A longitudinal study to establish once and for all how owner personality and psychological status affect a pet dog’s behavior.

In order to elucidate the positive and negative aspects of owners’ interaction with their dogs, investigators Dodman & Serpell propose the largest owner-dog personality-behavior study ever conducted with a view to establishing once and for all how owner personality and psychological status affects a pet’s behavior. From the results of this study, Dodman & Serpell expect to be able to help owners understand the influence they are having on their pet’s behavior and to be able to modify their interactions with their dog in a positive way.

Dodman & Serpell believe the study will also help predict which owner personality types are most compatible with a particular dog that they plan to adopt, thereby helping ensure a harmonious pairing, owner satisfaction, and the adopted dog thus having a home for life.

Scientific background for this study

Sponsors: Currently available for corporate or private sponsorship funding.
Administration: Tufts University


Lead Investigator: Read more about Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman »	Co-Investigator: Read more about Dr. James A. Serpell, PhD »

ANIMAL OWNERSHIP INTERACTION STUDY OBJECTIVE

The Animal Ownership Interaction Study cohort will comprise volunteer dog-owner participants and their canines of both pure and mixed breeds. Study analysis will include identifying sub-cohorts by various factors, such as, but not limited to, pure breed, mixed breed, breed mix as identified by voluntary breed genetic testing, owners’ source of the canine (i.e. breeder, shelter, friend, puppy breeder/pet store, etc.), age, pre-existing health issues, etc.

A primary study objective is to follow adopted shelter dogs throughout their lives to gain further insight into the human-canine bond to help reduce relinquishment and return that can often lead to destruction of the dog. From the results of this study, investigators Dodman & Serpell expect to be able to help owners understand the influence they are having on their pet’s behavior and to be able to modify their interactions with their dog in a positive way.

To participate in this study, you must be Registered with the Center. After you are Registered you may read the Study Information and then provide your Consent to the terms of the study, which will permit you to proceed to participating in the study.
http://centerforcaninebehaviorstudies.org/studies/inaugural-study/