Three Things to Know
The UK currently lacks statutory regulation for dog training and behavior modification services, resulting in insufficient data and oversight. This study aimed to investigate the types of services utilized by dog owners, the behavioral issues addressed, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of the interventions.
Aggression, obedience-related issues, and fearfulness emerged as the most frequently reported behavioral challenges. Dog owners were more likely to consult dog trainers than behaviorists, although the distinction between these professional titles may not always be clear to clients. Notably, behaviorists were more likely to employ reward-based training methods, while trainers were more inclined towards balanced training, which may incorporate the use of positive punishment.
Despite these differences in training approaches, dog owners perceived both trainers and behaviorists as equally effective in addressing their dogs’ behavioral issues. However, over half of the surveyed owners sought consultations from multiple canine professionals, suggesting that initial interventions may not have consistently achieved the desired outcomes.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
Dog owners frequently experience confusion regarding the services offered by dog trainers and behaviorists. Many rely on readily available online resources, which may or may not provide accurate or reliable information. Furthermore, a significant portion of dog owners struggle to differentiate between reward-based training and other methods that may involve the use of positive punishment.
Dog welfare professionals, including not only trainers but also veterinarians and staff at animal shelters, have a crucial role to play in educating dog owners. This includes providing clear and accessible information about different training approaches, guiding owners towards reputable professionals, and helping them navigate the complexities of choosing the most appropriate services for their individual needs and their dog’s specific challenges.
The Full Picture
Owners who deem their dogs’ behaviors as unmanageable often surrender them to shelters. Effective behavior modification therapy has the potential to mitigate this crisis. Canine professionals (CPs), including veterinarians, dog trainers, and behaviorists, offer a range of behavior modification services. However, the lack of statutory regulation and a centralized database in the UK obscures which type of CP the public most commonly consults for assistance. This is crucial because the level of expertise and skill in behavior modification can vary considerably across these professional groups. Moreover, controversy surrounds the appropriateness of different training methods, such as reward-based versus punishment-based approaches. Currently, there is a dearth of data on which methods are predominantly used and by whom.
This study, titled “A Survey of Dog Behavior Modification Practice in the UK: Who is Offering it, What Methods are They Using and How Effective do their Clients Perceive Practitioners to be?”, aims to address these critical knowledge gaps. Specifically, it will:
- Identify the primary types of canine professionals involved in dog behavior modification in the UK.
- Investigate the training methods employed by these professionals.
- Assess client perceptions regarding the effectiveness of these interventions.
Study Methods
This study utilized a survey design to examine client experiences with dog behavior modification services within the UK. Participants were recruited from UK residents aged 18 or older who had sought paid professional assistance for their dog’s behavioral issues within two years of the survey date. Individuals were excluded if their dog’s behavioral problems were primarily attributed to medical conditions or if the dog required behavioral medication or supplements.
Study Results
The study analyzed data from 235 eligible clients, predominantly female (87%), who sought professional help for their dogs’ unwanted behaviors. The vast majority of dogs were described as pets, with only one identified as a working dog.
Unwanted Behaviours
Clients reported a diverse range of unwanted behaviors, with many dogs exhibiting multiple issues. Aggression towards other dogs/animals (29%) emerged as the most frequently reported concern, followed by obedience-related problems (22%) and fearfulness (14%). Notably, aggression-related issues were the primary concern for over half of the client population (55%). Case complexity varied, with most dogs exhibiting one to three unwanted behaviors (89% combined).
The most frequent co-occurring behaviors were fearfulness and fear of noises. Interestingly, an unexpected correlation emerged between lack of obedience and fear of noises, warranting further investigation.
Type of CP Consulted
Dog trainers were the most frequently consulted professionals (61.13%), followed by behaviorists (36%). The majority of consultations (87.66%) were conducted in person. A slight majority of CPs were female (58.3%). Trainers were more frequently approached for most behavioral issues except human aggression and separation-related problems
Choice of Training Methods
Over 60% of behaviorists reported primarily using reward-based training compared to trainers (40%). On the other hand, more trainers favored balanced training, which typically incorporates both reward-based and punishment-based techniques.
While reward-based training (R+) is generally considered more humane and effective in fostering desirable behaviors and strengthening human-canine bonds, its implementation requires time, effort, and specialized skills that some clients may find challenging. Conversely, the use of positive punishment (P+) in balanced training has been associated with increased problematic behaviors and may not always address the underlying causes of the issue. Still, some CPs may prefer using P+ as a quick-fix approach, potentially to the detriment of the dog’s welfare.
Client Perceptions of Behavior Improvement
Surveyed participants perceived dog trainers and behaviorists as equally effective in improving unwanted canine behaviors, although the classification of CP types was sometimes ambiguous. Not all professionals who identified as “behaviorists” necessarily worked through veterinary referrals, and many trainers engaged in behavior modification practices. This raises concerns about whether clients are consistently engaging the most appropriate professionals, particularly given the lack of regulation for the term “behaviorist” in the UK. Clients may not always recognize the severity of their dog’s behavior issues or the need for specialist input, especially with young dogs, and may initially seek assistance from trainers. This emphasizes the critical need for clearer professional guidance and regulation within the canine professional field.
Differences in training philosophies may also influence client perceptions of CP efficacy. Reward-based trainers were more likely to refer dogs to veterinarians for conditions such as separation-related problems compared to balanced trainers. The use of punitive techniques in balanced training could potentially mask underlying pain or anxiety, hindering behavioral improvement. These factors may influence clients’ perceptions of CP efficacy and the success of behavior modification plans if the dog’s engagement is limited by unrecognized pain or discomfort.
Consultation of Multiple CPs
Over half of the respondents consulted multiple CP. This may indicate that initial interventions were ineffective, that client adherence to the prescribed plan was inadequate, or that the initial diagnosis of the behavior issue was inaccurate. This highlights the need for improved education and practical counseling among CPs.
To minimize stress and maximize learning in dogs with behavior challenges, CPs must effectively coach clients in using R+ techniques. Flexibility in training methods and simplification of complex approaches, such as clicker training, can help clients succeed. Competent coaching ensures clients can manage their dog’s behavior efficiently and humanely, promoting positive outcomes for both dogs and their owners.
Conclusion
This study investigated canine behavior modification practices in the UK, a field currently lacking statutory regulation. The study found that clients were equally likely to consult dog trainers and behaviorists, regardless of the type of unwanted behavior their dog exhibited. Interestingly, both CP types were perceived as equally effective by clients in improving their dogs’ behavior, regardless of the training methods employed (reward-based versus balanced). However, more than 50% of clients consulted more than one CP., indicating that initial interventions may have been ineffective.
Clearer professional standards and a robust regulatory framework, potentially involving accreditation bodies such as the Animal Behavior and Training Council and the UK Dog Behavior and Training Charter, are crucial for ensuring client safety and promoting high-quality, ethical dog training practices. This would also help to standardize CP qualifications and reassure both clients and veterinarians.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Owned Dogs > Offering Better Care > Training & Socialization
Year of Publication:
2022
External Link:
Julie T. Daniels, Debbie Busby, Margo Chase-Topping, Sarah M. Brown, A survey of dog behavior modification practice in the UK: Who is offering it, what methods are they using and how effective do their clients perceive practitioners to be?, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Volume 59, 2023, Pages 1-7, ISSN 1558-7878, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2022.11.011