Beyond the Behavior: Caregiver Guilt, Burden, and Well-Being Among Owners of Dogs with Behavior Problems

Abstract

Dog behavior problems are a common source of stress for owners, yet the psychological mechanisms underlying this distress remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study online survey examines relationships among dog behavioral characteristics, caregiver guilt, burden, psychological outcomes, social context, veterinary communication quality, and decision-making regarding rehoming and euthanasia. Among 565 participants, 33% met criteria for probable anxiety, 20% for probable depression, and 78% for elevated caregiver burden; 53% reported feeling alone, and 40% reported feeling socially isolated. Dog behavior burden was associated with caregiver guilt, caregiver burden, and decision-making related to euthanasia and rehoming, but not with depression or life satisfaction. In contrast, caregiver guilt was consistently associated with higher anxiety, higher depression, greater caregiver burden, and lower life satisfaction. Informal and self-guided resources were widely used but perceived as less effective, and although veterinarians were commonly consulted, they were rated as less helpful than board-certified veterinary behaviorists, trainers, or prescribed medications. Findings suggest that caregiver distress may be driven less by the objective severity of behavior problems and more by how these experiences are interpreted, evaluated, and socially reinforced, highlighting the importance of addressing caregiver experiences alongside canine behavior.