Prevalence of Maladaptive Behaviors in Dogs
Problematic dog behaviors are much more common than you might guess.
A 2020 study from the University of Helsinki, which surveyed over 13,700 dogs, categorized and assessed the prevalence of various problematic behaviors. Here are some key findings:
Types and Frequency:
Noise Sensitivity: Around 32% of dogs exhibited noise sensitivity, including fear of loud sounds like fireworks or thunderstorms.
Fearfulness: Approximately 29% showed fearfulness, particularly in novel situations or toward strangers.
Separation-Related Issues: Roughly 5-17% displayed separation anxiety symptoms, depending on the population surveyed.
Aggression: Aggression toward strangers or other dogs was reported in about 14% of cases.
Average Number of Behaviors:
While the study didn’t establish an average count per dog, it’s common for individual dogs to exhibit 1-3 maladaptive behaviors. Maladaptive behaviors are behavioral responses that are not appropriate to the environment or situation. Many dogs show some level of maladaptive behavior, especially if they lack early socialization, appropriate training, or live in stressful environments.
Key Takeaways
Most pet dogs display at least one maladaptive behavior, but typically not an extensive list, with issues like fear, noise sensitivity, and separation anxiety being among the most frequently observed. Behavioral intervention and early training are critical, as they significantly reduce these behaviors and improve overall adaptability in various settings.
PJH Dog Training offers specialized training to treat and prevent maladaptive behaviors in dogs. We treat both dog-dog reactivity and dog-human reactivity.
Salonen, M., Vainio, O., Mikkola, S., Sulkama, S., Hänninen, L., & Lohi, H. (2020). Frequency, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific Reports, 10, Article 2962. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-59837-z
