Dataset Information

Changes in Dog Behaviour Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown, Pre-Existing Separation-Related Problems and Alterations in Owner Behaviour.

ABSTRACT: During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns provided an opportunity to assess what factors, including changes in an owner's routine and time spent at home, were associated with changes in dog behaviour. We undertook a longitudinal survey over a period of 8 months during which we asked about people's work patterns, dog management, and their dogs' behaviour. Generalized linear models revealed that the pre-existence of signs of potential separation-related problems, and especially vocalisation, self-injury, and chewing to escape confinement, was associated with an increase in a range of separation issues. Dogs showing separation-related signs prior to COVID were also more likely to develop more problems during lockdown. Management changes tended to result in increased physical and social stress, with a range of potential compensatory actions taken by the dog, however these signs of stress did not generally appear to be connected to separation-related issues. Survival analysis was used to investigate the emergence of specific issues over time. This indicated that a change to working from home was related initially to a decreased risk of aggression towards the owner, but over time, those who continued to work from the home were at an increased risk of this problem. No other significant time-related relationships were found.

SUBMITTER: Sherwell EG

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10059576 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Changes in Dog Behaviour Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown, Pre-Existing Separation-Related Problems and Alterations in Owner Behaviour.

Sherwell Emila-Grace EG Panteli Eirini E Krulik Tracy T Dilley Alexandra A Root-Gutteridge Holly H Mills Daniel S DS

Veterinary sciences 20230304 3

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns provided an opportunity to assess what factors, including changes in an owner's routine and time spent at home, were associated with changes in dog behaviour. We undertook a longitudinal survey over a period of 8 months during which we asked about people's work patterns, dog management, and their dogs' behaviour. Generalized linear models revealed that the pre-existence of signs of potential separation-related problems, and especially vocalisation, self-in ...[more]

PMID: 36977234

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Dataset Information

Changes in Dog Behaviour Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown, Pre-Existing Separation-Related Problems and Alterations in Owner Behaviour.

Publications

Changes in Dog Behaviour Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown, Pre-Existing Separation-Related Problems and Alterations in Owner Behaviour.

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