Factors Associated with Behavioral Euthanasia in Pet Dogs
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Abstract
When pet dogs demonstrate unwanted or problematic behaviors, particularly severe behaviors, owners may choose to euthanize. While the topic of behavioral euthanasia is becoming more common among dog behavior experts, shelters, and rescues, there has been little research in this area. The Behavioral Euthanasia in Pet Dogs Questionnaire was developed to gather detailed information about dogs that were euthanized for behavior reasons. This exploratory study found that aggression, particularly aggression toward people, was the most common behavior that led to euthanasia. Results indicated that behavioral euthanasia occurs across a wide age range of dogs, and that most of these dogs had been living in their home and exhibiting the problem behavior for a long time prior to euthanasia. Additionally, reports of bites and self-harm indicate the severity of the problematic behaviors that led to euthanasia. This research provides a foundation for future study and provides an overview of the behavioral factors associated with behavioral euthanasia.