Aggressiveness, ADHD-like behaviour, and environment influence repetitive behaviour in dogs

Bibliographic Details
Title: Aggressiveness, ADHD-like behaviour, and environment influence repetitive behaviour in dogs
Authors: Sini Sulkama, Milla Salonen, Salla Mikkola, Emma Hakanen, Jenni Puurunen, César Araujo, Hannes Lohi
Source: Scientific Reports, Vol 12, Iss 1, Pp 1-10 (2022)
Publisher Information: Nature Portfolio, 2022.
Publication Year: 2022
Collection: LCC:Medicine
LCC:Science
Subject Terms: Medicine, Science
More Details: Abstract Repetitive behaviour ranges from variants of normal repetitive behaviours to abnormal repetitive behaviours. The domestic dog spontaneously performs different repetitive behaviours, which can be severe and impair the quality of life and the dog-owner relationship. We collected comprehensive behavioural questionnaire data from almost 4500 Finnish pet dogs and studied the effect of several demographic, environmental, and behavioural factors on canine repetitive behaviour with logistic regression. We replicated findings from previous studies by revealing comorbidity between repetitive behaviour and behavioural factors aggressiveness, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and inattention. We also found a novel association between repetitive behaviour and the owner’s dog experience. In addition, we showed that repetitive behaviour is more common in dogs that live without conspecifics, dogs that were given a low amount of exercise, dogs that lived in larger families, young dogs and elderly dogs, and neutered dogs. Finally, we identified breed differences in repetitive behaviour, suggesting that some breeds are more vulnerable to repetitive behaviour and indicate a genetic susceptibility. As abnormal repetitive behaviour can considerably worsen the well-being of dogs and impair the dog-owner relationship, a better understanding of the environmental, lifestyle, and molecular factors affecting canine repetitive behaviour can benefit both dogs and humans.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2045-2322
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07443-6
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/6475672364d44ff8b1945400d093223b
Accession Number: edsdoj.6475672364d44ff8b1945400d093223b
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
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More Details
ISSN:20452322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-022-07443-6
Published in:Scientific Reports
Language:English