Satisfaction and satisfaction affecting problem behavior in different types of adopted dogs

Abstract

Many dogs are relinquished worldwide, so it is important to enhance adoptions’ success. We aimed at investigating factors associated with owners’ satisfaction with adopted dogs, both in general and focusing on galgos . Data on 392 dogs (191 g algos ) were gathered using an online survey, investigating dogs’ and owners’ demographics, satisfaction with the adopted dog and post-adoption behavior. Satisfaction was affected by different variables in galgos ’ owners as compared to non-sighthound non- podenco dogs’ ones, with only the presence of disobedience on walks negatively affecting satisfaction in both samples. Depending on dogs’ type, the presence of some behavioral problems was associated with decreased satisfaction with the dog (e.g., destructiveness for galgos, or separation problems for non-sighthound non- podenco dogs), whereas that of others increased it (e.g., not being interested in social interactions with dogs for galgos , and shadowing for non-sighthound non- podenco dogs). The variables most often being predictors of the behaviors influencing satisfaction were dog type, with being a galgo as a negative predictor, and dog’s age, with being older as a negative predictor. Further studies on dog adopters’ satisfaction are needed.

Coming Home, Staying Home: Adopters’ Stories about Transitioning Their New Dog into Their Home and Family

“…The complexity and breadth of this research corpus highlight that pet acquisition, retention and relinquishment should best be viewed holistically, as a dynamic, complex, and context-specific social phenomenon [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Furthermore, as Meyer and Forkman [ 46 ] (p. 569), suggest, the ‘relationship between each owner and their dog is unique in its many nuances, and there are many variables, which could influence it and, in turn, [their] satisfaction’ with their adopted dog. The published research reflects the increasing use of mixed and qualitative methodology to gain more in-depth insights into these canine-human relationships and what might or might not influence the development of a resilient bond.…”