Impacts of Puppy Early Life Experiences, Puppy-Purchasing Practices, and Owner Characteristics on Owner-Reported Problem Behaviours in a UK Pandemic Puppies Cohort at 21 Months of Age

Abstract

Problem behaviours are a leading cause of relinquishment and euthanasia of young dogs. Previous research has identified associations between owner-reported problem behaviours and risk factors, including how dogs were acquired as puppies, early socialisation experiences, and owners’ experience levels. Puppies acquired during the 2020 phase of the UK COVID-19 pandemic (“Pandemic Puppies”) were more likely to be exposed to many of these risk factors compared to puppies acquired in 2019; however, consequences for their adult behaviour are, as yet, unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these early-life and provenance-based risk factors, in addition to owner management strategies (including training methods) into early adulthood, upon adult dog behaviour aged 21 months. An online longitudinal cohort study of n = 985 Pandemic Puppies was conducted, recruited from a cohort of n = 4369 puppies originally surveyed in November–December 2020, which included data on how and why they were acquired and their socialisation/habituation experiences <16 weeks of age. Nearly all owners (96.7%) reported that their dog had exhibited at least one problem behaviour up to 21 months of age (median: 5; IQR: 3–7). Almost one third of dogs (30.9%) were reported to have displayed separation-related behaviours. Multivariable linear regression modelling revealed that owners reporting more problem behaviours were more likely to use multiple aversive training techniques (e.g., physical punishment), the use of which was notably high in this population (82.3%) compared to previous studies. Attendance at online puppy classes was the sole protective factor against owner use of aversive training methods. Almost one third of owners had underestimated how hard training their dog would be; this view was more likely among first-time owners. Urgent efforts are required to support this vulnerable population of dogs, including providing owner education regarding humane training techniques, to improve canine emotional health and avoid future relinquishment and/or behavioural euthanasia.

The Effects of Dog Behavioural Problems on Owner Well-Being: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions

“…Owners of dogs with behavioural problems often complain that they cannot afford a behavioural professional [15,35] or that the behavioural issues cause a heavy financial burden [15]. This can lead pet owners to preferentially choose free services [74], including social media and TV [75]. Unfortunately, these channels often promote the spectacle of problem behaviour management, potentially at the expense of animal welfare (see, for example, Jackson-Shebetta's [76] analysis of one particular series), and such approaches can create their own, or exacerbate, existing problems [75].…”

“…This can lead pet owners to preferentially choose free services [74], including social media and TV [75]. Unfortunately, these channels often promote the spectacle of problem behaviour management, potentially at the expense of animal welfare (see, for example, Jackson-Shebetta's [76] analysis of one particular series), and such approaches can create their own, or exacerbate, existing problems [75]. The lack of easily identifiable, high-quality free options likely contributes to the high prevalence of clinically meaningful caregiver burden among owners of dogs with behavioural problems [19].…”

Self-reported motivation in the pursuit and choice of companion dogs

“…However, most of these socalled pandemic puppies were acquired to alleviate a temporal social isolation, and thus they were not chosen after careful selection [10]. The lack of consideration for the long-term commitment that acquiring a new dog would present, is also evident from the high prevalence of behaviour problems and unwanted behaviours among these dogs [11], including a 37% increase in dog-related injuries [12]. Not surprizing therefore, that these dogs were two to three times more likely to be considered for abandonement or were already relinquished, compared to dogs acquired before the COVID pandemic [13].…”