The biggest killer of young dogs in the UK is behaviour problems.
A large number of these are anxiety and fear-related problems, including aggression.
A study from Finland, published this week, showed some scary statistics. The authors surveyed owners of 13,700 pet dogs of all ages and including 264 different breeds.
They found that a staggering 72.5% of the dogs had at least one highly problematic behaviour from the seven anxiety-related traits they asked about – and many had multiple problems – including noise sensitivity, fear, aggression, separation problems and compulsive behaviours, such as tail-chasing.
This was Finland, so we can’t be sure the findings apply to the UK, but based on my experience I think it’s likely to be similar.
This weekend, you can enjoy a feast of dogs on TV in Channel 4’s Crufts coverage. The programmes tend to focus a lot on the showing side, where dogs are judged against the agreed breed standard. There are vast rewards for the dogs that reach the coveted group and best in show titles.
There’s been a lot of discussion over the past few years about breeding for physical soundness. The problems of some breeds such as GSDs with deformed hips, and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels with domed skulls causing agonising pain, are now starting to be addressed. So perhaps it’s understandable that breeders often focus on looks rather than temperament and behaviour.
Both genetics (nature) and environment and experiences (nurture) contribute to any dog’s behaviour. A good genetic temperament alongside good socialisation to people and other animals and habituation to day-to-day life experiences give you the best chance of raising a healthy, happy pet.
The anxiety-related problems examined in the study aren’t just a problem for the owner – the dog could end up experiencing a lifetime of misery, with all the emotional and financial burdens that can bring.
The bitter truth is that the majority of these problems can be prevented by good breeding and good socialisation – and many of the rest can be helped through good behavioural training.
My plea is that anyone thinking of getting a puppy focuses on finding a great breeder of the most suitable breed for them. We’ve got a free webinar and downloadable notes to help you find the best breed and breeder for you. (More on that in tomorrow’s email).
And we’ll come with you for free to help you chose a suitable, healthy pup once you’ve found your preferred breeder.
Let’s work together to encourage a focus on breeding physically sound dogs with sound temperaments that will make great family pets.
There’s nothing worse than struggling with a dog who has problems and sometimes having to make that dreadful, final life-shortening decision.
Dogs should not pay the price for a human lack of knowledge.
Keep training,
Carol