Dog aggression examined in new study
Owners who participated in the survey more commonly reported aggression towards unfamiliar people than family members.
New research from the University of Bristol attempts to estimate how widespread dog aggression is in the UK, exploring the possible triggers for directing this behaviour towards humans.
Dog aggression can present a serious risk to human health, as well as impacting on animal welfare when it damages the human-pet bond, leading to relinquishment or euthanasia.
Led by academics at the university's School of Veterinary Sciences, the study examined the occurrence of dog aggression towards people through a survey of UK dog owners.
Researchers say that owners who participated in the survey more commonly reported aggression towards unfamiliar people than family members.
Of the 4,000 respondents, nearly 7 per cent said their dog barked, growled, lunged or bit when people came to the house, while 5 per cent reported these behaviours occurring whilst on walks. About 3 per cent, however, said their dog showed aggressive behaviour towards members of the family.
Findings indicate that the majority of dogs who display aggressive behaviour, do so in only one of the three situations. Researchers say this suggests it is a misconception to label dogs as either "aggressive" or "safe", as most dogs show this behaviour as a learnt response to a certain situation.
"Dog owners and members of the public need to be aware that any dog could potentially show aggression if it is anxious or feels threatened, even when it has never done so before," said Dr Rachel Casey, co-author and senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare.
"On the other hand," Dr Casey continued, "dogs which have shown aggressive signs in one situation are not necessarily 'dangerous' when in other contexts - an important consideration in the assessment of animals, such as in rehoming centres."
Interestingly, researchers found different risk factors were significant for dogs showing aggression towards family members, to those behaving aggressively towards unfamiliar people.
Comparing the characteristics of dogs who showed aggression to those that had never done so highlighted certain differences. These characteristics included the dog's sex and neuter status, age category of owners, breed of dog, whether training classes had been attended and the training methods used.
Concluding, researchers stress that while the findings highlight general characteristics - such as breed type - which may be a significant risk factor across large populations, on the whole they explain only a small amount of the overall difference between aggressive and non-aggressive dogs.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
