Published in Animals on April 24, 2021, the study by **Milla Salonen**, **Hannes Lohi**, and colleagues validated a survey tool to systematically assess canine personality and problem behaviors. The survey drew on owner reports and was tested for **internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and convergent validity**.
The researchers identified seven distinct personality traits in dogs:
- Insecurity
- Training focus
- Energy
- Aggressiveness/dominance
- Human sociability
- Dog sociability
- Perseverance
They also assessed six unwanted behavior categories: noise sensitivity, fearfulness, aggression, fear of surfaces/heights, separation anxiety, and impulsivity/inattention. Aggression was further divided into four subtypes, and impulsivity/inattention into two: hyperactivity and inattention.
The survey demonstrated strong **discriminant validity**, meaning it could clearly distinguish between different personality traits. By comparing responses from different household members and repeating the survey over time, the researchers confirmed the tool’s **reliability** and its potential for use in both scientific and practical behavior assessments.
This validated tool paves the way for better understanding of how personality influences behavior in dogs, enhancing efforts in **training, behavioral interventions, and adoption screening**.
Source: Salonen, M., Mikkola, S., Hakanen, E., Sulkama, S., Puurunen, J., & Lohi, H. (2021). Reliability and Validity of a Dog Personality and Unwanted Behavior Survey. Animals, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051385
