Press Release

DOG STUDY DEBUNKS SOME BACK YARD URBAN MYTHS

A new study from the Animal Welfare Centre in Werribee is breaking new ground in looking at the effects of confining pet dogs in backyards and debunking some old myths in the process.

Dr Amanda Kobelt, from the Department of Primary Industries, says although there’s been a lot of research done on the effects of confining both farm and zoo animals, there is very little information regarding the effects on dogs.

“We felt it was important to examine whether there might be a connection between behavioural problems in pet dogs and backyard environments,” she said.

“Previously research has tended to look at the symptoms but not at the root of the problem.

“What we have found is quite surprising. We’ve established that it is the type of relationship that dogs have with their owners that influences their behaviour far more than other factors, such as the size of their backyard, having another dog present or time spent with their owner.

“In fact, it is possible that the closer the relationship a dog has with its owner the more stressed it is when put outside alone.

“So keeping your dog happy is not as simple as having two dogs to keep one another company or walking your dog X number of times a day or giving them toys etc.”

There were four parts to the study including a survey of dog owners and an observational study filming Labradors in their backyards over a forty-eight hour period.

“Most dog owners won’t be surprised to hear that the observational study revealed that Labradors spend an average of 65 per cent of their time inactive, or sleeping,!

“However, what is more surprising is that we found factors relating to dog activity and problem behaviour include:

• The presence of plants in the yard
• The number of times the dog moves around the yard during the day
• Whether the dog’s being housed indoors at night, but with provision of a kennel for use during the day
• Whether it is the owner’s first dog
• The amount of time spent with the dog and
• How well the dog obeys commands.

“Crucially, we also found dogs that display problem behaviours have a reduced immune response which could potentially affect health.

“The findings of this study will underpin public education programs and future research.”

The Animal Welfare Science Centre was established by the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria. The Centre focuses and coordinates the research and academic resources of the three collaborating organisations, providing the animal industries, animal users, the farming community, Government, the general community and the academic community with an internationally competitive research, teaching and training resource in animal welfare.