Companion Animal Behavioral Problems and Welfare

Behavioral problems are among the leading causes of companion animal surrender and euthanasia — and are largely preventable.

Key Facts

Behavioral problems are the leading reason dogs are relinquished to shelters
Separation anxiety affects an estimated 14% of dogs
Most behavioral problems are preventable through early socialization and training
Positive reinforcement training is more effective and less harmful than punishment-based methods

Welfare Considerations

Behavioral problems cause suffering for both animals and their owners — and frequently result in shelter surrender or euthanasia. Separation anxiety, aggression, and destructive behavior are often the result of inadequate early socialization, inconsistent training, or unmet behavioral needs. These problems are largely preventable through evidence-based approaches: puppy socialization, positive reinforcement training, and meeting animals behavioral needs for exercise, enrichment, and social contact. When behavioral problems do develop, positive-only behavior modification is both more effective and more humane.

What You Can Do

Enroll puppies and kittens in socialization classes
Use only positive reinforcement-based training methods
Consult a certified applied animal behaviorist for serious behavioral problems
Advocate for banning aversive training tools such as shock and prong collars