Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Reactivity can be explained as an animal’s sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Characteristics for reactivity in dogs are quick and intense reaction to different stimuli. The behaviours can be shown as aggression, fear, and excitement, such as barking, lunges and withdrawal. Reactivity is a personality in the dog and is strongly paired with fear. Many different factors may have an impact on the reactive behaviours in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate some of them. Some of these are inadequate early socialisation, the owners experience and knowledge, their use of different training methods and previous experiences in the dogs. A big issue of reactivity in dogs are stress, which have a negative impact on dogs’ welfare. It is also stressful for the owners to have a dog that react in a problematic manner since they are often misunderstood by the general public. The lack of understanding may make some owners feel isolated.
The study was done by an online questionnaire and 162 complete questionnaires were collected where the owners perceived their dog as reactive. Forty-two percent perceived their dog as ”moderate reactive” and 43% considered that the reactivity was due to fear/insecurity. Many of the respondents had no knowledge about their dog’s socialization at an early age since many of the dogs were rehomed or adopted. Fifty-seven percent of the dogs had experienced some kind of traumatic event, such as dog attacks, rough handle or abuse. As a source of information, the internet was most indicated, together with social media and different social platforms. Increased knowledge about reactivity in dogs, causes and symptoms, can help prevent reactive behaviours and will promote welfare in dogs.