Undesirable behaviors are a frequent challenge in dog ownership. A study published in June 2019 in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Science investigated the prevalence of 25 behavioral problems among pet dogs in Japan. Researchers collected 2,050 valid responses from owners through an online survey, making this one of the most comprehensive behavioral assessments in the country.
The findings revealed that 86.0% of dogs displayed at least one behavioral problem. The most commonly reported issues were barking at noises inside the house, barking at unfamiliar visitors, and pica—the ingestion of non-food items. These behaviors represented significant sources of concern for owners and highlight the everyday challenges of managing canine behavior in household settings.
Statistical analysis identified several factors associated with the expression of these behaviors. Breed was linked to 19 behaviors, age to 16 behaviors, while living with other dogs influenced five. Additional associations were found with sex, neutering status, source of acquisition, and type of residence. These results suggest that both biological and environmental factors contribute to the development of canine behavioral problems.
The authors concluded that veterinarians should be equipped with knowledge of common behavior issues and their risk factors to better advise owners. By understanding which dogs are more likely to develop specific problems, targeted strategies for prevention and intervention can be implemented, improving the wellbeing of both dogs and their caregivers.
Source: Yamada, R., Kuze-Arata, S., Kiyokawa, Y., & Takeuchi, Y. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, June 2019.
