Risk factors for the development of behavior problems in a population of Iranian domestic dogs: Results of a pilot survey

Prevalence and risk factors of behavior problems observed in dogs presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran, were evaluated using a survey of canine behavior problems. Information was collected from 368 successfully completed questionnaires on various factors related to the demonstration of 13 common behavior problems: fearfulness, excessive activity, aggression towards people (owner, familiar and unfamiliar), aggression towards dogs, excessive barking, destructiveness, inappropriate elimination (house soiling), sexual behavioral problems, coprophagy, straying and shyness. The majority of respondents (315, 85.6%) stating that their dog exhibited at least one behavior problem. The main behavior problems reported by owners were excessive activity (125, 34%), inappropriate elimination (122, 33.06%), fearfulness (111, 30.2%), aggression towards unfamiliar people (96, 26.1%) and destructiveness (94, 25.5%). Overall, occurrence of behavior problems in dogs acquired from breeders/pet stores or friends/relatives was more frequent than those owned by the same person since birth (χ²=6.7; P=0.035). Small breed dogs showed significantly more unacceptable behaviors than large breeds, particularly fearfulness (χ²=28.82; P<0.001) and sexual behavioral problems (χ²=9.72; P=0.002). Large breed dogs were presented more frequently for aggression towards unfamiliar people (χ²=11.22; P=0.001), and other dogs (χ²=12.25; P<0.001) than small breeds. Female dogs were more likely to exhibit excessive barking (χ²=6.06; P=0.014) than their male counterparts. Adult dogs were less likely to exhibit excessive activity (χ²=18.21; P<0.001), destructiveness (χ²=25.16; P<0.001), inappropriate elimination (χ²=17.15; P<0.001) and coprophagy (χ²=7.33; P=0.007) than puppies or juveniles. Puppies were less likely to exhibit aggression towards other dogs (χ²=18.27; P<0.001), and sexual behavioral problems (χ²=6.8; P=0.009) than juveniles or adults. Dogs with outdoor access were more likely to display aggression towards unfamiliar people (χ²=7.23; P=0.007) and aggression towards other dogs (χ²=21.37; P<0.001) than those without outdoor access. The evaluation of risk factors for canine behavior problems may be helpful to advise owners and improve animal welfare in Iran.