Behavioral disorders are among the most common welfare challenges faced by domestic dogs, often leading to distress for both animals and caregivers. Malkani, Paramasivam, and Wolfensohn (2024) applied the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) to evaluate 129 dogs diagnosed with behavior disorders, comparing them with 117 healthy dogs. In total, 177 assessments were conducted.
The analysis revealed that dogs with behavior disorders consistently scored poorer across multiple welfare dimensions, including clinical assessment, mobility, eating and drinking, social interactions, and reactions to stressors. Notably, logistic regression identified three strong predictors of behavioral disorders:
• Aggression towards the caregiver
• Frequency of fears and anxieties
• Lack of choice, control, and predictability
These findings highlight the interconnected nature of physical, psychological, and environmental factors in shaping canine welfare. For example, procedural impacts on daily routines correlated with aggression towards strangers and stress responses, while reduced enrichment and poor handling were linked with higher anxiety levels.
The study underscores the importance of using structured welfare assessment tools like AWAG in both veterinary and behavioral practice. By monitoring changes in key welfare indicators, professionals can identify early warning signs of emotional disorders and intervene before they escalate into serious behavioral problems. This approach may also guide preventive strategies, helping owners and welfare staff provide environments that foster emotional stability and resilience in dogs.
Source: Malkani, R., Paramasivam, S., & Wolfensohn, S. (2024). A Multidimensional Evaluation of the Factors in the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) That Are Associated with, and Predictive of, Behaviour Disorders in Dogs. Animals, 14. Published February 1, 2024.
