The APBC Annual Review of Cases 1999

Average number of problems per dog - 1.53 (1.51 per male and 1.55 per female)
Average number of problems per cat - 1.20 (1.22 per male and 1.18 per female)

 

Cat Breeds

Domestic Short Hair
Burmese
Siamese
Persian
Domestic Long Hair

Although it would appear that female owners are more likely to encounter aggression from their dogs than male owners, it must be borne in mind that these numbers reflect the incidence of referral. Female owners may be more likely to seek a referral to a behaviourist. Similarly the higher figures for multiple households may indicate an increased sensitivity to problems of aggression due to children in the home.

Cases of canine aggression linked with the environment obtained from when obtained up to 7 weeks of age.

K - Dogs obtained from a kennel or kennel-type environment
D - Dogs obtained from a domestic environment

The information on this table shows that up to seven weeks of age, the environment that the puppy is obtained from has an impact on its behaviour. Dogs that have been referred for aggressive behaviour are likely to have been obtained from a kennel or kennel-type environment if they were obtained prior to 7 weeks of age. Kennel or kennel-type environments are not considered generally stimulating enough to expose the young dog to the range of stimuli necessary for later life.

The remainder of puppies obtained during these age groups were obtained through rescue societies or pet shops.

Cases of canine aggression linked with the environment obtained from when obtained between 8 and 14 weeks of age.

K - Dogs obtained from a kennel or kennel-type environment
D - Dogs obtained from a domestic environment

The information on this table shows that when a puppy is obtained between 8 and 14 weeks there is a correlation between being obtained from a kennel or kennel-type environment and a later referral for fear aggression behaviour problems. At this age there seems to be little effect on problems associated with status aggression towards members of the family or rank related aggression between same sex dogs within the home.

The remainder of puppies obtained during these age groups were obtained through rescue societies or pet shops.

The breeds listed in the table above should be compared with the data at the start of this booklet to note a high incidence of referral of these breeds or registration with the Kennel Club.

M - male
F - female
Multi - Multiple households

Once again single female owners appear to be more likely to be referred for behaviour problems with their cats than single male owners. However this does not seem to be a factor for homes containing two males or two females. A male and female owners is the most common unit to seek referral to a pet behaviour counsellor.

Cases of feline aggression, indoor marking and fearful behaviour - environment obtained from when obtained up to 7 weeks of age

C - Cats obtained from a cattery or cattery-type environment
D - Cats obtained from a domestic environment

When considering the above table it must be borne in mind that pedigree kittens obtained from breeders are rarely homed prior to 12 weeks of age.

The remainder of kittens obtained during these age groups were obtained from rescue societies or pet shops.

The most common behavioural problem in dogs referred to some members of the APBC is aggression towards people. This is followed by aggression towards other dogs.

The most common behavioural problem in cats referred to some members of the APBC is aggression towards other cats. This is followed by aggression towards people.

The most common form of referred aggression from dogs towards people is fear aggression directed towards strangers encountered outside the home. This is followed by fear aggression in territorial situation arising in the home or garden.

The most common form of referred aggression from dogs towards other dogs is fear aggression. This is followed by aggression towards a same sex individual within the home.

The most common form of referred aggression from cats towards other cats is social aggression between cats living in the same home.

The most common form of referred aggression from cats towards people is idiopathic aggression. This is followed by fear aggression towards family members.

Male dogs are more likely to be referred for aggressive behaviour problems than females unless the aggression is between same sex dogs within the same home.

Male cats are more likely to be referred for aggressive behaviour problems than females unless the aggression is social and directed towards another cat in the home.

Puppies reared in kennel or kennel-type environments prior to 7 weeks of age or 14 weeks of age are referred more often for most aggressive behaviours than those reared in domestic homes.

Kittens reared in cattery or cattery-type environments prior to 14 weeks of age are referred markedly more often for problems associated with aggression, indoor marking and fearful or phobic behaviour.