This 2020 longitudinal study investigated how social-cognitive factors during the decision-making phase—before acquiring a dog—affect future canine behavior and owner satisfaction. A total of 193 participants completed questionnaires several months before acquiring a dog and again at six and eighteen months after acquisition.
One of the major findings was that individuals with high self-efficacy—confidence in their ability to train, understand, and care for a dog—experienced fewer behavior problems, greater relationship satisfaction, and lower perceived costs during the experience phase. This highlights that early beliefs in one’s responsibility and capability directly affect future outcomes.
The study also showed that social norms—perceived expectations from others—were associated with consistent decision-making and adherence to original acquisition plans. Conversely, individuals focused primarily on perceived advantages (e.g., companionship, fun) were more prone to impulsive decisions and were less consistent with their original intentions.
Preparation activities also influenced decision quality. People who read books, researched behavior and training, and discussed dog ownership with others were more likely to remain committed to their initial plans and make informed choices. In contrast, frequent visits to websites offering or selling dogs increased the likelihood of impulse buying and inconsistency.
The authors conclude that the foundation of a successful human–dog relationship is formed before the dog ever enters the home. Understanding and fostering effective decision-making in the motivational phase could help prevent behavioral issues, improve owner satisfaction, and promote welfare for both dogs and humans.
Source: Bouma, E., Vink, L., & Dijkstra, A. (2020). Social-Cognitive Processes Before Dog Acquisition Associated with Future Relationship Satisfaction of Dog Owners and Canine Behavior Problems. Published September 2, 2020.
