A new study from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) reveals that over 99 percent of dogs in the U.S. display at least one potentially problematic behavior. Based on data from more than 50,000 dogs in the Dog Aging Project, the most common issues include separation and attachment behaviors (85.9 percent), aggression (55.6 percent), and fear or anxiety (49.9 percent). Published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, the research highlights how even minor behavioral issues can impact pet owners and should be addressed early. Study author Bonnie Beaver, BS, DVM, MS, emphasizes that many behaviors, while not severe, are inconvenient and often overlooked. “Overall, 99.12 percent of dogs had at least one response of moderate to severe in an area of behavior,” says Dr. Beaver. “The majority of responses suggest dogs do not have a lot of problems, and the problem behaviors that do exist are relatively minor. Owners may not see them as issues worth addressing, but almost any dog owner will encounter a behavior that is at least inconvenient. “The questions used in the study are not intended to be a diagnosis, and many behaviors overlap into different categories. For example, anxiety and separation are often related behaviors, but questions about them were put into separate categories. Dogs may act aggressively out of fear, but again the questions about each were in separate categories. So, a fear-biting dog may not be obvious in the results,” she adds. Beaver encourages veterinarians to be proactive during visits, noting that only half currently ask about behavior. She also stresses the importance of owners learning canine body language to prevent issues like fear-based aggression. “Aggression is a normal behavior in animals and it happens for a reason,” Beaver says. “So, you need to consider why the dog is behaving that way. Is it fearful? Is it being threatened by a little kid getting too close, somebody staring in its eyes, by a bigger dog coming toward it, or by a stranger approaching? As veterinarians, we’ve got to look at the context in which a behavior happens to try and appreciate what might be going on in the animal’s mind. “Animals think,” she adds. “But they probably don’t think like we do.” While owners vary in their tolerance of certain behaviors, Beaver warns that dangerous behaviors—especially involving aggression—should be taken seriously, particularly in households with children. The study underscores the need for better communication between pet owners and veterinarians to identify, understand, and manage behavioral problems before they escalate. For more information, visit the Texas A&M University VMBS website.
