Understanding and preventing fear and aggression in companion cats and dogs

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Fear-related issues are common in companion cats and dogs, and can directly impair the welfare of affected animals. Furthermore, fear often leads to aggression, which is a serious threat to human and animal safety, and can negatively impact the welfare of affected individuals due to neglect, relinquishment and euthanasia. The long-term goal of my research program is to determine which behavioural and physiological characteristics, and environmental factors, predispose cats and dogs to the development of fear and aggression, and to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment. For the current proposal, I have four short-term objectives that follow from recent research progress and address both basic and applied questions. The first objective is to determine whether owner reports of fear in cats and dogs are accurate. Accurate identification of fear in animals is important when addressing prevention, diagnosis and treatment, but it is also critical for ensuring proper identification during research studies. We will conduct studies with cat and dog owners to examine whether they are able to see particular behavioural indicators of fear and aggression, and whether they can use these behaviours to rate the severity of fear or aggression that their animal is displaying. The second objective is to assess the effect of early puppy management on development of resource guarding and stranger-directed aggression in dogs. Puppies will be followed from birth to 2 years to assess whether early competition and training around the food bowl predict resource guarding, and whether early fear, poor socialization practices and use of aversive training methods predict development of stranger-directed aggression. The third objective is to identify and assess various risk factors for fear and aggression in adult cats, again with a focus on early development and management. Kittens that are in foster care through shelters will be followed through development to determine whether early management factors such as bottle rearing and separation from littermates, make them more likely to be fearful and aggressive as adults. Finally, the fourth objective is focused on assessing whether fear/stress in cats and dogs during handling and veterinary procedures can be improved through alterations in approach and animal training. Overall, this research will inform improved identification of fear in cats and dogs by owners for research, improved early management of puppies and kittens to prevent the development of fear and aggression, and improved handling cats and dogs during veterinary care and procedures.