Understanding the Prevalence of Behavior Problems in Dogs – Insights from the Dog Aging Project

Dec 6

Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Behavioral problems in dogs are one of the leading reasons for relinquishment to shelters, veterinary visits, and challenges in human-animal relationships. However, understanding the true prevalence and scope of these issues has remained elusive. A groundbreaking study based on data from the Dog Aging Project (DAP), which surveyed over 43,000 dogs, provides invaluable insights into the frequency, types, and severity of behavioral problems in U.S. dogs. The findings not only highlight the pervasiveness of these issues, but also underscore the importance of early intervention, proper training, and behavior assessments.

About the Dog Aging Project and Study Goals

The DAP is a large-scale, community science initiative designed to track various aspects of canine health, behavior, and lifestyle over time. This study utilized data from the project's 2022 release, focusing specifically on behaviors associated with common problems seen in veterinary practices. Using validated tools like the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), the study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of behavioral challenges in dogs.

Key areas of focus included:

Aggression
Fear and anxiety
Separation-related and attachment behaviors
Housesoiling
Other miscellaneous behavior problems, such as hyperactivity and coprophagy (feces eating)

The primary goal was to quantify the severity and prevalence of these behaviors, offering a clearer picture of canine behavior across the U.S.

Key Findings: Behavioral Problems Are the Norm, Not the Exception

The study uncovered a staggering statistic: nearly all dogs (99.12%) exhibited at least one moderate-to-serious behavioral issue. This finding display just how pervasive behavior problems are within the dog population and challenges the perception of what might be considered "normal" dog behavior. The study's insights provide a much-needed perspective on how widespread these issues are and how often they might be overlooked or misunderstood. Below is a closer look at some of the most significant findings.

Aggression

Aggression was a prominent behavior noted in 55.6% of the dogs, with moderate-to-serious aggression reported in at least two scenarios. The study classified aggressive behavior into several categories, including:

Aggression toward strangers.
Aggression directed at familiar people.
Food guarding.
Inter-dog aggression.

What makes these findings particularly noteworthy is the comparison to previous smaller studies. The prevalence of aggression in this large-scale study was significantly higher, indicating that it may be a more widespread issue than previously recognized. This highlights an urgent need for better recognition of aggression triggers, more refined management strategies, and a deeper understanding of the root causes, whether they stem from fear, territorial instincts, or unmet needs.

Fear and Anxiety

Almost half of the surveyed dogs (49.9%) demonstrated behaviors associated with fear or anxiety. These behaviors were most often triggered by:

Loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms.
Encounters with unfamiliar people.
New or unpredictable environments.

This finding aligns with existing research suggesting that fear and anxiety in dogs often result from a combination of environmental factors, a lack of early socialization, and genetic predispositions. Such behaviors can significantly affect a dog's quality of life and require proactive measures, including gradual desensitization, counter-conditioning, and, in some cases, medication.

Separation-Related and Attachment Behaviors

An astonishing 85.9% of dogs displayed moderate-to-serious separation-related behaviors, making it one of the most common issues identified in the study. Examples of these behaviors included:

Excessive barking when left alone.
Destructive actions, such as scratching or chewing furniture.
Constantly following owners around the home.

These findings reveal the emotional toll isolation can take on dogs, many of whom are deeply bonded to their owners. Without proper intervention, these behaviors can escalate, leading to distress for both the dog and the owner. This statistic also highlights the importance of teaching dogs independence through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement techniques.

Housesoiling

Though less common, housesoiling behaviors were still reported in 4.1% of the dogs. While the percentage may seem small compared to other issues, housesoiling is often a significant challenge for owners. It can lead to frustration, strained human-dog relationships, and even rehoming or relinquishment if left unresolved. This finding serves as a reminder that even less frequent issues still deserve attention and tailored solutions.

Miscellaneous Behaviors

Some additional behaviors revealed surprising statistics:

Inappropriate Chewing: 17.7% of dogs frequently chewed items they shouldn’t, such as furniture or household objects. This behavior is often linked to boredom, anxiety, or unmet enrichment needs.
Coprophagy (Feces Eating): This behavior was alarmingly common, reported in 72.9% of dogs. While often dismissed as a quirky or gross habit, coprophagy can sometimes indicate underlying medical or dietary issues, as well as a lack of proper management.

