Risk factors for behavior-related euthanasia among dominant-aggressive dogs: 110 cases (1989-1992).
Establishing a prognosis for dogs with dominance-related aggression is difficult. Some dominant-aggressive dogs respond well to treatment; others continue to be serious risks for their owners. A study was performed to identify characteristics of dominance-related aggression and to identify risk factors associated with whether the aggressive behavior led to euthanasia. Medical records of 110 dogs with dominance-related aggression were examined retrospectively; characteristics of owner-directed aggression and eventual outcome of the dogs were recorded. By means of logistic regression, 2 different models were found to describe the association between behavior characteristics and outcome. In the first model, severe aggression in response to benign dominance challenges and body weight > 18.2 kg were associated with outcome. In the second model, unpredictability of aggression and a history of being purchased were associated with outcome. We concluded that dominance-related aggressive behavior can be subclassified according to severity and type and that outcome (ie, euthanasia) may be predictable in some cases.
Reisner
I R
IR
Department of Physiology, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853-6401.
Erb
H N
HN
Houpt
K A
KA
D000374:Aggression; D000818:Animals; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004285:Dogs / Q000523:psychology*; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors