Behavioural differences of dogs of various ages in Czech households

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the behaviour of dogs of various ages as viewed by their owners in the Czech Republic. The data were obtained in a questionnaire. The dogs were divided by age as follows: 35 animals younger than one year (Y), 220 middle-aged dogs (M), and 12 dogs, seniors (S) older than 8 years (giant and large breed dogs were included in this group at 8 years, medium at 10 years, and small and toy breeds at 12 years of age). The following significant differences were found: young dogs were destructive (household items and gardens), they eliminated in the house more frequently and mounted people. They were fed more than twice a day, and were never described as nervous. Middle-aged dogs were more often than others described as dominant and were given treats. Old dogs were most frequently described as nervous, sometimes difficult to control, and excessively barking, whining and howling. On the other hand, they were more often described as protective of the house and household members, and they were most often walked unleashed. These differences are in agreement with earlier data on the ontogeny of dog behaviour, and show some changes in the co-existence of people and dogs of various ages in Czech households. Importantly, they serve as a basic information about behaviour problems that may be encountered in veterinary practice and show a need for client education programmes and preventive behavioural medicine in the country.