The Broader Implications

These findings paint a comprehensive picture of the behavioral challenges faced by many dogs. They challenge the assumption that behavioral issues are rare or isolated, instead showing that they are a widespread concern affecting dogs across various environments and lifestyles. For many owners, these behaviors may go unnoticed or untreated, either because they are mistaken for "quirks" or because owners lack the resources to address them.

The study underscores the importance of awareness, early intervention, and tailored behavioral plans to help dogs and their owners navigate these challenges. Whether it's addressing aggression, mitigating fear and anxiety, or managing destructive behaviors, recognizing the prevalence of these issues is the first step toward creating happier, healthier lives for dogs and their families.

Why Understanding Behavioral Problems Matters

Behavioral challenges in dogs are not just minor inconveniences. They can deeply affect a dog's emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Dogs experiencing stress, anxiety, or behavioral problems often face compounding effects, leading to chronic health issues or strained relationships with their families. The findings of the Dog Aging Project (DAP) study align closely with cases I've encountered in my practice, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing these issues early.

Take the case of my Border Collie, Oakley who exemplified the connection between physical discomfort and behavioral issues. Oakley began exhibiting excessive reactivity and anxiety. She would tremble during storms, bark excessively at passing dogs selectively, and show an unusual reluctance to engage in her usual activities. Initially, these behaviors seemed purely behavioral, but a deeper investigation revealed that they stemmed from undiagnosed physical pain, specifically, a condition called discospondylitis. The discomfort from this condition had created a cycle of stress and behavioral reactivity.

Through a Dynamic Dog Assessment, we examined Oakley’s gait, posture, and daily environment, uncovering subtle clues that pointed to her underlying pain. Once her medical condition was addressed and a tailored behavior modification plan implemented, her thunderstorm phobia diminished significantly, and her anxiety became manageable. This case underscores the importance of looking beyond surface-level behaviors to find all factors influencing behavior, whether it be medical, environmental, or emotional.

The DAP study reinforces the importance of early recognition of behavioral issues. Many problems, such as reactivity or aggression, are manageable when identified at an early stage. Proactive assessments and interventions can prevent minor behaviors from escalating into more severe issues that may require intensive rehabilitation or, tragically, lead to rehoming or euthnasia. For Oakley, early identification of her physical discomfort allowed for effective intervention, saving her from unnecessary suffering.

Comprehensive assessments are important in addressing behavioral problems. Tools like the C-BARQ, combined with expert observations and owner insights, provide a detailed understanding of a dog's behavior. By examining a dog’s physical health, daily routines, and emotional environment, owners and professionals can create a complete picture of what might be causing or exacerbating undesirable behaviors. This approach ensures that solutions are tailored to each dog’s unique needs, as was the case with Oakley.

Education plays a vital role in empowering dog owners to make informed decisions about their pet's care. Many owners are unaware of the connections between behavior and physical health or the prevalence of anxiety and aggression in dogs. The DAP study highlights how common these issues are, normalizing the need to seek professional help and equipping owners with the knowledge to recognize and address problems before they escalate.

For dog owners and professionals, the implications of this study are clear: a “big picture” approach to dog behavior is extremely important. Regular behavioral assessments help uncover both medical and environmental factors that may be contributing to a dog's behavior. Tailored training plans based on positive reinforcement, combined with collaboration between veterinarians and behaviorists, create a pathway to success. This collaborative care model ensures that no aspect of a dog's well-being is overlooked, leading to lasting improvements in behavior and quality of life.

Photo shows dog running with owner on beach.

The DAP study offers a compelling look at the prevalence and complexity of behavioral problems in dogs, reminding us that these issues are not isolated incidents, but widespread challenges requiring thoughtful, informed intervention. By leveraging insights from research and case studies, dog owners and professionals can work together to create lasting solutions that benefit both dogs and their families.

If your dog is showing signs of stress, fear, aggression, or other behavioral challenges, it's essential to act quickly. Our Behavior Guidance Calls with Dynamic Dog Assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of your dog's behavior, gait, posture, and daily environment. By uncovering factors influencing their behavior and creating tailored behavior plans, we seek to improve both your dog's well-being and your relationship with them.

Don't wait for minor issues to escalate. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a happier, healthier life for your dog.