Owner Attachment And Problem Behaviors Related To Relinquishment And Training Techniques Of Dogs
In this study, dog guardians and those who were preparing to surrender a dog to a shelter were surveyed to uncover information on the use of training, the existence of problematic dog behaviors, their level of attachment to their companions, and reasons for relinquishment. Among the results was that there were no differences in the use of training in the groups and that “relinquished dogs” were more likely to be a pit bull breed than “continuing dogs,” though the pit bulls were no more likely to have behavioral issues. Behavioral problems were given as a motivator (in many cases a significant motivator) for surrendering a dog.
[Abstract excerpted from original source.]
“Problematic behaviors are a significant reason for relinquishment, and relinquished dogs are more likely to have problem behaviors. This study utilized standardized surveys of owners (companion animal guardians) relinquishing their dogs to shelters and dog owners visiting vaccination clinics. “Relinquishing” and “continuing” owners were asked questions in the following categories: demographic information, training methods and tools, frequencies in which their dogs engaged in problematic behaviors, and attachment to their dogs. “Relinquishers”were also asked to provide their reasons for relinquishment. The results of 129 surveys (80 relinquishing and 49 continuing) showed that relinquishers scored lower on companion animal attachment than continuing owners. Pit bull-type dogs were represented more in the relinquishing group. Relinquished dogs were no less likely to have attended training classes than continuing dogs. In both groups, owners who used punishment-based collars reported less satisfaction with their dogs’ overall and leash-walking behaviors. Pit bull-type dogs were reported to be no less well behaved compared with all other breeds combined. Sixty-five percent of relinquishers reported some behavioral reason for relinquishment. Forty-eight percent of relinquishers indicated that at least 1 problem behavior was a strong influence on their decision to relinquish.”