At a Glance
- A study reveals that over 99% of dogs in the U.S. exhibit behavior problems, with aggression, separation anxiety, and fear-based issues being the most common among dogs in the Dog Aging Project.
- The research shows that 85.9% of dogs have moderate to severe separation and attachment issues, 55.6% experience aggression, and nearly half suffer from fear and anxiety, while only 4.1% have housesoiling problems.
- Dr. Bonnie Beaver highlighted that these behavioral issues often go unaddressed because they may not seem significant to pet owners, although early recognition is crucial to prevent escalation.
- The study emphasizes the importance of improved communication between dog owners and veterinarians, suggesting that veterinarians should ask about behavior problems during appointments to address them proactively.
- By learning to read their dogs’ body language and seeking help when necessary, owners can prevent minor behavior issues from worsening and improve their pets’ well-being, ensuring better care for the animals.
A new study reveals that over 99% of dogs in the United States exhibit some form of behavior problems, with aggression, separation anxiety, and fear-based issues being the most common. Based on data from 43,517 dogs in the Dog Aging Project, the research highlights the widespread nature of these problems and their potential impact on dog ownership. This study categorized behaviors into four main areas: aggression, separation and attachment, fear and anxiety, and housesoiling. Each of these areas was rated on a scale from 0 (no problem) to 4 (serious problem), and the results show that most dogs have behaviors ranging from moderate to severe.
One of the key findings from the study, which was published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, was that 85.9% of dogs showed moderate to severe separation and attachment issues, while 55.6% had aggression-related problems. Fear and anxiety were also common, with nearly half of the dogs experiencing these issues. Interestingly, only a tiny percentage (4.1%) had housesoiling problems. The data from this large study suggests that while many of these behaviors are not severe, they are widespread and affect a significant portion of the canine population.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, one of the study’s authors, noted that these behaviors often go unaddressed because they may not seem like major issues to pet owners. However, she emphasized recognizing these behaviors early before they escalate. She pointed out that many dog owners may not mention behavior problems during veterinary visits, and some issues, like aggression, may not be recognized as problems until they become dangerous.
The study calls attention to better communication between dog owners and veterinarians. It suggests that veterinarians should ask about behavior problems during appointments and that owners should proactively recognize and address behavioral issues. By learning to read a dog’s body language and seeking help when needed, owners can prevent minor issues from becoming more severe and improve the well-being of their pets.
References
- Price, C. & Texas A&M University. (2025, April 1). More than 99% of US dogs have a behavior problem, researcher finds. Phys.Org; Texas A&M University. https://phys.org/news/2025-04-dogs-behavior-problem.html
- Beaver, B. V. (2024). The prevalence of behavior problems in dogs in the United States. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 76, 34–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2024.11.001
