Bohland, K.R., Lilly, M.L., Herron, M.E., Arruda, A.G. and O’Quin, J.M., 2023. Shelter dog behavior after adoption: Using the C-BARQ to track dog behavior changes through the first six months after adoption. PLoS one, 18(8), p.e0289356.
A Summary
Introduction
The kennel environment is stressful in itself, it has a physiological and behavioural impact on dogs. They are bombarded with new people, new animals, new experiences. It is understood and often commented by adopters that rescue dogs undergo a 'honeymoon' phase in the early months or weeks post-adoption where they don't show their full repertoire of behaviours. This includes both positive and negative behaviours.
Methods
This study attempts to monitor or observe behaviour change and prevalence of certain behaviours in the 6 months post-adoption. The C-BARQ survey, Canine Behavioural Assessment & Research Questionnaire, was used at 7, 30, 90 and 180 days post adoption. Adopters were asked questions about their household, any changes and detailed information about the animal in question. Specifically: Estimated age, sex, weight, length of shelter stay, shelter intake reason, use of gastrointestinal, antibiotic, and psychotropic medications in the shelter, whether the animal had been previously returned to the shelter, and whether the owner was a first-time dog owner.
These variables were analysed and mapped against time -- when do they happen the most, are their common times when certain behaviours crop up and are their patterns that can be seen?
Results
At various timepoints, dogs showed high prevalence for stranger-directed aggression (81.7%), owner-directed aggression (32.3%), dog-directed aggression (75%), familiar dog aggression (37.8%), stranger directed fear (58.2%), nonsocial fear (95.8%), dog directed fear (80.0%) and separation-related behaviors (92.6%).
After the period of 180 days, stranger-directed aggression, excitability, touch sensitivity, training difficulty, and chasing increased, BUT separation-related behaviours, attachment and attention-seeking decreased.
Could the real "settling in period" be more accurately described as 6 months and not the 3 month milestone that many suggest
Use of behavioural medications in the shelter was predictive of stranger-directed aggression and touch sensitivity at home. These findings help veterinarians and shelter professionals advise owners on potential behaviour changes after adoption.