What is this research about?

The UK is recognised as a nation of dog lovers, with around 1 in 3 UK households owning a dog. Dogs bring great joy to many of us but sometimes they behave in ways that we find unwanted or annoying. All dogs and owners are unique, and a behaviour considered a problem by one owner may be considered desirable or cute by another. We are interested in learning more about how canine behaviours may impact dog owners in the UK.

Who can take part?

We invite any current adult UK-based dog owners to take part in this survey, irrespective of how you feel about your dog's behaviour.

We would like to hear from dog owners who:

• Currently own a dog (of any breed or crossbreed) aged 12 months or over.
• Are over 18 years of age.
• Resident in the UK.
• We would prefer the survey to be filled in by the adult who provides most of the dog’s day-to-day care.

What does the research involve?

We hope you will find the survey enjoyable and educational. To take part, you will simply answer a series of questions online about you and your dog. You will first be asked to answer an ‘essential’ set of questions (taking approximately 30 minutes) and then given the option of completing an ‘extended’ set of questions (taking an additional 10 minutes).

You don’t have to fill in the survey all in one go – you have until * to complete the survey.

SURVEY LINK *

If you have one or more children aged 8 – 17 who live with you, we would be delighted if they chose to complete the additional children’s section for your survey. This will help veterinary and behaviour professionals, animal welfare organisations and charities to better understand the relationship between dogs and children. But equally, it is totally fine if you choose to complete only the adult part of your own survey and then finish.

What will the research lead to?

Sharing your insights on your dog, will help veterinary and behaviour professionals, animal welfare organisations and charities improve their behavioural support for other owners and dogs across the UK.

Partners

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea's statement for the Living with Dogs project:

At Battersea, our commitment to animal welfare extends far beyond the rescue work at our centres. We provide funding to a variety of veterinary and welfare programmes and organisations around the world as part of our commitment to driving positive change in the sector. Battersea is proud to fund this research and is dedicated to working with partners to ensure the findings will be accessible, effective, and deliver real benefits for all dogs.  – Simona Zito

* TBC – will be sent via Lisa Cassidy.