Owner psychological characteristics predict dog behavioural traits

Abstract

Abstract There is extensive literature on the human-dog bond, less however on the role of owner psychological characteristics within this bond, and less still on how these might mediate dog behaviour. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between owner levels of depression, anxiety and self-esteem and dog behaviour. Multiple linear regression was conducted to determine the predictive power of the psychological variables on dog behaviour using self-report. Conceptual content analysis was performed on three open questions to assess owner beliefs regarding their psychological influence on their dogs’ behaviour. 497 responses were collected. Anxiety and depression positively predicted increased levels of dog attachment and attention-seeking (p = < 0.001; p = 0.006), separation-related behaviour (p = < 0.001; p = < 0.001), stranger-directed aggression (p = < 0.001; p = < 0.001), stranger-directed fear (p = < 0.001; p = < 0.001), non-social fear (p = < 0.001; p = 0.01), dog-directed fear (p = 0.01; p = 0.01), touch sensitivity (p = < 0.001; p = < 0.001) and excitability (p = 0.004; p = < 0.001). Decreased self-esteem predicted dog non-social fear (p = 0.01). Fourteen themes were identified, including strong perceived bond, emotional dependency and anthropomorphism. Whilst only minimal within the vast interplay of factors impacted in canine ethology, owner psychological functioning plays a significant role in dog behaviour via numerous routes including interaction, emotion contagion and attachment. Understanding owner influence on dog behaviour can improve behaviour modification programmes, success of rehoming schemes, and improve wellbeing for both members of the human-dog dyad.