Published in PLoS ONE, researchers Katriina Tiira and Hannes Lohi examined data from over 3,200 Finnish family dogs to identify environmental factors linked to anxiety-related behaviours such as fearfulness, noise sensitivity, and separation anxiety. Their findings show that both genetic predisposition and early-life environment significantly contribute to how dogs experience and express anxiety.
The study revealed that fearful dogs had fewer early socialization experiences (p = 0.002) and lower-quality maternal care (p < 0.0001). Among all variables, the most prominent environmental factor was daily exercise—dogs with noise sensitivity (p < 0.0001) and separation anxiety (p = 0.007) engaged in significantly less physical activity. This connection highlights how exercise acts not only as a physical outlet but also as a regulator of emotional balance in dogs.
The results underline that dogs share common environmental risk factors for anxiety with humans and rodents, including maternal deprivation, insufficient early bonding, and reduced physical engagement. Tiira & Lohi emphasize that fostering proper maternal care, early socialization, and consistent daily exercise builds emotional stability and reduces the risk of anxiety disorders in dogs.
Source: Tiira, K., & Lohi, H. (2015). Early Life Experiences and Exercise Associate with Canine Anxieties. PLoS ONE, 10. Published November 3, 2015.
