A new study of over 43,000 dogs reveals that more than 99% exhibit some form of behavior problem. Published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, the research categorized issues into four main areas: aggression, separation/attachment, fear/anxiety, and housesoiling, finding that most dogs have behaviors ranging from moderate to severe.

Even common play behaviors can be linked to underlying issues if not properly managed and understood.

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One of the key findings was that 85.9% of dogs showed moderate to severe separation and attachment issues. Aggression-related problems affected 55.6% of dogs, and nearly half experienced fear and anxiety. In contrast, only a small percentage (4.1%) had housesoiling problems, suggesting other behavioral issues are far more prevalent.

According to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, one of the study’s authors, many of these behaviors are overlooked because owners may not recognize them as problems until they become dangerous or severe. This highlights a critical gap in owner awareness and the importance of identifying issues early on.

Minor quirks can sometimes be early signs of underlying anxiety or other behavioral problems.

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The study calls for better communication between dog owners and veterinarians. It suggests that vets should proactively ask about behavior during appointments. By learning to read their dog’s body language and seeking professional help when needed, owners can prevent minor issues from worsening and significantly improve their pet’s well-being.