Published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, this study by Bonnie V. Beaver compared behavioral issues reported in large-scale owner surveys with those presented at referral behavior practices. The aim was to understand which problems owners notice most frequently and which concerns escalate to professional intervention.
Survey data indicated that the most common owner-reported complaints included territorial aggression, excessive protection of the owner, and excessive vocalization. These behaviors, while disruptive, often reflect misunderstandings of normal canine responses or unmet training and management needs.
In contrast, dogs referred to behavior specialists typically presented with more severe or complex issues, including aggression—particularly dominance-related—and house soiling. Such problems are more likely to significantly affect household functioning or pose safety risks, prompting owners to seek expert help.
The study also found that patterns of referral documented in the literature aligned closely with cases seen at a university veterinary behavior clinic, though the exact distribution of behavior problems varied. This suggests that while common owner complaints are widespread, the subset of behaviors that escalate to clinical attention reflects deeper or more persistent challenges.
Overall, the research highlights the importance of early education, training support, and accessible behavioral resources to prevent problematic behaviors from intensifying. Understanding the gap between everyday complaints and clinically significant cases can help veterinarians and behavior professionals better support dog–owner relationships.
Source: Beaver, B. V. (1994). Owner Complaints About Canine Behavior. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Published June 15, 1994.
