| Project Dog
Project Dog Phase 1: Understanding canine behavior & assessment
The first phase of the Project Dog Research Programme aimed to develop an understanding of the spectrum of appropriate and inappropriate dog behaviors.
Through the completion of a large, qualitative online survey, this phase developed insight into the guardian’s understanding of the term ‘Reactivity’:
- Research article: Understanding Canine ‘Reactivity’: Species-Specific Behaviour or Human Inconvenience? By Danielle Stephens-Lewis
- Pre-print version: Understanding Canine ‘Reactivity’:Species-Specific Behaviour or Human Inconvenience?
As well as their expectations for canine behaviour and companionship:
This initial phase has led to the development of a new framework for assessing human perceptions and responses to canine behaviour:
As well as the primary data collection above, this phase includes the completion of a systematic review to ascertain the prevalence, reliability and validity of current canine behavioural questionnaires.
Ultimately, the aim of this phase is to inform the design of a behavioural questionnaire aimed as assessing the spectrum of canine behaviour and human expectation of canine behaviour.
Get involved
Want to get involved? We currently have an array of surveys open. Check out the below for further information.
Do you work in a rehoming shelter? Heard the term Reactivity in relation to a dog’s behaviour? This survey aims to develop insight into the types of behaviours shelter professionals encounter, as well as their perceptions on how this impacts relinquishment and failed adoption.
Are you a qualified canine, clinical animal or veterinary behaviourist? Do you work with clients who report Reactivity in their dogs? This survey aims to develop insight into professional’s experiences of working with clients and dogs where reactive behaviours are reported.
Have you ever shared your life with a dog? Or maybe you hope to one day? Please consider taking part in our survey, directly linked with our questionnaire design. This initial survey asks you to simply respond to an array of behaviours, reporting whether you consider them to be appropriate or inappropriate for your ideal canine companion.