The prevalence and significance of unwelcome behaviour in dogs across the globe

There is increasing evidence that dogs' undesirable behaviours (UBs) can compromise the welfare of both canine companions and their associated humans. Indeed, in a recent UK study of patient records from primary-care veterinary practices, UBs emerged as the predominant cause of mortality in young dogs. The current companion study of dogs from veterinary practices in Australia between 2013 and 2018 reports comparable mortality (29.7%) due to UBs among dogs up to three years of age. The most commonly reported UB was aggression. Neutered dogs and purebred dogs (and specifically Australian Cattle Dogs and American Staffordshire terriers) had an elevated risk of death ascribed to at least one UB. The results highlight the influence of UBs on dog welfare in Australia and infer the benefits of educating dog owners and veterinary professionals in modifying and managing UBs.

About Dr Paul McGreevy

Paul McGreevy BVSc, PhD, FRCVS is a veterinarian and ethologist and the author of over 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications and nine books. Paul has expertise in animal learning theory and training, animal welfare, veterinary behavioural medicine and anthrozoology. He is also the co-founder and honorary fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science. He led the VetCompass Australia initiative that brought together all Australian veterinary schools to provide ongoing national disease surveillance for companion animals and horses. Paul and Massey University (NZ) created the One Welfare teaching portal.

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