed to overcrowding in shelters, while such restrictions have potentially increased aggression in dogs. Research indicates that sociable dogs, perceived as friendly and non-aggressive, are more likely to find loving homes. Conversely, dogs that avoid interaction or lack playfulness often struggle to be adopted.
To address this issue, a study titled “The Potential Impact of a Dog Training Program on the Animal Adoptions in an Italian Shelter” examined 1034 adopted dogs, both trained and untrained, from a southern Italian shelter. By leveraging positive reinforcement training, researchers aimed to improve dogs’ social skills, increasing their adoptability and overall well-being.
Study Methods
The 16,000-square-meter kennel in Ottaviano, near Naples, Italy, houses around 300 dogs in socially organized boxes. Each dog enjoys a 6-square-meter space, an outdoor area, and soothing classical music. The facility also includes a 200-square-meter veterinary section with state-of-the-art equipment.
This study analyzed 1034 mixed-breed dogs adopted from the Ottaviano kennel between 2015 and 2020. Before 2018, 479 untrained dogs (out of 1387) were adopted. A behavioral training program, initiated in 2018, engaged 735 dogs, leading to the adoption of 555.
Training Program
The training program began with a behavioral assessment using the EDED Scale, which categorizes dogs based on inward (e.g., feeding, sleeping) and outward (e.g., social, exploratory) behaviors. Dogs with normal emotional and cognitive states (scores 9-12) were selected for this study.
The dogs underwent a 4-month training program, with weekly 60-minute sessions led by trainers or interns. Positive reinforcement techniques (treats, praise, play) were used exclusively. Each session included two activities (such as, luring, nosework) and a 15-minute break, beginning with a review of previous skills.
Study Results
The study examined the impact of age on adoption rates, categorizing dogs into four groups: juvenile (7–11 months), young-adult (1–2 years), adult (3–8 years), and senior (9–17 years). Younger dogs were adopted at significantly higher rates than older dogs, with juveniles showing notably higher adoption rates than young-adults, adults, and seniors.
To assess the impact of training, the study compared adoption rates between trained (2018-2020) and untrained (2015-2017) dogs. Training significantly increased adoption rates for adult and senior dogs, but not for juveniles or young adults.
The results highlight the potential of a structured training program to increase adoption rates for adult and senior dogs. Mismatched expectations can lead to post-adoption issues. The kennel’s training program aims to improve human-animal bonds and increase adoptability, especially for adult and senior dogs.
Despite the observed benefits, the researchers recognized that adoption is complex, with many influencing factors such as appearance, social behaviors, and adopter expectations. For instance, data showed an overall rise in adoptions during 2020, likely driven by the increased demand for companionship during COVID-19 lockdowns. Further research on diverse populations, considering variables like breed, sex, and background, is needed to fully validate the broader applicability of these findings.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2022
External Link:
d’Angelo D, Sacchettino L, Quaranta A, Visone M, Avallone L, Gatta C, Napolitano F. The Potential Impact of a Dog Training Program on the Animal Adoptions in an Italian Shelter. Animals. 2022; 12(14):1759. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141759