Published in Pets, this study addressed an underexplored topic in companion-animal research: how younger owners—aged 17 to 26—navigate behavioural challenges with their dogs. Using semi-structured interviews collected during a broader investigation into human–animal relationships amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors conducted a thematic analysis of the participants’ narratives to reveal both the struggles and resilience that define early-stage dog ownership.
Across the seven case interviews, participants described a recurring tension between love and frustration. Common themes included emotional exhaustion from repeated behaviour problems, uncertainty about training methods, and feelings of personal inadequacy when dogs failed to respond as expected. However, these struggles also sparked growth in empathy, patience, and self-awareness. Several participants reflected that addressing their dog’s misbehaviour helped them recognize their own stress patterns, emotional triggers, and communication habits.
The study emphasizes that undesired dog behaviour is not merely a training issue—it is an emotional interaction that challenges identity, responsibility, and relational capacity. For many young owners, managing such behaviours required balancing compassion with discipline, mirroring the complex social and emotional dynamics found in human relationships. This psychological framing of dog behaviour highlights how companion animals serve as mirrors of human emotional regulation and relational maturity.
Roma and colleagues conclude that dog ownership in young adulthood can be a deeply transformative process. Understanding undesired behaviours through this psychosocial lens can help trainers, educators, and policymakers design better support systems for young dog owners, bridging the gap between behavioural science and emotional education.
Source: Roma, R. P. S., Tardif-Williams, C., Moore, S., & Pendry, P. (2024). A Qualitative Exploration of Young Canadians’ Experiences of Undesired Dog Behaviours. Pets. Published June 5, 2024.
